Dealing with Loneliness

Do you feel isolated or separated from the world, cut off from those you would love to have contact with? You might experience loneliness as a vague feeling that something is not right, a kind of minor emptiness. Or you might feel loneliness as a very intense deprivation and deep pain.
Loneliness is not the same as being alone, rather, it is the feeling of being alone and feeling sad about it.
Feeling lonely sometimes is not a problem, It is only when we seem trapped in our loneliness that it becomes a real problem.

Here are some tips for recognizing loneliness for what it is and dealing with it in the healthiest ways.
    Realize that loneliness is a feeling. not a fact.  When you are feeling lonely, it is because something has triggered a memory of that feeling, not because you are isolated and alone, just realize that you are having this feeling and accept it without over reacting.
     Make a plan to fight the mental and emotional habits of loneliness. If you realize you are dealing with an emotional habit, you can make a plan to deal with loneliness. Since healthy interaction with friends is good, make some effort to reach out to others, to initiate conversation and face time even when your loneliness and depression are telling you not to.
      Focus on the needs and feelings of others and less attention on your own lonely thoughts and Feelings.
      Be compassionate. Practice reminding yourself that others feel lonely, too. It is part of the human experience that most people share at some time or other. And just as you would show compassion for anyone else who suffers from being lonely, you also deserve this caring response.

    If you have supportive others in your life, reach out to them. Take a deep breath, pick up the phone to text or call, and ask for support in whatever form you need it. Allowing yourself to truly connect with others will help you feel emotionally stronger and less alone.