Loneliness or the feeling of loneliness is as old as humanity itself. Unfortunately, even today this is a normal part of most people’s lives.
Loneliness begins imperceptibly and can develop into a condition that threatens the mental and physical health of a person. It can arise suddenly and end just as quickly, or it can, on the contrary, become an undesirable part of life for a long time. Why is loneliness dangerous? Why is it necessary to get rid of it and how?
What is loneliness?
Professionally defined as a feeling of loneliness that lasts more than a week. This is a state in which people feel unwanted, empty, and often crave human contact but don’t know how to get it. Or they can also be surrounded by crowds of people, but at the same time feel insecure, nervous and alone. As a result of this feeling, they isolate themselves from their surroundings and thus begin a process that may endanger their lives.
There is no temporary period of life characteristic of loneliness. There is also no select group of people who can be said to necessarily have this feeling. Loneliness can even be felt by people who at first glance are happy and satisfied with their lives – successful careerists, people in marriage or relationships.
Causes of feelings of loneliness
When a person feels lonely, usually something must have triggered it. Here are a few examples of what most often causes this feeling.
Major change in life
You moved to another country or city, found a new job. Or you transferred or started studying at a new school. You don’t know anyone in these places, and if you’re not an adventurer, you may feel nervous and lonely at first.
You don’t feel like you’re in this company
It happens that way too. Although you are in a familiar place, in the presence of people whom you also know, you simply do not share their opinions, interests, values with them. This can also create a feeling of loneliness.
A dear person has disappeared from your life
You are surrounded by family and friends who adore you beyond measure, but you feel that something is missing in your life. Or someone. Usually this is a person who knows you from all sides, even intimate ones, and perhaps knows things about you that you have never told your family and friends.
Not enough time for you
Although you have good friends and also get along very well with your family, lately you feel like something has changed. You don’t meet as often as you used to, your moments together are limited to a random phone call. Your friends have found jobs that take up more of their time or have started families. And you, somewhere in the depths of your soul, feel that you are able to understand their decrease in interest in your person, but you still feel lonely.
Loneliness can also be caused by the loss of a loved one, a job, retirement, or a serious illness. It is very important to find out what caused your feeling of loneliness and admit to yourself: yes, I feel lonely. Only after this realization can one begin to do something about it.
How to deal with loneliness – tips and tricks
There are many tips and tricks you can try to deal with these negative feelings.
Contact your loved ones
If you’ve moved out of your parent’s home, or just changed jobs, or started going to a new school, starting this transition can be very difficult.
So try to reach out to your parents, siblings, and closest friends and talk to them or make an appointment. On the one hand, you will hear a voice that is familiar to you, you will cheer up and for a moment forget about the terrible world outside, and you will also have something to look forward to in case of a personal meeting.
Try saying “Hi”
Unless you have an extroverted personality type and don’t particularly seek out contact with people, meeting new people can be really challenging. But it’s worth a try. At work, at school or in your favorite place, try to talk to someone, say hello, maybe you will make a new friend and your loneliness will become less.
Or if you can’t bring yourself to do it and maybe you’re more shy, try the good old internet. Social networks, various forums or even online games can be a good place to meet new people. However, be careful and prudent in this case.
A dog is man’s best friend
It doesn’t have to be just a dog. It can be a cat, a turtle, a hamster, any pet that you like and will give attention and love and will faithfully wait for you at home.
Hobbies, sports
It is also a way to get rid of loneliness. Do what you like, for a while you will think of something else and maybe even meet new people who have the same interests as you.
Write down your feelings
One of the other options is to start a journal and write down your feelings and experiences in it, and this can also help you understand why you feel lonely.
Professional help
If your condition lasts too long or you feel that it is already beginning to slide into depression, it is better to seek the help of a professional: a psychologist or psychiatrist. He will be able to advise you on how to get your life back on track.
How can loneliness harm a person?
However, the feeling of loneliness in people who usually feel good in the company of others is no longer in order. So how can it hurt? If loneliness persists for too long, it can cause mental and physical health problems.
From the psychological spectrum, the feeling of loneliness can most often turn into antisocial behavior and depression with a risk to life. From the point of view of physical health, it can lead through various mechanisms to an increased risk of developing or exacerbating cardiovascular diseases, up to a heart attack, sleep disturbances, impaired memory and learning ability. Also, loneliness can lead a person to alcoholism or drug addiction and generally cause a decline in his personality.
The link between loneliness and depression is significant. If this feeling persists for longer and is not treated, it can turn into a depressive state. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge that you feel alone.
This feeling can also be experienced by pregnant women and women who have already given birth. During pregnancy, this can be part of what is known as prenatal depression. It can be caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, increased stress, trauma, previous depression. If this condition is ignored, it can cause problems for both the mother and the baby.
Conclusions
It is very important not to ignore the feeling of loneliness. If you are not happy being alone, then try to figure out what made you feel this way, and try to solve it with one of the above or other tricks and tips. And if that doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to seek professional help!
