Managing Loneliness
Why is it that we can feel lonely in a crowd? How can we feel lonely when we have so many “friends” on social media or apps? The fact is, feeling connected to others depends on the quality of our relationships and how we think about them – loneliness is perceived social isolation. It is normal to feel lonely sometimes, just as it is normal to feel sad or anxious or tired or hungry. However, loneliness becomes a problem when it causes us distress or impacts our ability to get on with everyday life. Although simply “getting out there” and meeting people may be enough for some, for others this may not be enough. Many people live with chronic loneliness and may require a more considered approach in order to feel more socially connected.
1. Accept that sometimes feeling lonely is a normal part of life. Loneliness is a feeling. As with any feeling, loneliness serves a purpose. Rather than viewing loneliness as something bad, we can interpret it as a signal – it motivates us to maintain or repair our relationships. Once we acknowledge that loneliness is a signal and accept it as a normal part of life, we can then attempt to get on with everyday life despite feeling lonely.
2. Monitor your loneliness in different situations. Keep a diary, recording how lonely you feel at different points throughout the day (give it an “intensity rating” out of 10). After a week or two, you may notice patterns in terms of how lonely you feel across different situations.
3. Recognise the power of thoughts. Reflect on the thoughts that run through your head and how they may influence what you do or how you feel.
4. Be aware of your own behaviour. If you feel anxious about social situations or believe you need to keep your distance to protect yourself, you may tend to avoid forming new social connections. Even though it may feel uncomfortable, try doing something different – talk to your neighbour, join a club, go to a party, or eat your lunch in the common area at work.
5. Engage in self-care. It’s easy to underestimate the impact of lifestyle on how we feel. Often, it is when we feel down that we neglect self-care, which is when we actually need it most. Next time you feel lonely; do something helpful – exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, work-life balance.
6. Volunteer - Volunteering can bring meaning and purpose to your life while connecting you to your community. Look out for volunteering options over the festive period.
7. Reach out - Contact a qualified mental health professional. For more information or to arrange an appointment, contact AccessEAP on 1800 818 728.
