Loneliness Causes and Effects

Table of Contents:

1. Definition:
2. Vulnerable groups are:
3. Causes of Loneliness:
4. Prevention of loneliness:
   1. 1. Role of society:
   2. 2. Role of individual:
   3. 3. Medical advice

Definition:

You feel loneliness when you experience mental and or emotional discomfort from being alone or feeling as though you are alone.

American Psychological Association defines loneliness as affective and cognitive discomfort from being or perceiving oneself alone or otherwise solitary.’

Anyone can feel lonely at some point in their life. Loneliness is a complex emotion that affects anyone regardless of age and sex. It is common in both sexes. It is different from being alone.

Loneliness and ‘being alone’ are different.

Being alone is a physical condition. You do not surround yourself with family, friends, or relatives. You are living alone in another city. But you can communicate with your family, friends, and co-workers.

However, loneliness is a feeling; it is not materialistic. You may feel lonely even when your family and friends surround you. The reverse is also true. When you are alone, you may not feel lonely—you will feel happy. You connect with your family, friends, and co-workers through good communication or activities.

Loneliness may be short-term loneliness or chronic loneliness. Loneliness can be intense and painful.

Vulnerable groups are:

Elderly persons.

Young adults

Single mother

Financial insecure person.

Causes of Loneliness:

There are various causes of loneliness. Some critical factors are:

1. Major life changes include retirement, a change in job, a relationship break-up, a change of school, or starting college.
2. Death of a family member or close friend.
3. Major loss in business.
4. Financial dependency and insecurity.
5. Social isolation.
6. Physical limitation for activities and social activities.
7. Prolonged illness and disability.
8. Introvert
9. Mental diseases like depression, excessive stress, and strain. Poor self-esteem plays a vital role in the development of loneliness.

Family history may be present, and hereditary factors play a vital role in developing loneliness.

Prevention of loneliness:

1. Role of society:

Provide financial support, free medical treatment, and social security. Family, friends, and co-workers must also support high-risk individuals.

2. Role of individual:

It would help if you shared your feelings with your family and co-workers.

Regular exercise, meditation, reading, and yoga are helpful.

Engage in family work, social work, and hobbies to keep yourself busy. Manage your needs and expenditures.

3. Medical advice

Take the advice of medical professionals and social workers. Many therapies are present, and many are evolving daily. Some frequently used medical therapies are Cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and talk therapy.