"Loneliness seems to be such a painful, frightening experience that people will do practically everything to avoid it". Fromm-Reichmann
Loneliness is a common and very subjective human experience. Most people will be faced with it at some point in their lives. Experiencing loneliness over a long period of time can be hard to bear and tolerate, particularly when one's resources, skills and confidence are minimal. The chronicity of this experience can be further isolating and make one feel helpless.
Loneliness can be experienced in different ways. On the one hand it is lacking social connections with others and on the other hand one can feel lonely in an intimate relationship, a close friendship or even being part of a large family
People avoid feeling lonely and create ways to comfort themselves.
Some examples of these are keeping busy, using substances, avoiding social events or people or simply withdrawing.
What gets in the way of feeling connected and experiencing connection with others?
Needs are not met by past and current relationships
Sometimes a known or even unknown yearning for something/someone
Low self-esteem and self consciousness
Afraid of being seen for who you genuinely are
Depression/Anxiety
Trauma/Past abuse
Worried about what others think of you
Difficulties communicating
Being misunderstood by others
Overwhelmed by emotions internally and inter-relationally.
Understanding why you're lonely, creates opportunities to know yourself and your relationships in deeper and more meaningful ways. To get a better understanding, book an appointment today at Counsel@CrossCulture 9639 3875
"Know Thyself" Socrates
article written by Tess Tokatlidis, Somatic Psychotherapist
