_What is Loneliness

In psychology,”loneliness ” is defined as an unpleasant emotional state arising from a perceived lack of social connection or intimacy, essentially feeling isolated even when surrounded by people, and is often described as a subjective experience of social pain that motivates individuals to seek connection with others.

Loneliness is a perceptions. It’s the state of feeling lonely. Some people need meaningful relationships and a large social network much more than others do,so loneliness is very much a personal experience. Whether or not you’re experiencing loneliness largely depends on how you feel about being alone. If you think about it a lot or keep worrying about it, then your feelings of loneliness will only Intensify. Always bear in mind that you can tackle it by changing your circumstances.

_Some of the causes of Loneliness

*social isolation:when individuals lack meaningful social connections or have limited opportunities for social interaction, they may experience loneliness. This can happen due to factors such as living alone,moving to a new place, lack of close relationships, or a decline in social activities.

 

*Moving to a new city,state or country: while a permanent change of scenery can often boost our mental health if new social connections aren’t formed(which takes approximately 300hrs),an individual might start to slip into feelings of loneliness. The chances of this happening are more likely if they choose to remain stuck in old habits that may not transition smoothly into their new environment.

*The loss of a romantic relationship: Romantic relationships can be be chemically addictive according to science. This means that when they end,the steady supply of oxytocin, dopamine and more ..which was fueled by consistent physical touch and other forms of affirmation _is cut off. Those who experience a break up are likely to spend a period mourning possibly even passing through the stages of grief. Loneliness is common when one’s romantic partner is suddenly and permanently out.

 

What are the effects of loneliness.

*Loneliness, if not dealt with, can cause sufferes to experience the following at higher rates than non_lonely individuals: Greater risk of cardiovascular illness, including heart disease, depression, anxiety disorder, premature death.

Loneliness is detrimental to our long term health. Still, there is a difference between spending time alone and being lonely. Some individuals are introverted;they prefer to spend more time alone than extroverts, and this is normal. What matters most is the way that time spent alone makes someone feel.

 

_How to cure Loneliness

Loneliness is a complex and deeply subjective emotion, and finding a “cure” for it can be challenging. While there may not be a single solution that universally cures loneliness for everyone, there are several approaches and strategies that can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Here are some suggestions:

*social connections:Building and nurturing meaningful relationships is crucial for combating loneliness. Engage in activities or join groups that align with your interests and values, such as hobby clubs,volunteering opportunities, or support groups. This can provide opportunities to meet like_minded individuals and form connections.

*support network:Reach out to friends, family, or acquaintances and share your feelings. Often, people are willing to provide support and companionship if they are aware of your situation. Considering joining online communities or forums where you can connect with others who may be experiencing similar feelings.

*self_care and self _compassion: Take care of your yourself by engaging in activities that bring you Joy and fulfilment. This can include hobbies,exercise, meditation, or nurturing personal goals.

*Develop a fulfilling relationship with yourself:Take time to develop a positive and nurturing relationship with yourself. Practice self_care,engage in activities that bring you Joy, and cultivate self_compassion. By building a strong foundation of self_love and self_acceptance, you can navigate periods of loneliness more effectively. Remember,overcoming loneliness takes time and effort. It’s essential to be patient with yourself and stay open to new possibilities. If you’re trying new tactics and still feel stuck,it can help to speak with a mental professional about what you’re feeling.