Dealing with loneliness
Loneliness can be overwhelming if not kept in check. Feelings of isolation, longing and loss can bleed easily into our everyday activities. It can become a vicious cycle if we don't stop, reflect on what we are feeling, identify what the issue is and then work to remedy a solution to fix it.
Loneliness occurs when our close relationships do not meet our needs. We can consistently be around people and still feel alone, isolated, or unwanted.
A great litmus test to see if you are getting what you need out of all the relationships in your life is to ask yourself if you feel supported and understood. As human beings, we need to feel both of these. If those two key ingredients are missing, it can be a recipe for disaster for our mental health.
Losing someone important
The loss of someone close to us can also make us feel lonely. The important thing is to take time to grieve and make sure you are leaning on people with whom you have a strong connection. Counselling can help you move through the difficult emotions of grief, finding ways to remember and honour the loss and look for a new meaning and direction in life.
You’re not alone with these big emotions. According to a Statistics Canada survey conducted in August and September of 2021, 1 in 10 people over 15 say they always or often feel lonely.
Be the change
It is important to remember that loneliness is a feeling, and it can be changed; the key is you.
If you don't change, feelings of loneliness can grow to make it hard to reach or fit in.
The Canadian Mental Health Association says if you feel lonely, it's crucial to make a change in your life. When you do this, the cycle of loneliness breaks down.
How do you affect change in yourself if you are feeling lonely? CMHA has compiled some great suggestions.
Stop and Reflect - Ask yourself why you feel lonely.
Make sure you are not comparing yourself to others.
During times of loss, slow down and give yourself time to grieve properly.
Think about all the things that are going on in your life.
How can you take advantage of times of loneliness?
Work on the relationships and connections you have to make them stronger.
The key to staying on top of feelings of loneliness, isolation and being unwanted is to stop and reflect when we are feeling down.
Identifying the issue and then using the steps above to remedy a solution. If the solution persists, it is essential to reach out for help.