Could Loneliness be Affecting You?

Light Others' Candles by Sharing

I wonder who enjoys loneliness! The need for alone-time happens to be a very crucial one for certain people who require it because it provides for them, a time to sit back, reflect, get re-energized and recreate. Yes, it is that crucial!

On a personal note, being alone most time never implies that I am lonely.

Being alone does not guarantee loneliness, because when you enjoy being alone, there is no way in which you will experience any negative feelings.

I am a very social person, and I know, how much good that does to my health.

However, I socialize smartly and keep an open mind to spontaneity if need be.

Are you experiencing some negative feelings, because you seldom interact with others?

When loneliness sips in for a long time, it becomes severe and could lead to several health challenges.

Your emotional and mental health could be at stake as well.

Understandably, human beings are social creatures, and their need for social interaction could not be over-emphasized.

Possible reasons for loneliness

•  Are you feeling lonely because you just came out of a relationship or relocated to a new environment?
• Did you just move out from your parent’s house, or did you change school?
• Are you on a new job where you do not feel a certain amount of team spirit?
• Are you finding it hard to connect on a romantic level?

There could be many other underlining reasons as to why you are feeling lonely.

However, rest assured; that this feeling passes away as you adapt to the new changes.

Social connections/ Level of connection

Check your immediate social connections and your level of connection to each of them.

What is your assessment of your closeness to them?

You might be surprised at how distant you are from people with whom you spend the majority of your time.

Are your social interactions sapping out energy from you?

Do you feel emotionally drained or recharged after such engagements?

How often do you cancel plans that were socially oriented?

My take

Take time to plan on selecting social activities that truly matter to you in terms of how you connect with people and keep an open mind in embracing spontaneity as well because you might be amazed at how fulfilling they could turn out to be.

When loneliness gets serious

Below are some ways you could tell when loneliness becomes an issue of concern.

• How is your sleep quality? Do you sleep well, or does it get interrupted?
• Do you have unexplained body aches?
• Are you yearning for closeness, warmth, being with someone / being made to feel special?
• Are you deep sunken into emotional eating? / Is there a sudden increase or decrease in your appetite?
• Are you feeling a lack of self-esteem?
• Can you focus well?
• Have you begun misusing drugs?
• Are you having some restless or anxious feelings?
• Do you have challenges connecting on a romantic level?
• Do you do unexplained serial shopping?

What experts say

Consider talking to your mental health expert or therapist if you begin feeling loneliness which is characterized by the aforementioned symptoms.

Considering the absence of a stipulated diagnosis for loneliness, your mental health care provider will certainly provide you with helpful resources that support you such as potential ways of embracing a more positive outlook on life by way of coping strategies.

Loneliness could lead to very complicated health issues. As a result, it should be treated with importance.

Several research studies have been conducted to show how loneliness affects (1)Sleep quality, (2)Depression, and (3)Stress.

There have been instances where loneliness has led to suicide.

Should you begin conceiving thoughts of suicide, please, do not hesitate to ask for help. Tell someone. Do not keep it to yourself!

If you live in the USA, there are established structures to assist suicidal people.

For instance, in the United States of America, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a very effective establishment with a 24/7 hotline; 1-800-662-HELP (4357, that connects the sufferer with help from a mental health service in his/her city.

Addressing loneliness

Why are you feeling lonely? Identifying the cause of loneliness goes a long way in enabling your therapist to provide the necessary help you need.

Sometimes, you might not know why you are feeling lonely, and this could pose a huge challenge to your helper.

However, a well-trained mental health care provider can explore possible occurrences in your life with the potential for igniting negative feelings that are secondary to loneliness.

Suggested fixes

• Spend more time with people who matter to you.
• Stay connected with family members who mean well to you, because not every one of them does!
• Join social clubs that interest you.
• Practice true forgiveness and learn the lessons thereof.
• Volunteer at a local NGO, because there is so much joy in serving others.
• Take up new hobbies.
• Be spontaneous in greeting people in your neighborhood, because something likable might just spark out from that – You never know!
• Wear a smile always; for it attracts people to you.
• Be open, and friendly.
• Laugh over things, and do not take yourself too seriously.
• Stay positive!

There is so much to live in, and enough space for everyone! Be the light that lights up others!