September is here!
It’s a transition from the sunny days of summer to the cool winds of fall. It’s the time of year when kids are back to school and this year they’re finally able to meet their friends. September also hosts Suicide Prevention week and from looking at the numbers compared to merely two years ago…we are in dire need of help.
The rates of depression and suicide have skyrocketed. I know this topic might be super sensitive to most but I feel like it needs to be addressed.Why?
Because through the depression, the anger, the rage, the hurt, therein lies one meaning to the behavior:
Loneliness.
I wholeheartedly believe that loneliness is an epidemic and the root of sadness/depression. I’m not afraid to admit it’s been very lonely out here. The year 2020 has done a huge pendulum swing on our collective mental health. If you are navigating the world with this sad and lonely cloud hanging over you, you’re not alone.
Everyone is going through this intner turmoil but not everyone experiences loneliness the same way. Some might take it in tried and know that this is only temporary (which it ALWAYS IS) while others have a hard time getting past the pain of feeling alone.
If you’re one of those people, then this post is for you.
Today I’m breaking down some great tips and techniques on how to fight loneliness. These are awesome things that you can start doing right now and it will give you the insight and power to stop loneliness dead in its tracks.
Here are a few methods that you can try right now to fight loneliness and feel whole in your body again:
Move Your Body
This has been backed up by so much research the links would be unbearable to attach. But in the words of Elle Woods, “Exercise give you endorphins, endorphins make you happy.”
By simply moving your body whether that’s going for a run, a bike ride, or simply power walking, any movement of your body will release the feel good hormone and will kick that sad filling off.
Set time for loved ones
We all have busy lives but that shouldn’t stop us from checking in on the people we love. Most of the issue with loneliness is due to not keeping in touch with love ones due to life (i.e. work and/or kids).
But since we live in the land of technology of FaceTime and Zoom, it’s become more doable to see our family and friends. So set up a time where you sit down and catch up and you’ll be surprised at how the loneliness fades (as long as you speak to someone who doesn’t make you feel like crap).
Speak to a Professional
In hard times when it seems like the loneliness is too much, it’s best to seek professional help and look for a therapist. For some people this option has a lot of anxiety and shame behind it but believe me when I say, this is a LIFE SAVER.
A therapist is complete unbiased, will give you honest insight, and help you build yourself up without worry of judgement which is huge. If you have a trusted friends to speak to then by all mean rock on. But if you are afraid of opening up to people in fear of judgement, seek out a therapist and watch how incredible you feel after a few sessions of opening up.
Pay attention to things that matter
When we are in a state of loneliness of sadness, it’s hard to get out of it because we tend to only think about the negative. And we sink deeper and deeper into loneliness. Instead, we can focus on what is going right with out lives instead of focus on what is wrong.
This is a great gratitude technique that will help shift your focus on the positives you have instead of the negative. Some examples could be that you have the eyes to read this, good health, a roof over your head, food in your fridge, running water (which many countries do not have). Simply take out a pen and paper and start writing down the things that are going great no matter how small or silly it may look. And its your list that no one will see.
Practice self-compassion
The negative thoughts of loneliness can get dark and make us feel like we are the ones to blame. That we are just destined to be the weird lonelien sad person in the group when in reality, you don’t have to be.
We are all human going through human experiences and everyone, I mean EVERYONE, has felt lonely more then once in their life. So be kind to yourself. Give yourself a mental health day to destress by doing things that make you feel good.
If you are reading this I want you to know that you are not alone. You are going through pain, know that it will pass, if you are feeling like you are all alone in the world with no one to talk to, there is always someone to speak to. You will get through this – I know you will.
Did you like this post? Leave a comment below and start the conversation. Also if you like this post, make sure you share it with friends and family.
Til next time homies,
Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash