- https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
- https://www.rtor.org/2020/12/10/the-link-between-loneliness-and-substance-abuse/
- https://www.kff.org/report-section/loneliness-and-social-isolation-in-the-united-states-the-united-kingdom-and-japan-an-international-survey-introduction
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/meditation-eases-loneliness
- https://www.psycom.net/how-social-media-increases-loneliness/
You are Not Alone - Tips for Overcoming Loneliness
Living through a pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives, including the social norms we took for granted, like connecting with friends and family. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is bringing awareness and focus to the value of connecting safely. Together, we want to ensure our communities have appropriate support and resources and that no one feels alone.
Up to 45% of adults over the age of 45 feel lonely.
Tips for Overcoming Loneliness
1. Get in Touch with You
While connecting with others is very important in combating loneliness, the first step is to start with yourself. Many of us live life on auto-pilot; however, this way of living leaves us feeling numb and disconnected over time. Here are a few simple ways to start connecting with yourself regularly:
Keep a journal
and spend a few minutes each day writing down your thoughts.
Take a break from social media.
If you are spending hours on social media as a substitution for social connection, your feelings of loneliness will most likely worsen. Loneliness is not about the number of social contacts a person has; it is about the perception of feeling disconnected or being left out. Using social media in moderation does not cause problems; it is only when it overtakes our time that it becomes problematic. Setting time limits and turning off notifications are easy ways to set some social media boundaries. Rather than spending your lunch break surfing social media, grab lunch with a friend, or meet a friend for a walk in the evening. Tuning out from social media can help us tune in to ourselves and focus on doing something that makes us feel good.
Learn to enjoy solitude.
Understanding yourself and enjoying your own company is an important part of combating loneliness. Try exploring a tourist attraction or going to a restaurant alone. Solitude and being lonely are NOT the same thing.
2. Exercise
“Healthy body - Healthy mind” is not just an expression. Getting regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve our mood. Exercise improves blood flow to our brain and releases endorphins leaving us feeling happy and energized.
Finding a group to exercise with is also a great way to feel connected.
Finding a group to exercise with is also a great way to feel connected.
3. Try a New Hobby
Sign up for classes or take lessons to learn a new skill as new experiences present opportunities to connect with people who have similar interests. Doing something new can also help take your mind away from feeling lonely and build purpose and self-esteem.
4. Connect with a Counselor
Talk therapy can be good for your physical, social, and mental health. Licensed professional counselors help people work through feelings and uncover helpful strategies to help get them back to optimal emotional health.
Reach out to your physician for a list of local counselors. You can also find resources here.
Reach out to your physician for a list of local counselors. You can also find resources here.
5. Connect with Local Support Groups
NAMI provides free peer-led mental health education classes and support groups for individuals and loved ones. Learn more here.
1 in 5 Americans always or often feels lonely or socially isolated
If you feel lonely, remember there are people who care about you, and there are resources available to help you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, reach out to your Primary Care Physician to help guide and support you in your journey towards a happy, healthy, connected life.
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