Mental health awareness month may be almost over, but the struggles that people still face remain. That’s why we’re here to ensure the conversation will be continued, today specifically about loneliness.
Studies suggest that 33% of adults worldwide have experienced loneliness either always or often, and 61% of young adults in the US experience serious loneliness.
Alarming statistics.
I also have felt serious loneliness. In the past, my life looked ‘picture perfect’ as that’s what I wanted everyone to see on social media. Behind closed doors, I was seriously struggling. Seemingly living my best life traveling around Europe and making the most of my new life.
The reality was I had days where I was ecstatic about my new adventure and days where I just wanted a friend to talk to about how I was really feeling. The picture I portrayed made me feel even lonelier because I was hiding what was going on half of the time.
So what did I do? I took accountability for my situation and sought help. I knew it would take a lot to pull me out of where I was if I tried to go at it alone, and I wanted to drive to my destination instead of walk. I then started my journey with a coach, when I truly learned the power of self-awareness through coaching.
As coaching also unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership, many things started to make sense for me, like giant puzzle pieces fitting together.
I share this to illustrate just how prevalent it is. Yes, loneliness occurs when people are physically isolated, and it also happens in massive cities where people are surrounded by millions of people.
Loneliness is all around us.
So what can we do about it? Here are some action steps you can take to help yourself, and share with people around you who may be feeling lonely.
- Acknowledge the feeling. It’s normal to feel lonely and it’s a feeling that so many of us share, particularly since the pandemic and the way the world has changed as a result. We’re spending more time on social media, more time in front of screens, and less time deeply connecting with one another.
- Send an appreciation message to someone you care about. It can be as simple as thank you for being you. Sharing a piece of your appreciation for someone is going to make the other person feel good, and in turn it’s going to help you feel more connected to them.
- Try an activity that will make you laugh with a friend or family member. Maybe it’s something new that will make you giggle, maybe it’s a stand up comedy night, or a funny movie. Laughter is great for our soul, and will improve your connection.
- Spend the day in nature with yourself. Loneliness is not only combated by spending quality time with others, it’s also improved by spending quality time with yourself. Spend time connecting with yourself, make an effort to consider things you want to celebrate about yourself, and do so in nature. Nature is incredibly healing for us as human beings.
- Intentionally spend time away from your screens, and together with people in real life. At the end of the day, we’re human beings with a need for connection in person. The level of interaction you need will differ if you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, but ultimately, we all need in person interactions.
- Consider seeking professional help. If you are going through a dark time in life and want to move from a place of loneliness, to a place where you can build a healthier relationship with yourself and then be able to build even stronger connections, either wellbeing or emotional intelligence coaching can help you find a lighter path.
As you can see, there are various ways that can help you protect your mental health, which allows you to confidently move towards what really matters for you.
You may think it is a difficult path to walk through, especially when you are feeling lonely. But remember, you’re not alone. There are 7.9 billion of us on this planet all with the same fundamental need: to truly connect with others.
I’ve been practicing it for many years, and experiencing the power of self-awareness is life–changing . Do not wait for the day that you are really feeling down, moved by all sorts of thoughts our mind can create.
The gap between you and the new you can be filled by just a click for a discovery call. Book it now with me, free of charge!
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About me: I’m a High-Performance Coach who uses a Neuroscience-based method to support you in Achieve More with Mental Well-Being.
