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In the age of technological communication, millions of people of all ages struggle with loneliness. More and more people are experiencing social isolation due to factors such as the death of a loved one, changes in family structure, the shrinking of social circles with age, and changes in life patterns in adulthood. It's hard to tell whether someone who sits quietly in the corner and doesn't try to join in the conversation or cheer up the group with a joke is mentally isolated. According to the Global Communication Report, 1.25 billion people will feel “lonely” or “very lonely” in 2023.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 10% of young people and 25% of older people suffer from loneliness. The WHO has declared it an unknown but imminent global health threat. The effects of loneliness on health can be compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or hunger and thirst, which happens when there is nothing necessary for survival, this is the signal that the body sends. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely, here are some strategies to combat that feeling.
Talk to people: Stress can lead to negative emotions that can do more harm than good. It's important to talk to a colleague, friend, family member or partner you can relate to and be vulnerable with.
Maintain regular communication: Communicate regularly with family and friends. Socializing can improve your stress response and minimize the negative effects of stress on your health.
Listen to others: Listening and making others feel heard can help build a relationship. Instead of offering solutions or sharing similar experiences, focus on understanding the other person's feelings. Volunteering is a great way to help others build deeper connections and feel fulfilled.
Limit social media: Surprisingly, the technology meant to connect us can sometimes make us feel lonely. Staying away from social media and in-person interaction can help you be closer to your loved ones.
Reframe your thoughts: Don't worry about feeling lonely or equate loneliness with heartbreak. Instead, try to look at it positively. It can be a guide to learning more about yourself and what you need to live your best life.
Seek professional support: If these methods do not relieve your feelings of loneliness, seek additional support or contact a mental health professional who can help you feel better.
