You can experience loneliness, whether you live alone or with other people. A study of 20,000 United States residents indicated that loneliness is a prevalent condition that affects almost half of the population. Unfortunately, some people may lack knowledge of ways of coping with loneliness and suffer from effects they can avoid. Intense loneliness can trigger mental health conditions; hence, an affected person should learn how to deal with this feeling. For mental health and addiction treatment, contact Summit Estate Recovery Center today.
Ways in Which Loneliness Can Affect a Person
Loneliness causes both short and long term emotional and physical pain. People who feel lonely are likely to feel depressed and anxious. Additionally, a person feeling lonely may neglect personal care routines, such as exercising and dieting. This neglect can cause the immune system to weaken, which exposes one to the risk of diseases and infections.
The emotional distress from loneliness can also lead to stress-eating, whereby a person tends to eat more than they need to. This behavior may cause weight-related problems such as obesity. Feeling isolated for an extended period can lead to chronic loneliness. One may feel hopeless and lack focus, especially when working. Moreover, chronic loneliness can increase the desire to binge-watch and avoid other tasks such as house chores. This condition may also influence a person to abuse substances such as sleeping pills and alcohol.
Ways of Coping with Loneliness
One of the most effective ways of coping with loneliness is to spend time with other people, such as close friends and family. Volunteering in noble causes can also help one meet with other people who have common interests. This exposure increases happiness, gratitude, and leads to satisfaction in assisting the less fortunate. Support groups are also useful in helping people cope with loneliness. One can join an online or in-person group to connect with others that relate to the situation. Moreover, these groups are an incredible source of new friendships and can stimulate creativity.
Another way of relieving emotional pain caused by loneliness is by talking to people, especially professionals. Therapists can aid in healing feelings of isolation caused by traumatic life events. Such occurrences include the loss of a loved one through death and being away from friends and family. Some of the therapies that can help you deal with loneliness and its effects are:
- Art therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
Pets such as cats and dogs can also help cope with loneliness. They provide companionship and can help one connect with other pet owners and lovers. Moreover, activities involved in taking care of pets, such as walking a dog, are therapeutic.
Learning How to be Alone
Learning how to enjoy self-company can help you feel less lonely when you are not around other people. This decision makes it easier for one to not to rely on social interactions for emotional security. A person should find an activity they enjoy and engage in them whenever they feel alone. Such may include painting, creative designing, and gardening. One can also take online classes to learn new skills, such as cooking new dishes and arts and crafts. Taking this step can lead to the discovery of talent or a new hobby. Hence, a person will have a sense of achievement and self-motivation that will help cope with loneliness.
Drug abuse caused by loneliness can lead to addiction and the possibility of overdosing. At Summit Estate, we provide a holistic treatment program to help you deal with addiction. Our therapists will help you cease drug use and find effective ways to cope with loneliness. Some of the treatments we offer are group therapy, art therapy, and yoga. Contact us today at 800.701.6997 to enroll for professional treatment.
