All by Myself: How to Deal with Feelings of Isolation and Loneliness

We all feel alone from time to time. It’s just part of life. But sometimes feelings of isolation and loneliness can become overwhelming and debilitating. There are many situations that can lead to these feelings. Some examples that might lead to feelings of isolation might include: losing a parent; being the only single person in your group of friends; parenting a child with special needs; being diagnosed with a physical or mental health issue. Just about any situation that makes you feel different from others can lead to feelings of isolation. When going through a life change that is already challenging, feeling isolated or alone can make everything seem even more difficult.

So, what can you do if you feel alone while dealing with a situation that is causing feelings of isolation or loneliness? One of the best ways to counteract these feelings is to talk to others who can understand what you are going through. Talk to friends who have gone through what you are going through. Seek out a local support group, or look for an online support group. Often times, just talking to someone else who has been there can help you feel less alone in your situation. Additionally, you can say what you are really feeling without having to worry about feeling judged by someone who doesn’t understand.

Another way to combat feelings of isolation is to engage in appropriate self-care. Take an afternoon to do something you enjoy. Ask a friend to join you for a cup of coffee. Participate in an exercise class. Learn a new skill that you have always been interested in. Plan a weekend away. Distracting yourself for a few hours won’t take away the situation that is causing you to feel overwhelmed or isolated, but it could help you feel rejuvenated and ready to continue on your journey.

Finally, consider utilizing more “formal” supports, such as counseling services. Working with a therapist is a great way to process feelings about what is going on in our lives, to learn coping skills, and to figure out how to move forward. Group therapy or professional run support groups can also be a great option. (While local self-help/support groups can be a fantastic resource, some people might respond better to a more structured group.)

If you having been dealing with feelings of isolation, but don’t know where to start, a VetAdvisor coach would be more than happy to talk through the challenges you are facing and help you to make an action plan. We are here to support and assist you in finding the resources that work for you. You can reach us by using the phone number or link at the top of the newsletter.