Solutions for loneliness and my experience with it

Solutions for loneliness

I can still remember the loneliest months of my life. I was caught in the mist of a dark depression and substance abuse. This is not uncommon with people who are in those stages. One of the things that I recall the most from that experience was the days and nights that came and went, with my phone never ringing and my door never knocked on.

Substance abuse and depression often follows loneliness but there are plenty of people on this earth whom are not in those circumstances that are very lonely. This can be a delicate situation because visa versa, loneliness can very easily follow substance abuse and depression. Therefore, I believe it must be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

Loneliness is a very sad circumstance to be in. Most people feel lonely at some point in there life. But the good news is you don't have to feel that way if you decide to take control of it and do something about it.

Loneliness is a feeling of emptiness inside. It is a feeling that brings on separation and isolation. It can make a person feel out of touch with other human beings. Most people experience it when they do not have close family members, friends, or interaction with people on a regular basis.

There are other forms such as a person feeling lonely even when surrounded by crowds or where there is lack of intimacy in relationships. People may experience loneliness at different stages of their life such as when the kids are ready to leave the home for the first time or after a divorce. For a lonely person holidays and birthdays can really be a more difficult time to deal with because the feelings become more intensified.

You can learn to live without loneliness by taking a hand on approach. Here are some ideas that can help. Please, it is important to keep an open mind and be willing to make a choice for a difference in your life. The realization that only you can change the way you feel is an important factor.

Recognize the actuality of your loneliness. Don’t be ashamed of it, we all at some point or another go through it. Acceptance is the beginning of a positive trip on the road of life.

Consider speaking with a therapist or attending a self help group. Remember you have choices today. So if you don’t feel comfortable with a particular therapist or group, you move on to the next one. The key thing to remember is never give up! This is your life, you only get one, and so you have the right to fight for it.

Engage in positive activities. In the beginning for me it was as simple as taking a small walk over to the public library and reading an inspirational book. Even if I didn’t know anyone at the library, at least I was surrounded by them instead of four walls in my bedroom.

Register for a continuing education class, an aerobics class. I find that while on the cross country machine or treadmill I tend to engage in small talk with the person on the machine next to me. Some community centers often offer free recreational activities. If you enter certain key words on the internet ex: free things to do in nyc, you will find plenty to choose from.

Show interest in others. A smile goes a long way and can light up another person’s life that may also be lonely. A simple hi and a smile is a perfect icebreaker for small conversation.

Apply for a volunteer position at your local hospital, school, or home care facility. A few hours of your time will make a difference in your life as well as others. It is perfect for building and establishing relationships as well as healing a lonely heart.

Loneliness for me accompanies social anxiety, isolation, depression and an array of other symptoms. Although I have tamed many of them I continue be involved in support groups where I can talk about it with others. They offer their suggestions and share their experiences with me. They remind me that I’m not alone if I choose not to be.

Just like with most things, practice makes perfect. It is no different with loneliness. There will be moments where you may become discouraged, that’s okay we all have set backs, just as long as you don’t allow it to take precedent over your goal.

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