A recent study showed that 61% of people between the ages of 18 and 25 feel lonely
Feeling lonely from time to time is natural and not uncommon. According to a recent report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the US, 36% of people surveyed said they felt lonely “often” or “almost always or always”.
Furthermore, the study showed that 61% of people aged 18 to 25 reported experiencing some degree of loneliness, which represents more than half of young people in this age group.
Alone, despite the company
Understanding why you feel this way is a good way to start. Feeling lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people, doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. Indeed, all humans struggle with loneliness intermittently, whether they are aware of it or not. Not to mention, trauma, loss, and stress can exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
This is why you may still feel alone in a relationship or with a large group of friends. Some people may feel lonely when surrounded by others when: 1) they feel they can’t be themselves or have to create a situation to please others, or 2) when the people around them have different ethical beliefs.
Other reasons you may feel lonely despite being surrounded by others include:
– depression or other mental health conditions
– health problems, including disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses
– loss and pain
– trauma, discrimination or racism
– migration to a new country
– Existential crisis
– lack of meaningful relationships
– communication or attachment problems in a relationship
Tips for overcoming loneliness
Your loneliness doesn’t have to last forever. While it may be a process, there are ways to stop feeling alone. Here are some ideas on how to overcome this feeling.
1-Reevaluate your thoughts and regain hope: you can practice seeing things from a different perspective or associating them with positive emotions. For example, you can view alone time as an opportunity to grow, reflect, and connect with yourself. While chronic loneliness can lead to endless rumination, healthy solitude promotes clarity of thought and can improve cognition.
2-Practice self-compassion: To combat feelings of loneliness and learn to be happy on your own, you can participate in activities that focus on self-compassion. Caring for yourself with patience and compassion can help you strengthen your bond with yourself, which in turn can help you alleviate feelings of loneliness.
3-Record your thoughts and feelings: Counting funny memories in a journal can bring joy to your life. Putting thoughts and feelings on paper can also help you process them and see them from a different perspective. Journaling can be a cathartic process.
4-Connect with old friends: Connecting with friends you’ve lost touch with can help ease feelings of loneliness. Friendships motivate people to remain responsible and present for another person and stimulate creativity. Friendships are like mirrors, they help people recognize and embrace their strengths, while also identifying and working on their weaknesses.
5-Invite a friend for a walk: There are few things like walking and talking, so invite a friend or neighbor to walk with you every now and then. Exercise can increase endorphins and improve your mood and outlook. And doing it in good company helps promote a sense of well-being that can overcome loneliness.
6-Talk to people: If making new friends isn’t easy for you, start by opening up to others. According to the study cited The BBC Loneliness Experiment, conducted by the BBC and the University of Manchester, respondents cited the following effective strategy for combating loneliness: start a conversation with anyone. Look for the good in everyone you find. Invite them without fear of rejection.
7-Consider joining a club, organization or community: Respondents to the BBC study also noted joining a club or taking up new social activities to ease feelings of loneliness. Engaging in activities with like-minded people who may have similar interests can help you stop feeling alone.
8-Adopt a pet: According to a survey conducted by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, 80% of pet owners believe their pets make them feel less alone. Pets give you something to consider besides yourself, they offer you company and dogs, for example, can take you for a walk. First, though, consider what is needed to care for it. This includes food, vet visits, time and effort. If getting a pet isn’t an option, consider volunteering at a shelter.
9-Stay in touch with those who have died: If the grief and loss of a loved one increases your sense of loneliness, reconnecting with their memory can help. Creating a tribute to those who have passed away can also keep you connected to their memory.
10-Seek professional help: If you feel like you’ve done a lot of things to stop feeling alone, but you still feel bad, it might be a good idea to seek additional support. Some signs that it’s time to talk to a professional include: crying spells, episodes of irritability that interfere with work or family, eating too little or too much in response to loneliness, staying in bed all day, excessive sleepiness or chronic fatigue, loss of interest and motivation to take care of yourself, such as avoiding brushing your teeth and showering.
Source: Psych Central
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
