Loneliness and being alone are two very different things. You can be alone and feel content and peaceful. You can also be surrounded by people and feel lonely. Everyone's feelings are different and this applies to loneliness too. Whilst loneliness is not a mental illness, it can lead to or be caused by feeling lonely.
During the pandemic, feelings of loneliness have increased amongst all age groups. According to a recent survey, 1 in 4 adults said that they had felt lonely within the previous 2 weeks. As a result of the restrictions, many people have been isolated from family and friends and their usual routines. As well as experiencing bereavement, illness and other life-changing events, without the usual support systems available to them. This has led to feelings of loneliness, confusion and stress - it is important to remember that you are not alone.
Here are some tips if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness...
When you experience feelings of loneliness, it can be difficult to know where to turn. The important thing to remember is that you can go at your own pace. You don't have to say 'yes' to every social engagement or force yourself into situations where you feel uncomfortable. Take small steps and set manageable goals or targets for yourself. It may be useful to keep a diary so that you can keep track of your thoughts and feelings.
Sometimes loneliness occurs because we don't feel close to others or we don't feel that we have a good support network. Talking to those closest to you is a good way to take that first step to tell others how you feel. Opening up to a friend or family member about the feelings you are experiencing may help you to feel less lonely.
If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone close, you could try and find somebody else with similar experiences or who might be able to relate. There are loneliness helplines available for this purpose.
If you feel lonely, it can be difficult to see a way out. However, there are many initiatives to help people overcome feelings of loneliness. You can try and find a new hobby, take up a new class or join a support group where there are others who experience similar feelings to you.
NW Counselling Hub has launched a new group The Anti Loneliness Alliance (TALA). This group provides support through befriending and group activities. Allowing you to connect and create meaningful relationships with others.
We all compare ourselves to others from time to time, but as the old saying goes 'Comparison is the thief of joy'. Comparing yourself to others can impact your self-esteem and confidence which can increase your feelings of loneliness.
It is important to remember that what you see on the outside and on social media is not always a true representation.
Eating well, getting some exercise, sleeping well and spending some time in nature are things that we can all do to ensure we are looking after our well-being. However, they are often overlooked when people are feeling down or lonely. Looking after yourself is a simple way to help you feel a little better.
You could also try spending time with animals. This is a great way to enjoy time outdoors, possibly around other people and to enjoy nature.
These are just some of the ways that you can help to reduce feelings of loneliness. However, it is important that if you are feeling lonely most of the time, remember you are not alone! You can speak to a professional, whether that is online, over the phone or by seeking counselling. Counselling can help you to understand your feelings of loneliness and help you work towards overcoming them.
Learn more about our counselling services or email admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk for more information about TALA - The Anti Loneliness Alliance group.
RECENT POSTS
I don’t think I could recommend NWCH enough! My counsellor is great, I feel understood and hopeful and never judged. Thank you!
Young person Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
My son is opening up to Wayne about all aspects of losing his Dad - happy memories and the painful truth that he won’t be coming back. Wayne has taught him to acknowledge the pain but also remember the many happy times. The counselling he has had with Wayne has been invaluable.
Mum of her young son Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
Coming in for couples counselling, we were both nervous about how the session would work having not done anything like this before.
He listened to each of us and made it feel very light-hearted and easy. We were able to share our feelings and thoughts and Ian gently guided us to explain our views to help us see each other’s views and gave us things to think about for next week.
Couple Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
Personally, I was a very sceptical individual and initially attended as a good Will gesture to my family who had encouraged me to do so……. that being said I found myself to be able to talk to (let’s be honest, a stranger) about my life and its difficulties in an open and comfortable fashion……. don’t get me wrong I’m no soft touch! But I found it genuinely comforting to be able to do so! …. it makes me ask and look for answers from myself ….. rather than someone with a title telling me what’s wrong……,
Adult Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
The match of counsellor has meant my husband looks forward to his sessions & already is feeling happier & we as a family are seeing a difference. It is detail like this that makes asking for help via the NW Counselling Hub stand out – plus the reassurance all counsellors are qualified.
We cannot recommend the NW Counselling Hub enough and thank them for all they are doing for our family.
Adult Accessing NWCH Counselling Service
“We want to support our team when ‘life happens’. We asked NWCH to be our ‘go to’ support service for counselling and emotional support to help members of our team, if they need it, get them through some difficult personal issues such as bereavement and anxiety. The team at the hub are incredibly supportive and have provided a lifeline to our team”
Lincoln Employer referring employees to NWCH Counselling Service.
“NWCH have been providing counselling services to our employees for a few years now and I can honestly say that they have made a significant difference to many of their lives.
We are a company that believes in investing in our staff, and it is great to see when that investment is so profound and has such a positive impact, especially when it comes to people’s wellbeing.
Thank you NWCH, for enabling us to offer our teams such fantastic support and help to feel better when they face challenging times.”
HR Manager at Micronclean Ltd
OFFICE
CONTACT INFO