What are the feelings of loneliness, where do they come from, and how to cope with them?

Loneliness is an intense feeling of social and emotional isolation. Although we’re defined as social animals and we’re taught to live in small societies, our modern life is isolating us. This is due to the presence of larger virtual communities that we seek to fit in, and now, further induced by the presence of COVID-19 and aftermaths of the pandemic.

A survey by the Mental Health Foundation has shown that 48% of people worldwide are feeling loneliness.

So how to cope with these emotions?

Understanding loneliness

By definition, loneliness is a state where your emotional or social needs are not met or rewarded. It is different from being physically alone, as it represents an intense feeling that could emerge even when surrounded by a group of people. By terms, loneliness is not considered a mental illness, but it could be associated with social anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or stress. 

Loneliness and mental health are a never-ending loop. However, other external factors that trigger loneliness include the following: 

• Losing a job or retiring
• Going through a breakup 
• Changing jobs 
• Going to university
• Losing friends or family
• Experiencing discrimination 
• Experiencing abuse 

Loneliness begins with your cognitive awareness of the lack of social relationships, and this in return creates your feelings of deprivation and sadness.

Recognizing the side effects

It is very important to recognize that loneliness is different from solitude and that it could come along with negative side effects. These include:

• Distortion of reality
• Anxiety
• Loss of social contact
• Isolation
• Insomnia
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression

In adults, loneliness is a major cause of depression and anxiety, and in children, it could be a breaking step towards other antisocial behaviors.

How to cope with loneliness?

• Look after yourself: The feeling of loneliness can take the best of your wellbeing and peace of mind. Make sure to reflect that on these feelings, understand their origin, and take a positive outlook on your social interactions.
• Create a stable routine. This could help set a sense of stability and occupancy to your life, and take away the time you’ll be spending with your negative thoughts. This routine could be applied to your daily, job, workouts, or wellness plans.
• Try to open up. Make sure to communicate your feelings to your close ones. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone, you can always seek therapy or counseling to provide you with further support.
• Spend some time out: Before going into big crowds, make sure to take yourself out, refresh your thoughts and regain your readiness for social contact. Connect with your friends, and make plans that make you feel better!

I know it gets hard at times, but as long as you have YOU, 

you will be able to overcome your negative emotions.