Coping with Loneliness
What is Loneliness?
Loneliness is an emotion that comes from a lack of social connection. Find resources below for people experiencing loneliness.
What You May Be Experiencing
Loneliness is an emotion that comes from a lack of social connection. You might feel disconnected and isolated from others. Maybe you haven't seen your loved ones or friends in a while, or you just miss hugging someone. You might feel as if nobody understands you and there is no one to turn to.
Most people are experiencing some level of loneliness at this time. Loneliness may affect your concentration, how you sleep, your appetite, or energy level.
What You Can Do
Start a conversation.
Call, video chat, or text message friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Write a letter or postcard.
Use social media and virtual technology.
Use your time online to connect and interact with others instead of scrolling through posts. Set limited timeframes for reading the news.
Try virtual volunteering to provide support in your community.
Many organizations, including faith-based organizations, offer online/virtual volunteer opportunities, which can give you the chance to contribute to something that you find important.
Practice self-compassion and self-care.
Be gentle with yourself. Take time for yourself. Read, listen to music, exercise, or learn a new skill. Acknowledge your successes, and give yourself a break. You are doing the best you can.
Seek help.
Seek help from a professional if your loneliness becomes overwhelming or feels unmanageable:
- Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling.
- Contact your workplace's employee wellbeing program.
- Find mental health services on the Mental Health America (MHA) website at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.mhanational.org/choosing-provider.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), How Right Now. (Reviewed 2021, April 16). Loneliness. Retrieved September 6, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov