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Loneliness is more common than you may think. Almost half of Americans feel lonely. If you are experiencing loneliness, know that you are not alone. Loneliness does not have to be a state of permanence. You can overcome it by taking actions that help you to connect with yourself and others. Some ways to connect include reaching out to friends, joining a class or club, talking to a therapist, finding a support group, and embracing solitude.
You Are Not Alone
Feeling lonely is a common experience and not something to be embarrassed about. At some point in life, many people feel lonely. One of the first things you can do is reach out.
Reach Out to Your Friends
If you have friends, let them know when you are feeling sad. By sharing your feelings, your friends can offer the support you need. Make plans with your friends and express to them how important it is to stay connected. Also, consider mutual friends that you may have or old friends you haven’t spoken with for a while. Taking this one step can help you feel connected again.
Join a Class or Club
You might not have many friends you can talk to, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer alone. Consider ways you can make new friends. One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining a class or club related to your hobbies. You can improve your odds of making new connections by attending a class regularly. You can join a fitness class. You can join a book club. You can try the meet-up app. Or even start your own class. Although I know this might be helpful advice for some, I recognize that some individuals face obstacles that make socializing challenging. Seeking therapy can be beneficial if you feel that your mental health is hindering your ability to form new friendships.
Find a Therapist
Depression and social anxiety can be a barrier to making the connections you desire. You might not have the motivation to make new friends because you are dealing with depression. Or you might have anxiety that causes you to avoid social settings. It often requires professional counseling before you can navigate new relationships. A therapist can provide a safe space for you to express yourself and provide you with the right tools to manage anxiety and depression. Some people may be reluctant to admit they need help because they believe it is a weakness. On the contrary, it demonstrates tremendous strength and courage when admitting you need support. It may not be easy to reach out, but remember it is important to prioritize your mental health.
Join a Support Group
Sometimes, connecting with others who may share the same challenges can help you to feel less alone. Support groups also provide a safe space for people to open up. Someone might share an experience that you have gone through. It can be validating to know that you can relate to other people. You may even learn from others how to cope in similar circumstances. You can find support groups through online searches, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and local community resources.
Embrace Solitude
Solitude can be a gift to reconnect you to yourself. Prioritize a self-care activity like journaling. Writing in a journal can help you process your feelings, develop self-awareness, and gain clarity. Through self-reflection, you can identify the root cause of your loneliness and work towards resolving it. Being alone can also be enjoyable. Consider doing things you enjoy, such as reading a book or watching your favorite show. Solitude can also help you to discover new passions like photography, cooking, and creative writing.
Final Thoughts
The key to overcoming loneliness is to reconnect with yourself and others. You can achieve this by reaching out to friends, joining a class, finding a therapist, attending a support group, and embracing solitude. You are not alone. You don’t have to deal with loneliness by yourself. Get the support you need. Because your mental health matters!