RECOGNIZING LONELINESS: SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM

Feeling alone is a normal part of life. However persistent loneliness is a condition that's often overlooked and can affect both mental and physical well-being. It's essential to know its signs and symptoms to address it or to provide support to those experiencing it. So, let's understand it and explore the steps we can take to combat loneliness. 

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

1. Social Withdrawal: 

Individuals experiencing loneliness may withdraw from social activities. They tend to cancel any plans and prefer isolation over interaction with others. This puts them into a vicious cycle where the lack of social support adds to the feeling of loneliness. After a point, they start feeling too disconnected to reach out for support. 

 

2. Changes in Behaviour: 

Sudden changes in behaviour, such as a decline in productivity, increased irritability, or difficulty in concentrating can indicate loneliness. This is caused by the emotional stress they are feeling because of the loneliness. 

 

3. Physical Symptoms:

Loneliness can have a direct impact on our physical health. The physical symptoms might include headaches, fatigue, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns which can result from the body's stress response to feeling disconnected and isolated. 

 

4. Emotional Changes: 

People going through loneliness also tend to experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or a lack of purpose in life. All of this can have a negative impact on mental health. 

 

How do address and combat Loneliness?

1. Open Communication: 

Check-in on people and encourage open conversations about feelings of loneliness. Create a safe space for individuals in your life to share their emotions without judgment, be it of loneliness or anything else. 

 

2. Community Engagement: 

Organise social activities or events and encourage people to join, especially those who may be hesitant to start social interactions. If you are experiencing loneliness, push yourself to attend such events even if it makes you uncomfortable. 

 

3. Technology and Social Media:

While excessive use of it can add to feelings of loneliness, it can be used as a valuable tool to connect with others. Use it to stay in touch with your friends or you can even find groups where people are going through similar experiences as yourself. 

 

4. Joining Groups:

Find support groups or communities that are aligned with your personal interests. Shared activities are a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new connections. 

 

5. Trying Volunteer Work: 

Engaging in volunteer work can create a sense of purpose and connection along with being a great way to contribute to the community. It's a fulfilling way to combat loneliness. 

 

6. Professional Help:

If loneliness persists and starts affecting daily life activities, then it's highly recommended to seek professional help from a therapist or a counsellor. They can help you understand the cause behind it and provide guidance on how you can overcome it with a plan tailored to individual needs. 

Author: Nivetha Kannan

Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental’.