Loneliness

People often choose to spend time alone and find it pleasurable and positive, but loneliness is not the same as being alone. Loneliness can produce feelings of anxiety, worthlessness and a lack of motivation. Such feelings can also prevent one from developing healthy relationships.

Lonely people believe “Everyone else has friends” or “There must be something wrong with me.”

In fact, a wide range of life events can trigger loneliness. Examples include the death of a loved one, divorce, a breakup of a longstanding relationship, relocation to a new city or losing a job. Loneliness can also occur within relationships where there is anger, resentment or when love is not given, acknowledged or shown.

Negative Effects of Loneliness

Loneliness can:

• Play a part in alcoholism
• Disrupt normal sleep patterns
• Interfere with learning
• Lead to clinical depression.

How is Loneliness Described?

There are many descriptions of loneliness such as feeling:

• A lack of bonding with people around you
• Disconnected from others
• There is no one in your life who really cares
• Left out

How Therapy Can Help You Overcome Loneliness

A therapist can help you:

• Understand the underlying causes of your problem such as childhood experiences or your family’s style of interacting, for example
• Address negative thoughts, feelings and beliefs
• Explore alternative approaches to your daily living and behaviors that will allow you to become more available to those around you
• Address communication styles, which often contribute to loneliness