Have you ever been in a dark room sitting alone thinking this is eternity? Have you ever been lonely in a crowd? Have you ever been gloomy all alone? If the answer is yes, you might be going through loneliness.
The common view of loneliness is a state of unhappiness because you do not belong to someone. Nevertheless, of course, there are complexities to it. At one time or another, we all have felt alone. Loneliness is the normal reaction to being separated from others, either physically, emotionally, or both. That still does not mean it is an easy situation to deal with. For example, mental health professionals accept that you should be alone but that does not mean you feel lonely. Indeed, people can feel depressed even in relationships far from satisfactory, or with strangers who may also cause mental health problems, such as depression. Some research suggests that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems, and increased stress(mind.org).
A few common factors associated with feeling lonely may include:
- Loss of a loved one.
- Moving away from friends and family
- Loss of contentment or enjoyment in your work
- Having health problems that limit your ability to socialize
Ways to overcome loneliness:
Always spend time with your loved ones
You cannot be with others. Do not shut out the universe. Do not cut yourself off. Try to spend a good time with your parents, siblings, or other relatives.
Take time off
Take time out from your busy work schedule, even though you have a relaxed workload. After all, working pressure will hardly allow you to spend quality time with people who are close to you. Switching off can rejuvenate your body and mind.
Exercise
It is one of the most trusted sources that can help you calm your nerves. Go for a walk, ride a bicycle, or play outdoor games. Anything that boosts your mood is good for your body and mind.
Start socializing
A great place to start is by seeing what is available around you and connecting with like-minded people who share similar interests. You never know, you may unlock a hidden talent in the process!
Meditate
Practicing meditation can help you identify and release some of the thoughts that could be keeping you feeling lonely and undermining your efforts to meet new people.
Maintain Journal
Sometimes we are unable to express ourselves verbally in that case you must write down all your thoughts, feeling how you want to respond, and what you want to do. This can help you calm down and reassess your loneliness.
Despite the above strategies in practice if you are still feeling lonely, always remember you're not alone. The feeling of loneliness can hit at any time in life, even if it seems as though friends and family surround you. Whatever might be making you feel lonely, don’t be afraid to seek professional help and talk to an online therapist.