Coping with Loneliness

11 May 2022

Loneliness is different from being alone or being on your own. Loneliness may happen when you’re surrounded by people.

So what is loneliness. Loneliness is, “the difference between your desired levels of social contact and your actual levels of social contact”. So it’s not just about being with people, it’s about how you connect with people and how they connect with you.

You may experience loneliness during a particular time in your life, maybe after a relationship has ended, you’ve moved to a new area or you’ve changed jobs, or through the pandemic friendships and relationships might have altered.

What can help?

As strange as it may seem, remember you are not alone. It’s normal to experience loneliness and it’s estimated 40% of people (Ref:Betterhelp) will experience loneliness at some time during their lives
Loneliness isn’t permanent, there are things you can do to help bring about changes. You can take charge of this, you don’t need to wait for someone else
Be aware of how lonelieness is affecting you. Is it more tricky to sleep at the moment, are you eating less/more?
Tell someone you trust how you are feeling
Think about the opportunities you have to connect with people. Does this feel about the right amount of contact for you?
Take time to nurture these relationships, and initiate contact with friends or family. Maybe a walk, lunch, coffee or a drink.
Are there other hobbies, interests or like minded people you’d like to explore more to develop other things in your life
Try not to compare yourself to others
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Do things that give you joy, or pleasure.
Notice the small things in your life that you appreciate
Remember feelings aren’t permanent. However hard or difficult this feels right now, it will pass.