NEVER BEING ALONE AND ALWAYS BEING LONELY!!!

NEVER BEING ALONE AND ALWAYS BEING LONELY!!!

Wonder what Britney Spears had in mind when she sang “My loneliness is killing me….” have you ever felt that feeling when you are surrounded by people, noise, happenings, gala, and yet felt alone?

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is the state of distress or discomfort that results when one perceives a gap between one’s desires for social connection and actual experiences of it. Even some people who are surrounded by others throughout the day—or are in a long-lasting marriage—still experience deep and pervasive loneliness.

Loneliness is an emotion that can be unique in every individual. Loneliness can be experienced by anyone irrespective of age group. Loneliness causes people to feel empty, unwanted, and alone.

Researchers suggest that loneliness is associated with social isolation, poor social skills, introversion, and depression. According to many experts, loneliness is not necessarily being alone and isolated.

Difference between Loneliness and Solitude

Loneliness is marked by feelings of isolation despite wanting social connections, most often perceived as an involuntary separation, rejection, or abandonment by other people.

Solitude on the other hand is voluntary. People spend time by themselves and continue to have positive social relationships.

Research shows that both loneliness and isolation are bad for mental and physical health. Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Solitude has several health benefits, including allowing people to recharge.

“Sometimes you need to be alone. Not to be lonely, but to enjoy your free time being yourself.” – Anonymous.

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Some causes of loneliness

Expectations not being met, broken relationships, social outcast, alienation from loved ones, unforeseen changes, and grief just to name a few.

Effect of Loneliness

Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health including:

Substance abuse

Altered brain function

Alzheimer’s disease

Antisocial behavior

Increased stress levels

Low self-esteem

Fears and insecurities

Tips to overcome loneliness

Do you know who is that one person whom you spend most of your time with? Every second, minute, hour, day, week, month, year- it is YOU!!!

Very often we spend so much of our time trying to know others, understand others, please others, and whatnot, in the melee we tend to forget that one person who is with us.

Loneliness can be overcome. It does require a conscious effort to make a change. In the long run, making a change can make you happier, and healthier, and enable you to impact others around you in a positive way.

Preventive measures: it’s always better to take preventive measures to check on loneliness. Make an effort to review the fears and insecurities that you need to overcome.

Listing: List out things that bother you. Also, make a list of the good qualities you possess that can help you overcome or combat loneliness.

Community services: Involve yourself in community activities that you enjoy.

Focus on relationships: seek people who share your interests and values with you. Accept and recognize that loneliness is a sign: Loneliness can be overcome. It does require a conscious effort to make a change. In the long run, making a change can make you happier, and healthier, and enable you to impact others around you in a positive way.

Talk to someone: talk to someone you trust, you can always reach out to a therapist or counselor, whichever is convenient to you.

Conclusion

Loneliness can leave people feeling isolated and disconnected from others. It is a complex state of mind that can be caused by life changes, mental health conditions, poor self-esteem, and personality traits. Loneliness can also have serious health consequences including decreased mental wellness and physical problems.

One must note that loneliness is curable and that it is not hereditary. Accept it and work calmly to overcome loneliness. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans, be yourself, and take counsel.

If you want us to work with you on this emotional issue, do reach out to us, together we can combat loneliness. Until then let’s Transform Happily!!