Solitude – an Unpleasant Condition

  A common definition of loneliness is that it is “an acknowledged gap between the quality of interpersonal relationships a person perceives himself as having the quality of relationships he or she wants.”  Research has shown that the quality of social relations is an important indicator of well-being of a person to load.  For example, some people feel lonely despite a lower target amount of social contact with others.  Similarly, a person suffering from loneliness despite high levels of the target for social interaction.  In other words, loneliness and lack of subjective satisfaction with social relationships is often accompanied by symptoms of mental distress.

Feelings of loneliness were associated with more problematic consequences.  Some feelings are associated with loneliness, sadness, boredom and alienation.  The experience of loneliness was also found to be related to depression and suicide in extreme cases, and suicidal thoughts.  The researchers found that interpersonal isolation as a result of loneliness can lead people to attempt suicide.

Loneliness is a feeling that is characterized by poor social relationships with peers.  This can lead to feelings of self-esteem damaged.  Another important psychological symptoms associated with loneliness is fear.  Loneliness is associated with separation anxiety disorder caused by clipping the important connection with another person.

Loneliness is not just psychological, but it was shown that the risk to health.  Several animal studies have shown negative health consequences of loneliness.  These include lifetime reduction of fruit fly increased risk of developing diabetes in mice.  The research also showed that adverse effects in humans.  People who experience loneliness can develop cardiovascular disease, obesity and a weakened immune system.

But to put people with feelings of loneliness in a group setting is not the solution, because it is believed to be one that has negative consequences for mental and physical health.  Carnegie Mellon University professor Sarah D. Pressman (and colleagues) found that loneliness was a better predictor of sleep disorders, depression and psychological distress are more important than what is really isolated.  For those who felt alone, stress factors are more likely to affect their health and the effects become more severe.

Some ways to cope with loneliness is to try to connect with local communities and strengthen existing relationships.  Major resources include be an interesting class or volunteer.  If you are shy with people, but animals love volunteering at an animal shelter and when you feel ready to come there will be other volunteers who share their interest in animal welfare.  This provides a basis for conversation and even a connection.  Also make a plan of action to take steps too small to be significant in social situations.  You can also talk to one of our consultants mylifeassistant.com here for more adaptive strategies.