Coping with Loneliness: It May Not Be What you Think-from a Bethesda Anxiety Therapist

by | Jun 8, 2022 | Anxiety

Loneliness-Bethesda-Anxiety-Therapist

If you have been experiencing feelings of loneliness, know that you are not alone. In fact, this is one of the many reasons our clients seek therapy in Bethesda.

Since the start of the pandemic, social isolation has only increased, and for those with anxiety, it has created a vicious cycle of feeling lonely, experiencing anxiety, and that can result in further isolation.

You see, loneliness is the feeling of being alone, no matter the amount of social contact. Social isolation is the actual lack of social connections. Our Bethesda Anxiety Therapists see many clients in which social isolation can lead to loneliness in some people, while others can feel lonely without actually being socially isolated.

Coping with feeling lonely

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to interventions for loneliness, and that is because there is no single cause of feeling lonely. In fact, as Bethesda Anxiety Therapists, we may need to address the thoughts underlying the feelings of loneliness, as opposed to simply focusing on taking action to create more social contact.

Here are 3 ways to Cope with Loneliness, and it may not be what you think.

  1. Get a really good understanding of what triggers your feelings of loneliness. This is where support from one of our Bethesda Anxiety Therapists can come in. A trigger could be a memory from previous relationships, negative or self-critical thoughts, or even losing the connection with your inner self.
  1. Learn how to enjoy your own company. Make a date with yourself, start a new hobby, and create a self-care routine you feel good about. Finding healthy ways to be alone is actually good for your mental health and can help combat loneliness.
  1. Reach out to family and friends, or seek new relationships. It may seem that everyone in your life is too busy and has other things going on, but chances are, others may be feeling lonely too. Reach out. Send a text or make a phone call. Even if the first person you contact isn’t available, try someone else. It also could be time to open up to form new relationships. Consider some of your own interests and passions and seek new friendships in those circles. Check out some virtual social groups, a local college community class, or even volunteer. These can all be great ways to connect with others and seek new relationships.

If you would like more support or learn more about ways to cope with loneliness, please contact one of our Bethesda Therapists today.