DEALING WITH LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION Part 1

Researchers pooled the results of previous studies, estimating that loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by around 30%. New York Times, 25^th March 2009 quoted “loneliness leads to poorer physical and mental health”. Similarly, BBC news on January 31^st, 2011 pronounced loneliness as a “hidden killer” of elderly.

Loneliness is a feeling of dejection and gloom as a result of lost of connection with people and purpose.

We are becoming lonelier in a world thought to now be a global village.Loneliness has now become a great subject of discourse. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health. It has now become an important public health concern.

Loneliness may be amplified when someone is alone. But being alone is not loneliness. Over the years people have thought to be alone is associated with loneliness. Truth is, you can be with people and socially connected and still feel lonely.

Sometimes, I set myself apart from people and events to enable me sharpen my focus. Jesus often find time to be alone. Great men do! Bill Gates once wrote that he normally find time to be alone, so he can think properly. If you haven’t started it what are you waiting for. The world is so chocked with activities that will eventually get anyone  lost, clueless and powerless because  you won’t take time to recharge in your privacy.

Loneliness and lack of social connection often attributed to the elderly now shockingly an epidemic among young adults is twice as bad for people’s health as obesity and substance abuse. 

While interacting with people might solve the social isolation problem, it might not resolve the challenge of loneliness. Our growing interactions with technology rather than face to face interaction is thought to make us feel lonelier. 

ASK YOURSELF

1. When do you always feel lonely               2. Where do you always feel lonely           3. Which persons make you feel lonely   4. Which programs or events make you feel lonely                                                          5. Which activities and circumstances make you feel lonely

SIMPLE STEPS TO COME OUT OF LONELINESS

1. Get involve in positive activities that are of interest to you. Church programs, Community services, Volunteer programs.

2. Reconnect with family members. Go on a vacation.

3. Avoid idle and down time. Make every time useful. Keep yourself busy with positive things. You can take a walk. Ride a bike or eat out with some good friend.

4. Make positive friends. Don’t make friends for the sake of avoiding loneliness. The wrong friends could trigger loneliness. Make new but sound friends.

5. Learn something new. This will go a long way to dissipate loneliness.

6. Change environment. You can travel. Get involve in exchange programs . Visit places of recreation.

7. Avoid the people that make you feel lonely. This set of people usually undermine you. They make you feel helpless, hopeless, dejected and gloomy.People with low self-esteem and less self-worth are seen to feel lonelier than their counterparts. 

8. Avoid places that often bring memories that make you feel lonely.

9. Observe times you feel lonely and reset positive activities around such times.

10. Meet a pastor, counselor or a professional therapist.

Thanks for taking out time from your busy schedule to read this article. I hope it was helpful. Please leave a comment.