Feeling Alone: Why It Happens and How to Overcome It

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or isolated. It’s a natural human emotion that most people experience at some point in their lives.

Why do people feel lonely?

There are many reasons why people may feel lonely, including:

Lack of social connections
Moving to a new place
Going through a breakup or divorce
Losing a loved one
Not having people to talk to or spend time with

Health effects of loneliness

Feeling lonely on a regular basis can negatively impact both mental and physical health. Research shows that loneliness is linked to issues like:

Depression and anxiety
Sleep issues
High blood pressure
Weakened immune system
Cognitive decline

How to cope with loneliness

If you find yourself feeling isolated or alone, here are some tips that may help:

Reach out to friends and family to connect
Join a club, class, or community group to meet new people
Volunteer in your community
Adopt a pet for companionship
Try inviting people to hang out instead of waiting to be invited
Focus on activities you enjoy to lift your mood
Consider speaking to a counselor if loneliness persists

Overcoming loneliness

It takes effort and courage, but loneliness can be overcome. Focusing on building meaningful connections, finding purposeful activities, and speaking to a professional if needed, can all help to reduce feelings of isolation over time.

FAQ

Why do I feel lonely even when I’m around people?

Even when surrounded by people, you can still feel lonely if you don’t have meaningful connections. Focus on shared interests and deeper conversations to reduce this feeling over time.

How long will these lonely feelings last?

It varies, but putting effort into meeting people, trying new activities, and speaking to a counselor can help overcome loneliness in weeks/months.

What should I do if my loneliness causes depression?

Seek professional support. Speaking to a doctor or mental health expert can help address the depression while also reducing the loneliness behind it.

Can loneliness go away on its own?

Rarely. Taking proactive steps to foster social connections, find purposeful activities, and get professional support generally leads to the greatest reductions in loneliness.

Who can I talk to if I’m lonely?

Start by opening up to close friends and family. A counselor is also a great option for having someone compassionate to speak openly with, and help you take steps to overcome loneliness.