Header Ad
HomeHEALTHFeeling lonely is not the same as being alone

Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone

- Advertisement -

lonely woman

Loneliness has always been part of human existence. The loneliness has been defined in various ways but the most common definition is “a state of solitude or being alone”. It includes anxious feelings that occur due to a lack of connection or communication. The pioneer behind the concept was John Bowlby. He explained in his theory that how the attachment bond in the early years between the infant and caregiver tends to affect future relationships.

People must understand that being alone and feeling lonely is not the same thing. Loneliness is defined as a distressing experience when one’s social relationships are perceived to be low in quality and quantity as well. On the other hand some people can be alone without feeling lonely and can feel lonely even when they are surrounded by other people. Loneliness is many times mistaken as a synonym of depression, poor social connect, neuroticism, and introversion.

Loneliness doesn’t only include mental symptoms but physical symptoms too. A few of the symptoms are self-doubt, hopelessness, body aches and pains, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, inability to focus, decreased appetite, and Insomnia. Loneliness affects the quality of life leading to eating less and being emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted.

- Advertisement -

It is a universal human emotion that is both complex and unique to each individual. For eg; a lonely child who struggles to make friends at his school has different needs than a lonely old man who recently lost his wife. Loneliness can cause people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted. Many times certain individuals can find a silver lining in their loneliness and tend to use this time to make their connection stronger with themselves and try to understand themselves better. But many who are lonely often desire for some contact and connection, which may be difficult for them to make with other people due to their state of mind.

The reason why an individual might feel lonely would be distinctive to each individual. Loneliness can be caused due to many factors like physical isolation, moving to a new location, and divorce. Although the reason why feelings of loneliness occur is subjective and it is also very much possible that loneliness can occur as symptoms of many psychological problems. It can also be attributed to internal factors such as low self-esteem. Those who have a lack of confidence feel that they are not worthy of the attention or regard of other people. This can lead to isolation and chronic loneliness.

man watching city

Lonely adults may consume more alcohol and their diet is higher in fat, have insufficient sleep, and report more daytime fatigue. Many people still feel void even though they have acquaintances and are involved in various activities. In today’s time, people tend to have hundreds or thousands of friends on social networking but having someone to get a cup of coffee with is something that might be missing.

- Advertisement -

There is no rule that you won’t feel lonely in crowded places, many times one of the loneliest experiences may occur when you are in the most crowded place as you don’t feel connected to people. People feel lonely as they don’t feel emotionally connected and have a tough time sharing their feelings and thoughts.

If people feel lonely they need to accept their feelings and then move forward to help themselves by understanding that it is a state of mind. A person living and working with a group of people can feel different, suppressed, empty, and alone inside. This kind of feeling can occur in any human due to any reason. It is the subjective feeling of having one’s affiliation needs unmet. It is emotional isolation, not social isolation.

There can be two situations for a person feeling lonely. First, he doesn’t like the feeling of loneliness and wants to get out of it but is not able to find ways to do so. Second, many times individuals intentionally make themselves like that and tend to stay aloof from the world and are happy and comfortable with their own company.

To deal with loneliness you should identify and accept reasons and take responsibility to bring a change.Engaging in physical activity and doing things that you enjoy will help you feel fresh. Socialising might not always help you deal with such emotions but then sitting at home won’t help you feel better.

- Advertisement -

When you go out and meet people you can connect with someone. When you feel that things are beyond your control and have constant negative thoughts, then it is essential to seek professional help.

- Advertisement -
Dr. Nisha Khanna
Dr. Nisha Khanna
Celebrity Psychologist from the past 18+ years Dr. Nisha Khanna is one of the leading marriage and family counselor in Delhi NCR. She assists individuals and couples from every walk of life. She has offered assistance in more than 3750+ cases (professional and personal related needs of an individual, couple and families). Dr. Nisha has dealt with clients having emotional, mental, and physical & adjustment problems in their love, friendship, live-in, pre-marital, post-marital/post-marriage, family, professional life. She deals with the parent-child relationship, depression, insomnia, anxiety and all other kinds of moods, emotions, temperament, personality and behavioural issues.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular