The Causes of Loneliness
Loneliness is a subjective concept that we most likely will all experience at some time, yet that experience will be different for each of us. Often what can be a cause of feelings of loneliness can be poor mental health. Whilst loneliness isn’t considered a mental health problem itself, the two are heavily linked due to the fact that they can influence one another. Research has shown that loneliness can lead to increased mental problems, and an increased risk of depression, anxiety and stress. As mentioned a moment ago, the two influence each other which can only make snapping out of the cycle even harder, though it’s not impossible. Other factors that can cause loneliness can include bereavement, moving home/job/school, bad or broken relationships and stopping going to a place where social contact was available, prevalent and reliable.
Another factor that loneliness possesses is that it can sometimes be seasonal and that people may feel lonely at certain times of the year, for example, elderly people may feel lonely around Christmas time. There has also been some research conducted that may suggest that coming from a certain area, belonging to a certain group, or having past incidents happen may also lead to loneliness including being from a single parent household, belonging to minority groups, excluded from events due for example to: a lack of funds, sexual orientation perhaps and past experiences.
The cause of loneliness is down to the individual, yet there are ways in which loneliness can be removed, or at least weakened. These include:
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF – Looking after your own wellbeing can go a long way to make sure that loneliness does not have as big of an impact on you. Having good mental health can help ward off feelings of loneliness and so focusing on yourself and what makes you happy can prevent you from feeling alone.
THERAPY – Arguably the most well-known method of overcoming issues and situations can be therapy. Speaking to professionals may provide you with new knowledge as to what is making you feel this way, as well as give you the confidence to let you know that you’re not alone and that other people in similar situations have overcome their difficulties. The argument to be made against therapy maybe not being the best solution, is that it can be quite expensive depending on who you’re seeing. Add to this that it might not be the best way to deal with it depending on your own comfort in talking, opening up to stranger.
OPEN UP – Similar to therapy, opening up can be a good way to deal with loneliness. Whilst therapy involves speaking to professionals, opening up can involve speaking to anyone. More often than not, the individual in question will have a good relationship with you whether it’s a family member, a close friend or a co-worker. Regardless of who it is, opening up does one thing better than anything else. It shares the problem. By keeping your feelings to yourself, they can manifest and increase their hold on you. Opening up allows those feelings to be put out into the open and in sharing the problem, the person or people won’t like hearing about it and should try to do something about it, in order to help you.
NEW CONNECTIONS – Whilst things like therapy can be quite daunting, and the idea of needing therapy quite scary, this is usually only for the worst-case scenarios. The simplest, and potentially the most effective method of conquering feelings of loneliness is to make new connections with people. Make new friends, find people who have similar interests, go to parties and events where you’re likely to meet new people. Not everyone you meet will necessarily click with, but by going out of your way to meet and talk to new people can an accessible way of solving your issue of loneliness.
