THE WH’S OF LONELINESS & HOW TO FIGHT IT - DFS Consulting
Feeling lonely? Learn what loneliness really means, why it happens, its impact on mental health, and effective strategies to fight loneliness and reconnect with yourself and others.
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16 Sep THE WH’S OF LONELINESS & HOW TO FIGHT IT

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THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FEELING LONELY

 

What is Loneliness?

Loneliness is a state of mind where a person feels empty, alone, and unwelcome. It’s a deep craving for human connection that feels hard to fulfill. Importantly, loneliness isn’t the same as being physically alone. You can be surrounded by people—whether in a relationship, family, or social circle—and still feel lonely if you feel misunderstood or uncared for.

Though loneliness itself isn’t a mental health disorder, it’s closely linked to mental well-being. People with mental health challenges are more likely to experience loneliness.

 

 

Why Do We Feel Lonely?

Several factors can cause loneliness:

 

  • Heredity: Research shows loneliness is about 50% heritable—not meaning it’s fully determined by genes, but that some people may feel the pain of social isolation more intensely (Cacioppo, n.d.).

 

  • Environment: Living in remote areas, moving to new places, or experiencing language and cultural barriers can increase loneliness.

  • Life Circumstances: Difficult events like divorce, the death of loved ones—including pets—can deepen feelings of loneliness.

  • Thoughts & Attitudes: Negative thinking about ourselves or our surroundings can trigger or worsen loneliness.

 

How Does Loneliness Affect Us?

Short bouts of loneliness are common and usually pass quickly. But chronic loneliness can seriously harm both physical and mental health. It’s linked to poor sleep, depression, and feelings of exclusion, making it harder to connect with others.

Who Can Feel Loneliness?

Loneliness does not discriminate. It can affect anyone—regardless of age, social status, nationality, or background. A child can feel lonely if their parents are too busy, just as a wealthy person can feel lonely living alone in a big house. Despite our differences, loneliness is a universal experience.

 

 

How Can We Fight Loneliness?

Here are some ways to cope:

  • Identify and Validate: Share your feelings with trusted people. Expressing yourself can ease the burden.

  • Know You Are Not Alone: Remember, many others have felt or are feeling what you feel. You’re not alone in this experience.

  • Reconnect With Yourself: Spend time doing activities you love—meditate, exercise, explore new hobbies—to build a better relationship with yourself.

  • Show Random Acts of Kindness: Instead of isolating, try kindness toward others. Small gestures—holding a door, joining support groups, or helping a stranger—can foster connection.

  • Adopt a Pet: Caring for a pet can bring companionship and improve daily satisfaction.

 

Feeling lonely is tough, especially in challenging times when social interaction is limited. But understanding loneliness and knowing how to respond can help. Remember, loneliness may come and go, but with effort, it doesn’t have to define your life.

What words of encouragement would you say to your  if he or she feels lonely again?

 

 

References:

Cherry, K. (2021, August 11). Loneliness: Causes and Health Consequences. Psychotheraphy. https://www.verywellmind.com/loneliness-causes-effects-and-treatments-2795749

Jackson-Gibson, A. (2020, February 3). 16 Things To DO When You’re Feeling Lonely According to Experts. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a28915137/what-to-do-when-lonely/#

mind.org.uk. (n.d.). Loneliness. About Loneliness. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/

Psychalive. (n.d.). Defenses, Isolation, and Loneliness, Relationships, Self-Development. I Feel Lonely: What to Do When You’re Feeling Lonely. https://www.psychalive.org/isolation-and-loneliness/

Cherry, K. (2021, August 11). Loneliness: Causes and Health Consequences. Psychotheraphy. https://www.verywellmind.com/loneliness-causes-effects-and-treatments-2795749

Jackson-Gibson, A. (2020, February 3). 16 Things To DO When You’re Feeling Lonely According to Experts. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a28915137/what-to-do-when-lonely/#

mind.org.uk. (n.d.). Loneliness. About Loneliness. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/

Psychalive. (n.d.). Defenses, Isolation, and Loneliness, Relationships, Self-Development. I Feel Lonely: What to Do When You’re Feeling Lonely. https://www.psychalive.org/isolation-and-loneliness/

 

 

 

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