Feeling lonely? You’re not alone

Have you ever felt lonely? Are you feeling lonely now? Loneliness hurts and can be very distressing. It may come and go, triggered by certain life events, and for some people it may even become a long-term condition. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health and wellbeing.

Some facts to know about loneliness – you are not alone!

• More than two in ten adults in the United States (22%) and the United Kingdom (23%) say they always or often feel lonely, lack companionship, or feel left out or isolated.
• If you have been feeling lonely for a while, the first step is to recognize and identify it, even if it’s just to yourself. Say it out loud – this will help you understand that something needs to change.
• We all have a different experience of loneliness and different reasons for why we feel this way. It is important to understand the physical and mental effects that loneliness has on your life.
• There is no one way to effectively deal with loneliness, but there are lots of different things that can, and do, help.
• Some people find that reaching out to connect with others is the best way to deal with their loneliness, while others prefer to deal with their loneliness alone.

I feel lonely what can I do?

Below are some strategies to help you deal with your feelings of loneliness.

• Try to reach out to your friends and family, call them on the phone or contact them through social media. You may be surprised at the support you can get from such interactions.
• Expect the best. Lonely people often expect rejection, so instead, focus on positive thoughts and attitudes in your social relationships.
• Identify activities and hobbies you enjoy and make them part of your daily routine. Take on a project that keeps your hands busy and focuses your mind.
• Volunteer – the skills or interests you’ve developed over the years are an asset! Not only will you be valued, you will also meet new people.
• It’s good to talk. Access to talking therapies can be obtained from your GP, community support organizations, and Dario coaches.

Tips for managing loneliness:

• Plan your week so you do something you enjoy like going outside for a walk, gardening, or listening to music.
• If you enjoy reading, join a local library or book club, these are great ways to connect and meet people with a common interest.
• Focus your thoughts on the good things in your life to help you create a more positive atmosphere.
• Look after yourself by making sure you eat healthy, you are active and you sleep well.

Remember, if you are feeling lonely and want some advice and support, your Dario coach is just a call away.