That sinking feeling that you experience even when surrounded by a sea of faces...

Times when the constant chit chatter around you reminds you even more of the solitude that you must deal with day-in day-out...

Studies from around the world show us how detrimental loneliness can be for our overall health and wellbeing, with the WHO (World Health Organization) declaring it to be a pressing global health threat.

Turns out that a growing presence on social media or more numbers or networks in this domain does not serve to meet our deep-rooted need for belongingness and connection.

Well... Is there a way out?

Drawing on insights gained over the course of my journey as a Therapist, I would like to share my thoughts on what can be helpful in our struggle with loneliness, despair and isolation:

Existential, Emotional, and Social loneliness

Existential loneliness

This is a predicament we share as a race; an aspect of daily existence that we all must contend with as part of the human condition. Each of us are existentially on our own respective personal journeys, while being surrounded by friends, family, colleagues. This would mean that there can be moments in our daily lives, when we would inevitably experience being on our own, while being surrounded and supported by our kith and kin.

Being aware of this as an inherent part of being human can lead to an enhanced recognition of the value of relationships and support systems, while finding joy and fulfillment in one’s own company!

Emotional loneliness

Those of us who have known disappointment and failure, know this for certain that in times of difficulty, one tends to experience an overwhelming sense of loneliness. In moments of hurt and pain, one often tends to feel left alone to bear the burden of misery. It can be helpful to recognize that heightened emotions such as fear and anxiety often tend to be associated with a gripping focus on the negatives and thoughts of the worst case scenario. This can make it even more challenging to retain one’s focus on own strengths, accomplishments, things working in one’s favor and support systems that one still has access to.

Rest assured that as you take baby steps forward in seeking help and addressing what is causing you concern or distress, you will soon come to recognize allies and enough reasons to stay the course!

Social loneliness

Those of us who struggle with feeling anxious in social situations, who find social interactions extremely hard to navigate. Those of us who have gone through difficult, traumatic experiences a large part of our lives with our time and efforts largely been spent just surviving the days. And hence not having had the chance or the luxury to pursue a social life or explore this aspect of life at all. Those of us who have been in relationships that turned painful or unhealthy so much so that the prospect of venturing out anew is terrifying. And a zillion other reasons why we end up feeling lonely in a world seemingly full of possibilities!

What can help is becoming aware and recognizing one’s need for connection.

Validating this as a need that deserves attention. One that is shared by all of us, universally, across the globe.

The need to get to know others, to be a part of each others’ lives and feeling seen, heard and understood in the process.

The need to build relationships. Relationships that are genuine, authentic, and fulfilling.

And recognizing that this is a process that slowly gains momentum as one takes baby steps forward.

What can help is paying attention to beliefs or painful remnants from the past that might be limiting you in the process. Preventing you from making use of opportunities that might be within your reach.

What can help is seeking help and support in addressing such concerns if they feel insurmountable dealing with them on your own .

Also, a good place to start could be asking yourself – what kind of a relationship do I have with myself? When was the last time I listened sensitively to myself? Checked how I am feeling. Actually.

And while I strive to build connections with others and find pursuits that are worth engaging and committing myself to, perhaps I can also look for ways I can start reconnecting with myself.

That will allow me to engage with others from a place of peace and calm and belongingness that I have found within myself.

Let me conclude with this...

Your need for connection is an integral part of your human experience.

Reconnecting with yourself can help you overcome barriers

Barriers within that have not been serving you well

Allowing you to slowly recognize opportunities

And explore them

To build and surround yourself with a tribe that you can genuinely feel being a part of.

Feel belonged.

If you or somebody you know wants to needs help in dealing with loneliness, consider reaching our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!  

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