Loneliness—the mind becomes deeply empty. The heart says one thing, the mind suggests another. The mind becomes even more lonely, caught in a dilemma between the two.
Loneliness: Introduction
Even though Rabindranath Tagore said, “Ekla Chalo Re,” can we walk alone?
Can we survive living in a secluded place?
How can we express our feelings, our worries, our celebrations, and our sorrows when no one is there with us?
Loneliness: Table of Contents
- What data testifies to Loneliness?
- What is Loneliness?
- Common Perceptions
- Enigmatic Issue of Mental Health
- Root Cause
- Loneliness: Where are solutions?
- Loneliness: FOMO, JOMO, and what’s new?
- Loneliness: Redoing life goals is inevitable.
- What data testifies to loneliness?
According to a survey encompassing 142 countries, approximately 24% of individuals aged 15 and older reported feeling very lonely or fairly lonely. In the demographic of young adults aged 18-24, the loneliness rate rises alarmingly, with 59% acknowledging its negative effects on their overall well-being.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/646718/people-worldwide-feel-lonely-lot.aspx
A 2023 Gallup survey highlighted that over 23% of respondents felt lonely “a lot of the day” just the day before the survey, emphasizing how common these feelings have become.
In a time when about 13% of the world population is struggling to find a purpose, facing acute mental illness, and though we all acknowledge the severity of cognitive problems, we are all facing a phase in our lives when we face acute loneliness.
- What is Loneliness?
Humans are social animals. When these social bonds are reduced, or the person is cut off for some reason, that time is referred to as loneliness. It is a very stressful and depressing time, and the person starts to feel very low self-esteem.
Loneliness: Common Perceptions
Loneliness is deadly; without a doubt, it destroys our sense of being human, of being connected, of being there for one another, of supporting each other.
Loneliness is eroding our sense of humanity, diminishing our ability to connect, and undermining the support we offer to one another. It strips away the warmth of relationships and the comfort of shared experiences, leaving us isolated in a world that thrives on connection.
Mental health – World Health Organization (WHO)
Enigmatic Issue of Mental Health
Loneliness creates a profound emptiness within the soul. In these quiet moments, the heart expresses a deep yearning for connection and understanding, while the mind, with its constant chatter and logical reasoning, suggests paths of isolation and self-doubt.
This internal struggle intensifies the feeling of loneliness, as the mind becomes ensnared in a web of conflicting emotions, torn between the craving for companionship and the fear of vulnerability.
Each day becomes a battle, where the heart longs for warmth and friendship, yet the mind argues for solitude, leaving one caught in a painful dilemma between desire and doubt.
Loneliness envelops us, resulting in endless nights where sleep eludes us, leaving our minds racing with unspoken worries and heartaches. Each day carries the weight of a heavy melancholy, as we navigate through moments filled with silence and the stark absence of connection.
Loneliness is a deeply unsettling emotional experience triggered by a lack of meaningful social interaction. It fosters profound feelings of sadness and emptiness, creating an overwhelming sense of being unwanted or disconnected, even when surrounded by others. This paradox can amplify feelings of isolation, as one yearns for genuine connections that seem just out of reach.
This internal struggle can manifest physically in several ways, such as a heavy or numb sensation in the chest, which may feel like a weight pressing down on the chest.
You might also experience a sensation similar to a clogged throat, making it difficult to swallow or express yourself.
Additionally, this distress can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or restless nights, and may cause a diminished appetite, making food seem unappealing.
This phenomenon, often referred to as “social pain,” serves as a crucial signal indicating that your fundamental need for social connection is not being adequately addressed.
As a result, you may find yourself yearning for more friendships or feeling increasingly isolated and misunderstood by those around you.
Root Cause
Today, you may be surrounded by people and enjoying a very smooth social life, but look around carefully; you will find many people who are behaving completely differently due to some kind of stress inside; they are either completely silent or are reacting peculiarly. If you are in the first category, you are blessed; otherwise, believe me, your folks are suffering from some mental issues.
The sad thing is that those who pretend to be each other are often far more suspicious than they actually are. Some of them are motivated by petty self-interest, or perhaps by a sense of dominance over others. When life doesn’t give them the day they want, they become even more skeptical.
Some of these are way too controlling, while a few of them are very egoistic and self-centred; they can’t even see beyond their interests.
As a result, those who cannot tolerate such arrogant and unwanted behavior ultimately choose the path of loneliness.
Loneliness: Where are solutions?
First of all, always remind yourself that you are the flag bearer of your existence, and no one will do this for you. Therefore, be so strong that nothing detrimental can deter your willpower and mental strength.
Life is sometimes too short to take everything to heart, and sometimes too long to remember the bad behavior of others. If you are easily affected by any wrong treatment by others, then you are emotionally fragile. To combat wrong, you don’t need to be on the same wavelength; you have to be firm with what you believe.
Talk with those who matter to you, and vice versa.
Healing is not always easy 😔
HEALING | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary
The key to the healing process is in your own hands. The moment you realize this, nothing can stop you from moving from the solitary phase to the social phase.
Once you learn to stand for yourself, no one can stop you from getting healed, no matter what others try to put you back in your cubicle.
Prioritizing yourself, setting realistic goals to comfort you, working on your emotional needs, and connecting with those who truly care for you are a few steps that can help you ward off loneliness from taking a permanent hold on your mind.
Loneliness: FOMO, JOMO, and what’s new?
Loneliness, emptiness, or feeling left out – the more you want to get your life back on track after a low-key phase, the more patiently you have to work for this without again disturbing the harmonious note of the life journey.
Unlike FOMO (Fear of missing out), you have to comfort yourself and turn any depressing moment into JOMO (Joy of missing out).
JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out | Psychology Today
It is as if you are both the driver and the passenger of your life’s vehicle, so you must decide how to drive it. Whether you feel disconnected cognitively or embrace life challenges, the choice is all yours.
How to Deal With FOMO in Your Life – Verywell Mind
Loneliness: Redoing life goals is inevitable.
Physical illness can be treated with medication, financial problems can be solved with more effort, but emotional damage is sometimes so severe that it takes an unimaginable amount of time to heal.
Rebuilding an existing structure is far difficult than erecting a new one; this applies to our lives too.
Learn to love yourself, and be loved again, live where you are welcomed, and don’t bother with petty, slick people who always and in any case have nothing to do with your well-being.
Conclusion
It takes time to write thoughtfully on such topics for the invaluable readers who are always seeking different kinds of emotional support for their mental health.
Starting from the acceptance of your solitude, instead of feeling choked with low-esteem emotions, you must gather your strength, willpower, and courage to make this possible for you and for your loved ones, who are always there to support you at the slightest deviation.
CALL TO ACTION
Loneliness is not new to us, and at some stage of life, all of us have gone through acute loneliness. If this article resonates with your instincts, please share your story or thoughts in the comment section- maybe someone else is struggling to find a purpose in life, and it can help them in some way.
Genuine articles for genuine readers.
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Loneliness: Understanding, Facing, and Overcoming It
Loneliness is more than isolation—it’s a deeply felt void that touches every aspect of our lives. Let’s delve into its layers, confront its effects, and find paths toward connection and growth.
What Is Loneliness?
Loneliness is a subjective emotional state, distinguished from being alone. While solitude can be restful, loneliness is an unwanted feeling of lacking connection and meaning.
The Different Faces of Loneliness
It can be emotional or social, chronic or acute, and influenced by age, culture, and individual experiences.
Why Do We Feel Lonely?
Major life changes, loss, technological growth, and societal shifts contribute to the growing prevalence of loneliness.
The Emotional Experience of Loneliness
“Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better.” – Henry Rollins
Feelings of emptiness, invisibility, and yearning can overwhelm even in a crowd. Personal stories bring these emotions to life.
Loneliness and Health: Mind & Body
Extended loneliness affects mental and physical health, increasing risk for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and other conditions.
Root-Cause
Technology connects us digitally, but can deepen real-life isolation. Urban living and post-pandemic changes have transformed the way we experience loneliness.
How to Address and Overcome Loneliness
- Practice mindful self-reflection
- Join interest-based groups
- Volunteer or help others
- Seek therapy if needed
Creative Responses to Loneliness
Many turn to writing, art, or music. Creativity transforms loneliness into meaningful self-expression.
Building Meaningful Connections
Deep bonds grow through shared vulnerability and empathy. Nurture relationships with openness and care.
Acceptance: Making Peace with Loneliness
Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up—it is seeing value in solitude, embracing mindful living, and fostering hope for connection.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Loneliness is universal, but not insurmountable. Share your own reflections below to help build a supportive community.