Loneliness is a problem that affects us all. We often feel alone, even when we are surrounded by people.So why does this happen? Why do we feel lonely in crowded rooms? You might experience loneliness because of your breakup, or just because of spending a day home alone.
It’s not your fault; it happens to everyone! The good news is that Therapy can help you overcome the loneliness you might be feeling right now in this blog I’m going to talk about 6 ways you can cope with the fear of loneliness.
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is a feeling of isolation and abandonment. It can also be characterized as feeling like you don’t belong or are not important to anyone else. You might feel this way when friends and family have gone on their merry way, leaving you by yourself with nothing to do.
What makes people feel lonely?
A few factors may make us feel lonely, including:
losing a loved one to death or illness. being away from friends and family. lacking meaningful relationships in your life. living alone for a long period of time. dealing with everyday rejection (i.e., getting turned down for jobs). working too hard to have time to build relationships and friendships. going through tough times in your life (i.e., losing a job, going through a divorce). being around others who are lonely and depressed.
How to Cope with the Fear of Loneliness
1. Understand the root of your fear of loneliness.
The first thing you need to do is to find out why you’re feeling lonely.Make a list of the things that are making you feel like nobody cares about you. It’ s a fact: everyone feels lonely sometimes, and it’s normal for people to go through times when they feel down or stressed out. But if your loneliness is so overwhelming, it’s a good idea to see a therapist. Your mental health is something that has to be cultivated – we don’t just learn the innate skills the right therapist can help you develop. The skills and coping mechanisms you need to develop to be a high functioning human are kind of like software for a computer – they need to constantly be upgraded to adapt to the changing environment.
2. Reach out to friends and family for support.
You can’t do this alone. Reach out to your family and friends for support. Even if you don’t necessarily want the company of others, a phone call or text message can help lift your spirits, making you feel better about yourself. You don’t have to be alone in order to remind yourself that there are people who care about
Discuss your fears with your loved ones like your family and friends. Sharing your fears can be therapeutic or relaxing and it can likewise assist you in understanding them better. In case, you have never told anybody about your fear of loneliness, then try opening up to your best friend or a trusted family member about it.
3. Take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
Food, sleep, and exercise are three important pillars of a healthy life. While working on just one of these factors will assist people in living a healthy life. Food affects our psychological and physical performance, that’s why a wrong decision at lunch can wreck a whole day. Sleep affects your perception and judgment. Daily exercise helps in reducing stress and helps us make feel good chemicals like endorphins.
4. Find a hobby that you enjoy such as painting or cooking.
Finding a hobby is a great way to channel your feelings of loneliness into doing something positive and creative. Hobbies can help you relieve tension, increase your confidence and even give you the opportunity to meet new people! For example, if you are interested in art or music, why not join an artist’s society or join a band?
When you pursue your passion or hobby, it creates a positive vibe around you. When you start focusing on what you like, the stuff that you don’t like will consequently get eliminated. So, eventually, the impact of loneliness will reduce.
5. Just get outside!
Exploring new places can change your focus and helps in balancing your mindset. Some popular outdoors has such a healing power that usually works for many people over the years. While it might sound weird to get over your loneliness by just going outside, but remember, time spent around nature can improve your mental state and reduce the feelings of loneliness.
6. Try journaling or meditation to help you cope with anxiety and stress
Relaxation techniques and meditation are like a backup to other therapeutic approaches. Relaxation techniques or meditation incorporate tools box breathing, soothing self-talk, muscle relaxation training, or journaling. Trying these relaxation techniques can help overcome your feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety.
The Next Step
When you’re experiencing fear or loneliness, sometimes the above tips just aren’t enough and you need more help & support. It’s hard to find a therapist near me that can really help. Your search for a counselor and the process and challenges that are involved can make it hard. At therapists in Tampa, FL have experience helping people just like you.
If you’ve tried using these tools and still feel stuck, then it’s time to get help from a professional licensed therapist or counselor near you.
Our therapists in Tampa will work with you assess and overcome your issues related to loneliness. Click the button below to schedule your visit.