Recently, I have had quite a few messages regarding loneliness and many people struggling with this, so I thought I would talk a little bit more about loneliness and hopefully you can find some comfort and support from it.
Loneliness doesn’t necessarily mean being alone; you could be in a room full of people and feel lonely, you may feel unseen or unheard and this can make you feel extremely isolated, so many people experience is so remember you are not on your own in this situation and loneliness is something that is experienced more often than not.
There are also other factors why loneliness may occur, for example, loss of friendships, breakups, moving away from family and friends or your social circle has shifted, spending a lot of time online can also make you feel isolated as you are disconnecting from your surroundings and also comparing yourself to other people’s lives can cause a sense of isolation and loneliness.
Here are some small shifts that can make a difference to feeling lonely:
- Be kind to yourself –I can’t stress this enough, I know it’s something that sometimes it isn’t easy but remember loneliness doesn’t mean you are doing something wrong; it’s a human feeling that is experienced by many of us so keep your head up and remind yourself this isn’t a personal failure but something that can be navigated and you are handling it so well.
- Join something – Again, I know this is easier said than done and can take a lot of guts for some of us to build up the courage to join a new group or try a new hobby, however, I think it is the best thing you can do for yourself and for tackling loneliness. This could be anything from joining the gym or a fitness class, a book club, volunteer groups, or local community wellbeing groups. Do some research and see what is available in your local area. Over time, you will see the difference and start to build real connections with yourself and others.
- Get yourself out – Loneliness can make you feel like just wanting to stay indoors and hide away from the world, do the opposite if you can!. Get yourself out on a short or long walk, go to a local coffee shop and read a book or do some journaling, if the weather is nice, go to your local park/beach and relax and enjoy being out in the world, being in your own company and enjoying the little things like this can actually do you the world of good.
- Reach out to people – If there is somebody you can reach out to I would recommend this, this could be a current friend or even getting in touch with an old friend you haven’t heard from in a while, reach out to family members and even co workers that you have built relationships with. That simple text or phone call can open doors to you feeling yourself again.
- Write it down – Sometimes we don’t feel like opening up to others, and it can be difficult, so if you are feeling like this, write your feelings down and be completely transparent; this can help you let it all out onto paper and give a little sense of relief. Another good way of tackling loneliness is writing down some goals and things you would love to try or do; this gives you something to look forward to and focuses your mind on the things you would like to work towards.
I hope this helps you in some way and brings you comfort and support. Loneliness is a difficult feeling to experience and is something many of us have or do struggle with. I just want you to know you are doing better than you think, and you can get through this, my messages are always open if you need a chat.
Lots of love x