Many people are struggling with feelings of loneliness during the lockdown. This can heavily impact your mental health, but there are ways to help yourself.
Although an end to the lockdown finally seems to be in sight, many people, whether young or old, are still dealing with enforced loneliness. According to experts at “healthline.com,” loneliness can be a severe mental burden, rapidly increasing the risk of depression. A 2017 study by the University of Mainz found that younger people suffer from it even more than older people. Loneliness changes our psyche, but it also holds the key to coping with it as best as possible. The following tips and tricks can help you get through phases of loneliness in the best way possible.
Things That Help Against Loneliness
SEE THE SITUATION AS AN OPPORTUNITY
Of course, we need social interaction; without the company of friends, acquaintances, or family, we emotionally and mentally wither because we are social beings. But we also need phases of solitude, time to think undisturbed, be creative, or even rediscover ourselves. Try to see the situation as an opportunity to think about things or do activities you usually wouldn’t get around to. For example, did you once passionately write poems? Start again now! And how many unread books are sitting on your shelf?
STAY CONNECTED
Personal contact with your friends and family may still be very limited, so it’s even more important to communicate regularly. Whether by phone, video chat, email, or social media, keep the lines of communication open.
THE POWER OF SOUND
Loneliness and silence can be a nasty combination. Music, audiobooks, radio, or TV can create a lively and varied soundscape in your home. Or simply open the windows and listen to the birds.
GO OUTSIDE
If you feel like the walls are closing in on you at home, there’s a simple solution: Go outside! Whether it’s a walk or a workout, anything is better than the monotony of staying indoors.
DEEPEN YOUR COMMUNICATION
Your contacts with friends and loved ones via media like the phone are more valuable than ever. It would be a shame to use them only for trivial small talk. Try to have meaningful, deep conversations from which you and the participants can take away more than just “take care.”
SPEAK HONESTLY ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS
Back to the topic of communication: If you’re talking to others and loneliness is getting to you, don’t keep up appearances. Speak openly about your emotions, even if they’re not the most positive—let it out. And also give your conversation partner the opportunity to do the same.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A PET?
This suggestion is debatable. Of course, a dog or a cat can be a huge help against the feeling of loneliness. But you also need to be clear that the pet will still be there once this phase is over. The price for these furry therapists is a minimum level of responsibility.
GET CREATIVE!
We’ve touched on this point already. Look inside yourself and let your creative side flow. Whether it’s writing, painting, or making music, just do it. You might have been held back by the thought that your results wouldn’t be good enough, but that’s not the point. Just start and surprise yourself.
TAKE MEDIA BREAKS
This might sound contradictory to the point “Stay Connected.” But especially if you overdo it with social media, it can sometimes even amplify the feeling of loneliness. This happens in moments when it seems like you’re missing out on everything. A bit of media fasting now and then helps—to, for example, go outside again.
SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
The corona crisis won’t last forever. Keep reminding yourself of this when loneliness is getting you down. Follow the news and see how the situation is slowly but surely normalizing. There’s every reason to be optimistic, for everyone, including you.
TREAT YOURSELF
Pamper yourself. Cook something particularly delicious for yourself that you’ve never tried before but always wanted to. Or finally try that video yoga course that has always interested you. Whatever it is, find activities that bring you satisfaction and joy or promote your inner harmony.
SEEK HELP IF NEEDED
Some of us are hit harder by loneliness than others. Maybe you were already at an emotional or mental low point when the crisis hit. But as soon as you notice that the situation is becoming unbearable for you and you might be too scared or ashamed to open up to your friends or family, you need to seek and accept professional help. Start with an anonymous helpline and, if necessary, don’t hesitate to take further therapeutic steps.
