Loneliness a curse (2)-cure

Ways to combat loneliness. The way forward.

1. Ask for help

As with mental illness, there can be a lot of embarrassment, shame and stigma attached to loneliness. It’s time to get better at accepting what is happening and to ask for help. Loneliness begets loneliness. It might feel awkward or stupid but speaking up is the fastest way to get the support you need, especially if there is an associated mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.

2. Social prescribing

This is where a GP or allied health provider refers a person to a community-led initiative providing a safe environment such as local men’s sheds, art classes, gardening groups, community projects for the gradual reintroduction of human connection

Every GP I know, and this was certainly true in my own practice have a number of frequent attenders whose main problem is loneliness and isolation.

3. Use technology to support you.

The beauty of our technology is that it has made it a lot easier to stay connected with friends and family online even if they’re a long way from where you are.

Scheduling a regular phone call, Skype or Zoom provides you with something to look forward to – and that makes us feel better straight away.

Find an online community group that you share a common interest in as a way to make new online friends.

4. Join a voluntary organisation

Doing something for someone else or your community is a great way to feel part of something worthwhile and meaningful.

5. Smile at strangers

Not in a creepy way, but in a way that reflects you’re acknowledging the presence of another human being. It can also make it feel easier to move to the next step of saying “Good morning” or “Hello.”  A ten-second interaction to make both parties feel good and of course the next time your paths will cross you’ve already established the first rung of connection.

6. Show some self-compassion

It’s OK to acknowledge how you feel. You might hate the thought of networking or going to some social event where you’re worried about not fitting in, not knowing what to say or saying the wrong thing.

The funny thing is when we acknowledge our nervousness about being in a social event, others may share they feel exactly the same way while simultaneously lightening the load of worry about how things might turn out. This makes it easier to relax and hey before you know it, you could be having a really good time.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with you. Loneliness can affect anyone in certain circumstances. Believing you are worthy of friendship or a relationship will boost your confidence and make you more socially attractive to others.

7. Take that first brave step

Staying stuck in the pain of loneliness won’t fix the problem. As difficult as it may feel, choosing to reach out and extend that invitation for a coffee, a walk or lunch at a café is the best start to negate the tyranny of loneliness.

We benefit so much from the joy of a rich and full social network, which is why it’s so important we all start now to combat the rising tide of social isolation and loneliness that’s leading to a loss of human connection, a negative perspective of our relationships and a greater risk of suicide.