Feeling lonely can be very hard for someone to bear. Human beings are designed to be sociable creatures, so spending lots of time alone or feeling isolated from other people can often cause low mood. Sometimes, a lonely person canhave a lot of friends or rather, know lots of people, but somehow still feel that are not really connecting with others, causing them to feel isolated and empty inside.
The type of people most prone to loneliness are private, sedate people who are often asked for advice but don’t tend to impose their opinions on other people. They are normally gentle, self-reliant and feel a sense of superiority towards their associates. To others, they can appear aloof, proud, disdainful and condescending.
However, some people who are thought of as being sociable, outgoing and “the life and soul of the party” are also lonely because they are afraid to take their connections with other people beyond superficiality.
Other people can feel temporary loneliness due to loss of a loved one, divorce or due to their children leaving home. If this is the case, please read our article on grief after you have read this.
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Do you withdraw from company if there are a lot of distractions?
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Do you use tiredness as an excuse for not being sociable?
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Do you tend to suffer in silence when you are ill?
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Do you find it difficult to lean on others in times of trouble?
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Natural remedies such as the Bach Flower Remedy Water Violet and Honeysuckle can be used to promote warmer relationships with other people, whilst maintaining wisdom and dignity. (Always read the label.)∏
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Reach out to others. Offer your help to existing friends and family or volunteer for a team project at work or within in your local community – there are many resources online that will help you find something suitable.
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Be more open. Try to be more open about your emotions with your friends. Tell them about your fears and worries instead of the usual superficial conversations; they will appreciate the opportunity to get closer to you.
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Do try and keep up your family connections throughout the course of your life. Even if things have been tense in the past, try to build bridges.
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Don't wait for someone to get in touch with you - contact them. If they seem too busy, it doesn't mean they are rejecting you, try again another time.
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Explore your interests and take up a hobby. This is a great way of meeting like-minded people in a relaxed setting whilst learning something new.
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Consider joining an online dating agency if you’re single. Millions of educated, successful single people of all ages use these kinds of sites nowadays.
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Think about getting a pet. This is an option that could be really useful if you’re retired or disabled in some way. However, don’t take on anything without thinking of the consequences and make sure the pet’s upkeep won’t be too much for you to handle.
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
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