You’re Not Alone

Why Do I Feel Alone?

The feelings of lonliness has a way of playing tricks on the mind when a person doesn’t have the tools to help remember and recoginize the pitfalls of emotions. Being alone with the mind in a lonely state can cause people to feel empty and unwanted. According to researchers people who are lonely often crave human contact, but their state of mind makes it more difficult to form connections with other people.

Some examples include:

Being surrounded in a house filled with loved ones but feeling as if you are by yourself with no one to connect to.

A student in school might feel lonely when playing on a team sport but doesn’t participate with others on the team or in a classroom setting.

An employee might feel lonely at work because they aren’t invited to coworkers gatherings or lunches.

There are many situational variables that can play a role in a person’s mind that may contribute to why and how deep the loneliness can disrupt ones ability to see the other side of the reality in their life. People are often triggered by a change in thier life, change in their location, people, or their sense of feeling safe to express themselves without judgement or control.

Internal factors can also cause feelings of lonliness especially in people who have low self esteem, or lack confidence in themselves, and can feel unworthy which can lead to isolation. Researchers have found that people who have physical health symptoms, low quality of social relationships are often associated with high levels of lonliness.

As we learn more about loneliness and how we can continue to learn about ourselves, what we can do, and doing the best we can with what we have; our lives and the lives of those around us will be better. Let’s discuss what we can do now to start the process.

How Can I Overcome Lonliness?

Loniliness can be overcome but it requires awareness and a conscious effort on the part of those who feel alone. It’s very important for people to come to terms with their feelings and emotions. It’s also very important for people to trust thier gut and their feelings while getting to know themselves and their triggers. Often times we ask people that we know what their opionons are of us which can be a good way to get feedback; however it is also important for you to trust your instincts as well.

Journaling on a regular basis can help you keep track of your feelings and emotions. It will also help you keep track of any patterns that might arise due to certain internal factors or situational variables that might affect how you feel. The more you know about yourself, the better you will be at identifying things in your life that helps learn and grow to be more confident in yourself, self-esteem, strengths, and abilities.

Researchers have discovered many different positive ways for people to help prevent the feelings of being lonely while also growing in your own personal strenght.

Join a Community Service Group

This will help you find something in your community that you have a passion for. It will also provide the opportunity to work with and find people who have similar likes. You will be able to cultivate new friendships and social interations.

Develop Quality Relationships

Expect the best in friendships and relationships because you deserve it. Often times people expect rejection. “ DON’T” Focus on positive thoughts and attitudes in your relationships. Seek people who share similar interest and values with you.

Recognize That Loneliness Is A Sign That Something Needs to Change

There are physical and mental repercussions for loneliness such as increased stress, depression, memory loss, poor decision making, antisocial behavior, and possibly substance abuse. Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects and if you ever have suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-2738255

How Can I Help My Family Member Or Friend Feel Less Lonely and Connected?

Family members and friends can play a huge role in helping loved ones feel less lonely and connected. Unfortunately the rise of internet and social media has played a negative role in bringing people together, not to mention the day and age of Covid 19 restrictions and social distancing.

HAVE NO FEAR... HOPE IS NEAR!

Respect the boundaries of your loved one who is feeling lonely.

Find out what you and your loved one have in common and ask your loved one if they would like to spend time on a regular basis participating in those activities. (Note: they may resist at first, thats okay. Don’t give up on them.)

Find out what their love language is and be intentional about loving them in ways they feel loved. You can visit 5lovelanguages.com to find out information about love languages.

Show and communicate value and respect to your loved one because it shows that they are worthy, valued, and reespected which goes a long way in building positive and engaging relationships.

Don’t Judge, Don’t Judge, Don’t Judge

Have Fun, Have Fun, Have Fun. Make the most of every opportunity to create fun and joy with your loved one. It’s the little things that people remember when things get tough. When a loved one is feeling alone, we want them to remember something happy, funny, and joyful.

Remember to listen, learn, and respect your loved one, and don’t forget to communicate in a loving way. No one is perfect so we must give lots of grace when connecting with each other.