I Feel Lonely: 10 Therapist-Approved Ways To Combat Loneliness

More than half of people report feeling lonely, which seems almost silly on the surface. If half of all people are lonely, shouldn’t they be able to find company among each other? If only it were that simple. Bridging the gap and finding ways to unite people who are struggling can be a bit challenging. 

These therapist-approved strategies can be rewarding and productive for people who struggle with loneliness, and the social environment created by Hero Journey Club can be an excellent place to explore these strategies and start to overcome loneliness.

What Is Loneliness?

Loneliness is a feeling of isolation. People who describe themselves as lonely often experience this sense of isolation and disconnection from other people. 

This disconnection can be a physical disconnection, like moving to a new town and struggling to make new friends without family nearby. You would be objectively lonely if you started over alone in a new town.

Loneliness is usually a subjective feeling however. You can feel lonely or disconnected from others even if you spend time with loved ones, family members, close friends, or coworkers. Loneliness can come from the inability to make a connection or feel understood, even if there are plenty of people around you. 

How you respond to your situation coincides with the reality of your situation to create a feeling of loneliness. Loneliness can be a combination of the quality of the company you keep and the way you’re equipped to interact with that company. 

How Can Loneliness Affect Your Mental Health?

Chronic loneliness can have long-term devastating effects on your overall mental health. People who live with long-term feelings of loneliness can experience some or all of the following symptoms as a result of their mental health condition.

• Depression and Anxiety: Social interaction can have a soothing, elevating, calming effect. Humans are social creatures, and we’re meant to enjoy each other’s company. People with persistent feelings of loneliness may feel “othered” or disconnected. Social anxiety can sometimes contribute to the causes of loneliness.
  

• Increased Stress: You’ve probably heard the expression “keeping things bottled up.” Letting it out is important for more than just venting. You want to talk about the good things, too. Socialization is an important way to process information. If you don’t connect with or speak with anyone, you may experience increased stress.
  

• Cognitive Decline: Processing information through socialization helps to keep your brain organized. You may find your brain gets a little disorganized when you’re lonely, especially if you don’t journal or utilize creative outlets. This can lead to cognitive decline, where your thinking becomes less clear, and your thoughts don’t flow easily.
  

• Sleep Disorders: Human touch has a naturally pacifying effect. It releases soothing endorphins that help the body to relax. Although a handshake or a friendly hug isn’t the same as significant physical intimacy, even platonic contact soothes the central nervous system. Some people find they have trouble sleeping when they aren’t experiencing the soothing effects of physical contact.
  

• Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: Any mental health disorder can increase your risk for substance abuse. Substance abuse is a form of self-medicating that does more harm than good. If you or someone you know may be experiencing issues with substance abuse, help is available.
  

• Suicidal Thoughts: Suicidal thoughts sometimes stem from prolonged mental health issues. If you’re dealing with dark or intrusive thoughts, contact the helpline right away. You’re worth it. 

These feelings often creep up. You may feel lonely, but you may not be experiencing significant effects. You can take a proactive approach to prevent loneliness from taking a significant toll on your overall well being.

10 Therapist-Approved Techniques To Address Loneliness

Loneliness is a common feeling, and many therapists are well-versed in helping people remedy feelings of loneliness. There are many approaches you can take to help restore your connection to the world around you and make it a little easier to reach out, live in the moment, and form meaningful bonds.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapist-led exercise used to retrain your thoughts and behavioral patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy encourages you to recognize the patterns of your thoughts and feelings and lead them to a more productive conclusion or perception. 

2. Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are free, easy, and quick tools many use to help them through stressful moments. Some people use aromatherapy tools or special music to help them through a 10 to 15-minute mindfulness break, but you can just as easily meditate in complete silence. 

The act of mindfulness meditation involves removing distractions from your environment, recognizing your thoughts and feelings, and allowing them to pass. Rather than lingering on negative emotions, you simply acknowledge them briefly and allow them to float away. Encouraging these feelings to pass can prevent you from feeling trapped in a negative mood all day. 

3. Physical Activity

Exercise is imperative for your physical health and can be just as useful for your mental health. Exercise releases many of the same endorphins that are released through physical human contact. 

These endorphins can create a mild euphoria that will boost your mood and even promote better sleep. As an added bonus, many people report feeling better emotionally and experiencing increased confidence when they prioritize their physical health. 

4. Joining Social Groups or Clubs

Write yourself a social prescription. Talking to other people or spending time with like-minded individuals is the easiest (and perhaps the most obvious) way to combat loneliness. With a growing number of social clubs and meetup apps, it’s easier than ever to make social connections with just a few clicks. 

That’s why groups like Hero Journey Club exist. Even if you’re only in the mood for an online gaming session with your friends, you’re still spending time with people. Mic up and complete some quests together. 

5. Volunteering

Volunteering opportunities often give people an increased sense of purpose. Volunteers regularly interact with other people while providing measurable value to their lives. 

Meetups with people who share your passion for making the world a better place can encourage peace of mind that your efforts are meaningful. Animal shelters, soup kitchens, and museums are always looking for helping hands. 

6. Keeping a Regular Schedule

Keeping a regular schedule will give you a greater sense of accomplishment and less idle alone time. When each day is somewhat predictable, you’ll feel more stability. Including regularly scheduled social interactions on your calendar can help to combat loneliness directly. 

Join a local disc golf or pinball league. Take a weekly yoga class or have a weekly online gaming session with Hero Journey. You’ll always have a social event to look forward to.

You can also try changing up your routine. Instead of having your coffee alone in the kitchen, try drinking it in a coffee shop. Even if you don’t intend to meet people, simply being around others can be enough to minimize feelings of social isolation. 

7. Learning a New Skill or Hobby

Learning a new skill or hobby shifts your mind to a productive task and may enhance your social life. Many people find learning new hobbies or skills to be therapeutic. 

One of the best things about learning new skills or hobbies is the sense of community that often comes with them. Taking classes, attending groups, joining a book club, or going to conventions will provide you with plenty of people whose company you can enjoy.

8. Getting a Pet

It’s hard to feel alone when you have a cat or a dog to spend your time with. The companionship we get from animals is very similar to the companionship we get from other humans. Shelters are full of animals seeking their forever home. They don’t want to feel lonely, either. They’re just as eager to form a meaningful friendship with you.

9. Online Therapy or Support Groups

Online therapy and support groups are excellent tools for people who experience loneliness but aren’t necessarily in a place to venture outside of their homes and speak in person with strangers. Online therapeutic assistance can bridge the gap between loneliness and a vast sense of community, giving you the tools and support you need to acclimate to a world full of people you’ve yet to meet. 

10. Self-Care Practices

Self-care practices help you connect with yourself. One of the most meaningful relationships you’ll build in your life is your relationship with who you are. 

Learning to love and accept yourself through acts of compassion and care can help you bolster your self-image and increase the value you perceive within yourself. When you love yourself, you’re less likely to feel lonely when you’re alone.

How Does Hero Journey Club Support Individuals Experiencing Loneliness?

Hero Journey Club provides online gaming sessions led by mental health experts. We foster a positive social environment for people who feel lonely, people who live with depression, and people who would benefit from a strong social support system. 

By focusing on group gaming tasks, a lot of social pressure is lifted. Everyone begins the session unified by a common goal. 

Conversation can flow easily, and there’s nothing to feel awkward about. Hero Journey Club can also provide referrals to healthcare specialists who can provide direct therapeutic, psychological, and diagnostic assistance to people who want to take the next step in reclaiming their inner peace. 

Our research shows that the overwhelming majority of Hero Journey Club participants report feeling better, socially fulfilled, and less anxious than they were before they enjoyed therapeutic gaming with their social support group. It’s an easy and proven way to transition into a supportive community and combat loneliness.

Finding Your Tribe: The Power of Connection in Combating Loneliness

Loneliness can affect everyone differently, but the underlying message is the same: loneliness is not powerlessness. There are plenty of ways to take control of your feelings of loneliness and turn them into productive experiences that foster growth and a greater sense of community. Prioritizing your wellness and reaching out to people who understand how you feel are just the beginning of the process. 

Hero Journey Club was created to be the perfect environment for people who deal with feelings of loneliness. Gaming with a group of good friends under the guidance of a mental health professional can be the perfect remedy, especially if you follow through with specialized care to address the root cause of your feelings. Join  Hero Journey Club to get the process started. 

Sources: 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? | American Psychiatric Association

Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms | Mayo Clinic