Chronic Loneliness: Is It a Thing?

Chronic loneliness is loneliness that persists for a long period of time and does not go away. You feel detached from others, as though you don’t belong, and are unable to find anyone you can connect with on a deep level. Although it is not a diagnosable mental health condition, left unaddressed, it can affect you both physically and emotionally.

Reasons People Become Lonely

Loneliness is a subjective emotional experience. The way you perceive and experience your social interactions and lack of companionship may be quite different from how someone else might view the same amount of connection.

Some examples of things that may contribute to loneliness are aging, the death of a loved one, having a chronic illness, living alone, moving to a new place, changing schools or jobs, retiring, going through a divorce or breakup, being a full-time caregiver, being in a different chapter of life than the people around you, or limited finances that prevent you from being able to participate in social activities.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Loneliness

• You are unable to connect with others on a deep level. Even if you fill your time with social activities, your interactions with friends and family tend to be on a surface level that does not feel meaningful or fulfilling.
• You may have many casual friends or acquaintances, but no one who is a close friend you feel gets you and who you can share your experiences with or hang out with.
• You feel isolated and alone no matter where you are or who you are with, even when you are surrounded by people.
• You have feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, and/or as though you don’t matter.

Tips That Can Help You Deal with Chronic Loneliness

Engage with others Even if it feels difficult, make an effort to talk to and interact with others regularly, either face-to-face, over the phone, by e-mail, or through text messages or video chat.

Join a group Find positive ways you can connect with others who have similar interests, such as doing volunteer work, joining a club or group that focuses on something you enjoy or would like to try, or taking a class.

Do things you enjoy Fill your alone time with things you enjoy and that make you feel good. Spending time outdoors, gardening, reading, listening to music, engaging in a hobby, trying out a new recipe, visiting a farmer’s market, or learning something new, are all examples of things that can help boost your mood and keep you from focusing on your loneliness.

Reach out Make a habit of smiling at people and saying hello when you are out and about and reaching out to people you know who may be feeling lonely.

Get a pet Studies have found that having a pet has many mental health benefits, including a decrease in loneliness. Pets can make your life feel fuller, and provide you with companionship, affection, comfort, and connection.

Join a support group A support group provides a safe, nonjudgmental, supportive place where you can open up about yourself and share your story, feelings, and perspective with others who are going through a similar experience.

Consider counseling A trained mental health professional can help you explore what feeling lonely means to you, uncover any underlying issues that may be contributing to it, equip you with the skills to counteract its effects, and explore ways you can make positive changes.

Next Steps: Christian Counseling in Stone Oak

If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors in Stone Oak, Texas, please give us a call. Your first appointment is risk-free.