We all experiences loneliness from time to time, yet each person’s experience will be different. One way to describe loneliness is the feeling that we get when our needs for social contact aren’t satisfied.
There are people who choose to live alone and be happy without much social contact with others; others might find this a lonely encounter. On the other hand, you might have lots of social contacts, or be in a relationship or part of a family and still feel lonely. It is especially difficult if you do not feel cared for or understood by those around you.
Different Types of Loneliness
Emotional loneliness
This is when you experience bereavement, a relationship breakup, or someone you were very close with is no longer there. This could be a parent, partner, child, sibling, or close friend.
Social loneliness
Social loneliness can come about when you retire or change jobs, move to a new area or country and you feel like you’re lacking a wider social network of friends or colleagues.
Transient loneliness
This is when you experience a temporary change in circumstances, environment, or relationships. For example, if you are divorced and are co-parenting and the children must spend time with the other parent, you will feel lonely when the children are away for a weekend or holiday, and if you must self-isolate due to having symptoms or have Covid 19.
- Situational loneliness– can occur because of short-term or permanent circumstances such as,
– race
– disabilities
– mental health
– gender
– sexual orientation
– divorce
– relocation
It is also common to struggle with situational loneliness on days or times when most people are with their families, for instance, birthdays, bank holidays, Sundays, and Christmases.
Chronic loneliness
Similar to transient loneliness, chronic loneliness can begin during an adjustment in a person’s state of affairs or environment, but it lingers on, and you feel lonely all or most of the time.
Mental Health Loneliness
Loneliness can ensue because of short-term or permanent struggles with mental health disorders and conditions such as PTSD, dementia, and bipolar disorder, to name a few.
How to cope with loneliness
There are some helpful things one person can do if they find themselves consumed with loneliness.
- Evaluate why you might be lonely so that you may try to find the root of the problem.
- Identify the outcome loneliness is having on your quality of life.
- Recognize that loneliness is an indication that something needs to change for the better.
- Contact a therapist or someone that can be trusted to have your best interests at heart.
- Take time to nurture relationships with others in ways you’re comfortable with. It could be meeting face to face or online.
- Find something that you enjoy doing and keep yourself occupied, it could be getting a pet if you have the time and means to do so or joining a gym.
- Spend time with others by getting involved in activities within the community or consider volunteering.
- Find a support group that meets your needs depending on your circumstances, if you’re struggling with situational loneliness, e.g., health-related, grief, or divorce.
- Keep in mind that loneliness is not a reflection of you as an individual and that everybody deserves the best in life and that includes the connections that they have.
When to get help
Loneliness can be problematic if it develops into chronic loneliness. If you continue having those feelings of loneliness, you may benefit from contacting a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
It would also be good to talk to someone if:
- feelings of loneliness negatively affect your daily life or make it hard to do the things you want to do
- you have a low mood or feelings of depression
- you have symptoms of another mental health concern, such as anxiety or depression
- physical health symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks, get worse, or affect your daily life
ARE YOU HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE?
It’s best to get help right away. You can call a crisis helpline, reach out to a loved one, or call your local emergency room. Below is a list of helpful numbers.
https://www.beyondtheshade.com/2021/03/04/depression-contact-list/
Sources:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/
https://www.marmaladetrust.org/lonelinessguide?
https://www.rootsofloneliness.com/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/chronic-loneliness