Loneliness is a human condition that is sometimes useful and necessary. But it can also generate discomfort when it becomes a habitual state of “disconnection” from others. This type of loneliness is more harmful and it seems to be on the rise. It is therefore important to understand how to deal with loneliness and how to recover friendships that are true and nurtured. Also check captionsbaddie.
What does loneliness mean?
Those who find themselves alone live in a condition of loneliness, which can be momentary and fleeting or, on the contrary, prolonged over time. Since loneliness is a typical condition of human beings, it does not always turn out to be bad. However, it can become a source of suffering when one is excluded or when one voluntarily turns away from others. We provide door-to-door auto transport services. We offer free delivery and free pickup. Door to Door Vehicle Shipping
This article aims to deepen the theme of loneliness, analyzes its effects on psychophysical well-being, and offers, in conclusion, strategies to deal with it. Check bigmatrimonial.
How does loneliness arise?
Loneliness works like a vicious circle. It all starts with a feeling of detachment and other “symptoms” including:
- the feeling of not feeling understood and understood by others;
- the idea of being different, incompatible with the rest of the world;
- sense of disconnection and social withdrawal.
Some character traits such as shyness, introversion, or a tendency to feel sad can lead to voluntary isolation. For those who find it difficult to enter into any type of relationship, solitude can become a place of protection and refuge. Unfortunately, isolation risks worsening distrust of others.
Consequences of feeling alone
Withdrawal from others can generate a lack of trust in those around us. It has long been confirmed that the loneliest and most isolated people perceive the faces of others as threatening even in the case of neutral expressions.
This reaction is due to the overactivation of the alarm system governed by the amygdala. Loneliness and social withdrawal, therefore, seem to reinforce each other.
What can loneliness lead to?
Several studies have confirmed that loneliness has negative effects on the body. To give some examples:
- a lower immune response ;
- an increased cardiovascular risk ;
- higher blood pressure and, consequently, a higher risk of mortality.
The negative outcomes of loneliness have evolutionary explanations. Human beings have survived so far through cooperation in groups. Being together allowed them to protect themselves more effectively from the elements, collaborate in the construction of shelters, hunt for finding food, and raise offspring.
Consequences of social isolation
Sociality is so important to human beings that isolation from society and exclusion from relationships stimulate the physical pain centers of the brain, especially for the portion of the brain called the insula, which is important for emotionality, cognitive functions, and interpersonal experience.
In solitude, the lack of “other than oneself” is perceived. There is therefore a need to “be thought of” by another person, confirming our existence. Relationships protect our health. Where prolonging a condition of isolation can compromise mental well-being to the point of leading to a depressive condition.
Loneliness is not living alone, loneliness is not being able to keep company with someone or something inside of us.
(José Saramago)
How to fight loneliness
Establishing bonds with others is the remedy for loneliness. The basic bonds of attachment are born and grow in the family. But over time, family relationships tend to become too complex, strained, or poorer. A very negative family climate can give rise to loneliness and misunderstanding, to the point of determining a solitary attitude.
Friendship as an antidote to feeling alone
Friendships become important to remedy loneliness: friends are a family that you can choose. Friendly relationships nurture and enrich throughout the entire life cycle. It is now proven that, as we age, those who rely on family and even friendships have better health. And living well and longer is an art that can be learned.
The positive effect of family support tends to remain nearly the same over time, while support and having friends are increasingly important as we age.
The opposite of loneliness is not being together. It is being intimate.
(Richard Bach)
How to stop feeling lonely
It is essential to be able to cultivate friendships, long-term ones, such as new relationships. You have to be able to throw yourself, always, undermining the fear of rejection and other patterns that affect life. And you can throw yourself into it taking into account the principle of the sieve: friendships are self-selecting, as when using a sieve and on the surface only what has a greater consistency remains.
Even the internet, through social media, allows you to stay in touch with distant friends, so as not to lose sight of even during a pandemic, which requires attention for our state of health.
In conclusion, since relationships always involve a certain commitment, you need to be able to get out of your comfort zone. Sometimes living with a bit of discomfort helps to make new friends and, why not, start a new relationship thanks to dating apps .
