How to deal with loneliness
Have you ever felt intensely alone - even in a crowded room, or sitting among your friends? Many people experience loneliness, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to go through. You may even turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs or alcohol to deal with these intense feelings. By learning how to address loneliness in a healthier way, you can begin to improve your mood and your mind. Learn more about the causes of loneliness, strategies to combat it, and other affordable substance abuse treatment tips. The main cause of loneliness If you’re feeling alone or isolated, know that you’re not alone. In fact, one Harvard study estimated that 40% of people in the U.S. feel extremely lonely right now, with that number likely increasing due to the pandemic. The main cause of loneliness? Studies show there’s not just one thing that can cause loneliness and it depends on the person. Limited social interaction with people, events, or activities that really spark your interest can certainly have an impact. Lack of romantic or emotional intimacy with a partner or in your other relationships is also a factor. Where you live, who you live with, your mental and physical health, and your social connections can also all cause loneliness. Essentially, anything that causes us to not feel or be seen as our authentic selves without our communities. When we feel rejected or forgotten by those we love, it can cause some intense negative feelings of worthlessness, depression, and sadness. These feelings all lead to what we understand as loneliness. Can loneliness be cured? While feeling lonely is a universal emotion, there’s...