Humans are hardwired to connect. We interact with others to find friends, partners, share a passion about a team or entertainer or simply catch up or have a shoulder to cry on. Even before COVID loneliness was a global issue, governments are now seriously exploring ways to deal with it and the related physical and mental health impacts for individuals.
Feeling lonely is an emotion many of us experience in the course of our lives and it may be brought on by the death of a loved one, a relationship break up or moving to a new school, suburb, state or country. It can best be described as not having fulfilling, meaningful relationships which leave you feeling empty and negative.
The LGBTIQ+ community can be at greater risk of feeling lonely and isolated due to exposure to higher levels of stigma, bullying, verbal and physical abuse, and discrimination which can lead to self-isolation and withdrawal from day-to-day activities. Any sense of loss from community, family, and friend connections not only leads to loneliness which can have mental health impacts.
Loneliness is not something you have to live with; support and some simple techniques can start a journey to new connections and freedom.
Some Tips for combatting Loneliness:
- Look up old friends and catch up for a coffee. Face to face interaction is proven to help with overcoming loneliness.
- Practice gratitude everyday.
- Regular Physical movement & Exercise
- Create a sleep routine – between 8 to 10 hours a night.
- Join a support group or volunteer group
- Be Creative, learn something new.
Some familiar feeling or experiences of Loneliness:
- Feeling tired and or unmotivated
- Lack of companionship
- Feelings of being left out
- Feeling socially isolated
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Sleep changes – insomnia/fatigue
- Physical symptoms – increased blood pressure, headaches, muscle pains, stomach pains, weakened immune system
- Feeling helpless
- Increased use of drugs and or alcohol