Loneliness happens when the person is or feels alone, which leads to a negative feeling and a feeling of emptiness. To combat this situation, it is important for people to accept that they are not on the right track, and to observe what measures and attitudes can be made to change this moment of life.
In addition, it is important to adopt a positive attitude and then to have habits that allow people to approach, such as attending courses or groups where there are conversations, sports or activities with which you have an affinity. Some actions that can be taken are:
1. Accept that something needs to change
If there is a feeling of loneliness, either because of a lack of friends, or because of the lack of rapprochement with people around, it is important to assume that the situation is not adequate and try to find out what may be off the axis.
A good exercise is to write down on a sheet of paper the reasons why you think you are alone, such as being a shy person, having difficulty interacting, or friends walking away and then writing what could be done to solve each situation.
Therefore, it should be borne in mind that the first step to correct that something is not right is to assume and accept that the problem exists to then seek alternatives, thus avoiding the role of victim.
2. Do not give in to the past and the sorrows
Several events may have influenced the current moment of solitude, however, there is no use living in the past if the present is available to take a step forward. A new posture must be assumed, and it must allow itself to create new possibilities and possibilities to live for the present and the future, not for what has passed.
3. Be a positive person
Let go of the negative image of yourself and your circumstances, and begin to have a lighter attitude with less criticism and blame. Always waiting for rejection will only keep you away from people, so always expect the best from people and situations.
In addition, to overcome loneliness, it is important to improve self-esteem, allowing for greater self-confidence.
4. Do not isolate yourself
Try to talk more to people or, if this is difficult, be open to the conversation, holding a smile and a look forward, rather than looking down or with your arms crossed. So let yourself make new friends, but this will only be possible by having the attitude of going out for a walk or talking to new people.
Another good way to make friends is by joining social networking groups that have a common interest. But, one must be careful not to get involved with wrong people, because making bad friends can be even worse, and bring negative consequences to your life.
5. Find a hobbie
Discover a hobby or activity you're interested in, which is a great way to meet or get close to people. There are community service options or groups of weekly meetings that can be contacted at the nearest family health clinic. Other options are to practice some group sports, or join a reading group, for example.
In addition, there are activities that help you have more self-awareness and understanding of feelings, such as medication and yoga, for example, which helps you better understand your own limits and abilities, and achieve better self-control.
6. Enroll in a course
Look for new activities and give a new meaning to life, acquiring new knowledge, and, moreover, guaranteeing a new circle of possible friends. So, search for courses you would like to do, such as a new language, a professional improvement or a hobby, such as an instrument or gardening, for example.
7. Seek the help of a professional
A psychologist or psychotherapist are excellent allies to find ways to overcome the barriers that cause loneliness, as well as help overcome negative feelings. If the feeling of loneliness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as sadness, loss of appetite, and changes in appetite, for example, it is important to consult with a psychiatrist to investigate other causes of negative symptoms, such as depression.
How to avoid loneliness in old age
The loneliness of the elderly may be more difficult to avoid, because in this period of life the circle of friendships tends to reduce, since the children may be far from home, there is the loss of family members, the companion or companion, besides the limitations caused by difficulties to do activities and to leave the house.
Thus, it is very important to adopt measures to avoid loneliness in the elderly, as they can have negative consequences for health and facilitate the development of diseases, such as depression. Learn more about the consequences of loneliness.
To combat the feeling of loneliness in the elderly, it is recommended:
- To practice physical activity, which helps to improve the disposition and the well-being;
- Propose periodic meetings with family members, such as a lunch every 15 days, for example;
- Volunteering, which in addition to improving social interaction, can use the skills of sewing or caring for plants, for example;
- Enroll in a course, which can help make friends, in addition to occupying the mind and giving a new meaning to life;
- Learning new activities such as using the computer and the internet can allow the elderly to be more connected to other people and to new things;
- Adopting a pet can help brighten the day-to-day life and motivate the person.
It is also important for the elderly to follow up with their family doctor or geriatrician for the correct treatment or early identification of health changes to ensure more years of life, strength and disposition.
