What is loneliness?
Loneliness has been defined in many ways; The common definition is ‘a state of solitude or being alone’. However, there is a difference from feeling alone and feeling lonely. Loneliness is not necessarily being alone. As Mind says, you can feel lonely in a crowd full of people, but quite peaceful and content when alone. Other interpretation suggests that loneliness is ‘Feeling negative and unpleasant’, ‘A feeling of disconnectedness or isolation’ and so on.
New York Times, 25th March 2009 quoted “loneliness leads to poorer physical and mental health”. Despite the close connection between loneliness and mental health issues, loneliness itself is not considered as a mental health problem.
What causes loneliness?
Loneliness can be sorted into three groups according to its causes.
- Situational loneliness
Various environmental factors lead to situational loneliness. For example, accidents, unpleasant experiences, personal conflicts and migration of population.
- Developmental loneliness
We have an innate desire of intimacy, while we know that we need some solitude and hence a higher level of need for individualism as we develop. For optimum development, the two have to be balanced. People who fail to balance these needs will eventually be lonely.
- Internal loneliness
Personality factors often play a role in internal loneliness. People with low self-esteem and less self-worth are more likely to suffer from loneliness.
How to cope with loneliness?
1. Have a pet
Having a pet makes you feel accompanied. What’s more, actions such as walking the dog can help you become connected with the community.
2. Keep yourself busy
Distract yourself from feeling lonely and try to stop thinking about negative things. Move forward.
3. Join a club or society
You can find a group of people sharing similar interests with you, and it is better to have common topics to talk about.
4. Seek for support
For example, joining webinars or groups, booking an appointment, visiting relevant websites or so.
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