Loneliness

Do you often feel sad and alone? Does it seem that everyone else has lots going on in their lives and you don’t?

We feel lonely and isolated when we:

Move to a new area and don’t know many/any people

Separate from a partner (or our relationship breaks down)

Feel intimidated at school or at work

Think that everyone else has several friends and you don’t

Lose or change jobs

Experience bereavement

Lose contact with friends

Feel that life is dull or boring

Compare ourselves to others and don’t feel good/fun/interesting enough.

Leave home to start college or university

Get transferred to a new work location

Think no one understands

Feel left behind by life / friends / family

 

Loneliness is very common.  If you are looking at people’s lives on social media and comparing your life to others’ try to bear in mind that no one posts photos of themselves alone feeling sad or low.  Online virtual lives are portrayed as happy, smiley, fun, friendly, popular and not necessarily real.  Loneliness has nothing to do with the number of friends that you have or your social life.

Solutions

Be patient.  Remind yourself that loneliness, although unpleasant, is perfectly natural.  Everyone experiences loneliness at various stages throughout life.

Do something that you enjoy doing.  Joining classes can be a great way to meet new people in your locality.

Get involved.  Humans thrive on connection.  Online connections are wonderful but in-person connecting is even better.  Take up a new hobby.

Volunteer – in a charity shop, homeless shelter, animal rescue etc.

Mind your body – diet, sleep, exercise, relaxation and sunlight help us feel good.

Take your time developing new friendships. You may be super keen to form bonds but take it slowly.

Learn to relax. Switch off your worry by learning relaxation techniques.

It’s important to find the cause of your feelings of loneliness. If there is no specific reason it may be an idea to speak to your GP.

How can therapy help?

I can help you to be more content and comfortable and to stop judging yourself. Being alone will no longer mean that you feel lonely.  I will try to help you boost your self-esteem so that you become more confident, happy and outgoing and learn to be your own best friend.

www.carolinecrotty.ie

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