Loneliness can be all consuming and can creep up on you when you least expect it. It jumps out at you unexpectedly such as when you notice lovers holding hands, seeing mums and their children connecting, friends joining together in activities which you can’t participate in or when you've had a glass or two of your favourite tipple. It can lead to anxiety and depression and keep you feeling at a loss as to what to do.
How do I know that? Well I’ve been there and I’ve been lonely even when I have been surrounded by those I care and love and they have loved and cared for me.
Of course there are lots of other times when it can jump out at you and not just at these times because loneliness has no limits!
There is evidence that persistent long-term loneliness can have a negative impact on both your emotional and physical health and it has also been associated with depression and suicide.
Loneliness grasps your emotions and drains you of energy and so you might want to fight back and begin by getting together with others and creating some social support for yourself.
Here's a few ideas to get you started.
1. Check out the “what’s on“ section of your local newspaper. There are often groups (Like walking groups) who get involved in various activities locally which can be found in this section.
2. Take a look at VolunteerMarch.org. This is a database for volunteers to create connection and a sense of purpose which is known to help alleviate loneliness.
3. Think about your likes and dislikes and look around for internet forums with people who have similar interests to yourself.
4. Check out Facebook groups for your area and see if anyone is meeting up and if not perhaps you can create a meet up for yourself and others.
5. Explore MeetUp.com which is an online tool to help you find people in your area with similar interests. You can meet up face-to-face with a group of like-minded people with no obligation to stay connected.
Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you started and I’m sure if you put your thinking cap on and take a look around you will be surprised at what you can find and if you are finding it difficult to find something which suits you why not start up your own group.
A departing note
Experiencing any negative mental health problem isn’t easy and it’s often made more difficult when you are going through it alone. Gaining social support is just one aspect of combating loneliness. So...
If you’re feeling lonely you might try reaching out to friends and neighbours, or perhaps you might find that speaking to a counsellor can help. I did! It helped me to feel connected, validated and supported and maybe it will do that for you too!
To make an appointment for counselling with me, either face-to-face at Newquay Therapy Centre, or face-to-face online then give me a call on
07478754839
or you can email me
juliekuhn@counsellingforyoucornwall.co.uk
Don’t struggle alone!