Everyone in one moment of their life at a party, a
familiar meeting, being with friends, or on a dinner, have felt that are left
over. Maybe you think that you are weird or like some people said today “loser”
because of that feeling, let me tell you its completely normal.
A few days ago I kept thinking I had some problem or
something like that, when I was with my friends I always felt that I was left
over and I keep myself apart listening music, watching the floor and thinking
and how I feel in that moment, and I always get at the conclusion that I was a
boring person and because of that people were with me for pity or convenience.
Nobody ever tell me otherwise so I kept with that ideas.
In my birthday parties, look at that, in my
birthday, all the years, I finished on a corner reading, watching a movie on
the living room or playing some game alone until it was time for cake and
locked myself back in my world. I was on my cellphone when I look a notice that
said loneliness, was completely normal on people of all the ages, children,
teenagers, adults and seniors. But it said it causes a lot of sickness or contributing
factors to loneliness that include situational variables, such as physical
isolation, moving to a new location, and divorce. The death of someone
significant in a person's life can also lead to feelings of loneliness. It can
be a symptom of a psychological disorder such as depression.
Loneliness can also be attributed to internal
factors such as low self-esteem. People who lack confidence in themselves often
believe that they are unworthy of the attention or regard of other people. This
can lead to isolation and chronic loneliness.
Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health, including
· Depression and suicide
· Cardiovascular disease and stroke
· Increased stress levels
· Decreased memory and learning
· Antisocial behavior
· Poor decision-making
· Alcoholism and drug abuse
· The progression of Alzheimer's disease
· Altered brain function
These are not the only
areas in which loneliness takes its toll.
Lonely adults get less
exercise than those who are not lonely. Their diet is higher in fat, their
sleep is less efficient, and they report more daytime fatigue. Loneliness also
disrupts the regulation of cellular processes deep within the body,
predisposing us to premature aging.
Within the body,
predisposing us to premature aging.
Researchers have found
that low levels of loneliness are associated with marriage, higher incomes, and
higher educational status. High levels of loneliness are associated with
physical health symptoms, living alone, small social networks, and low-quality
social relationships.
It said that having close
friends can help combat loneliness
Researchers also
suggest that loneliness is becoming more common in the United States. Since
1985, the number of people in the U.S. with no close friends has tripled. The
rise of the internet and ironically, social media, are partially to blame.
Experts
believe that it is not the quantity of social interaction that combats
loneliness, but it's the quality. Having just three or four close friends is
enough to ward off loneliness and reduce the negative health consequences
associated with this state of mind.
One study suggests that
loneliness may actually be contagious. In a ten-year study, researchers
examined how loneliness spreads in social networks. The results indicated that
people close to someone experiencing loneliness were 52% more likely to become
lonely as well.
Tips
to Prevent and Overcome Loneliness
Loneliness can be
overcome. It does require a conscious effort on your part to make a change.
Making a change, in the long run, can make you happier, healthier, and enable
you to impact others around you in a positive way.
Here are some ways to
prevent loneliness:
Recognize that
loneliness is a sign that something needs to change.
Understand the effects
that loneliness has on your life, both physically and mentally.
Consider doing
community service or another activity that you enjoy. These situations present
great opportunities to meet people and cultivate new friendships and social
interactions.
Focus on developing
quality relationships with people who share similar attitudes, interests, and
values with you.
Expect the best. Lonely
people often expect rejection, so instead focus on positive thoughts and
attitudes in your social relationships.
Types
of Loneliness
If you’re feeling
lonely, chances are you are actually not alone in that feeling. In fact,
loneliness is so common that researchers have classified the feeling into three
main categories:
Situational
Loneliness— maybe you started a new school, moved
away from your friends and family, or just have a new schedule that is making
it hard for you to connect with the people and places that used to fill your
life. Situational loneliness occurs when there are changes in your life that
cause you to feel isolated. Thankfully, this loneliness often gets better with
time as you adapt to your new normal.
Developmental
Loneliness— it feels like everyone else is moving and shaking
without you: acing tests, getting promotions, or starting families. Sometimes,
this feeling of being behind—of feeling like everyone is moving on and
excelling without you—can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Internal
Loneliness— you’re out with your friends hitting up your
favorite pizza joint. Instead of feeling surrounded by the people you love, you
can’t shake the feeling of being totally and utterly alone. Sometimes, people
feel lonely when they are actually hardly alone at all. Internal loneliness
comes from a perception of being alone in any and every situation.
Researchers claim that
the U.S. is experiencing a "loneliness epidemic." In a 2018 survey,
conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), experts discovered that about
22% of Americans say they constantly feel alone. Such prolonged feelings of
isolation can come with serious health problems, both mental and physical.
Feelings of isolation are often associated with depression, anxiety, and
suicidal thoughts. Doctors have also found that people who are lonely tend to
have increased blood pressure, weaker immune systems, and more inflammation
throughout the body.