How Can I Find Companionship in the Face of Isolation?

Dear eNotAlone: I feel so alone and isolated. I don't really have anyone that I can talk to, especially not about personal and meaningful issues. Even though I am surrounded by people and engaged in activities, I just don't feel like I'm understood or connected to anyone.

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Do you ever feel lost and isolated, surrounded by unfamiliar faces? Struggling to connect with someone who understands your story and journey, yet all attempts of doing so seem to fall short? If so, you're not alone. Loneliness is something that we all experience throughout our lives for a variety of reasons. To help you on your journey to feeling less alone, let's discuss the common causes of loneliness and how to offers tools to help you find companionship in the face of isolation.

When it comes to understanding loneliness, it can be helpful to note the two forms of loneliness. The first form is physical loneliness — when we are surrounded by others yet still feel isolated and disconnected. This type of loneliness often happens when we're in unsupportive environments or surrounded by people who don't accept us for who we are. This type of loneliness can often come as a result of unmet desires for connection and understanding in the present.

The second form of loneliness is emotional loneliness. This type of loneliness arises out of an inner sense of alienation, which often originates from childhood or past traumas. This deep-rooted aloneness which is often seen in depression or anxiety symptoms can make it difficult to connect with people and experience joy from within. Although this type of loneliness can be more challenging to recognize and heal, it's important to acknowledge its presence so you can work through it.

Despite being overwhelming, stating the different types of loneliness can help offer clarity and understanding to the swirling feelings of isolation. After recognizing the root cause of your loneliness, it can be beneficial to practice the art of self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness. Remind yourself that you're not alone in this experience and that everyone experiences loneliness in their life at some point. Developing an attitude of mindful acceptance can help you face and process your loneliness. Making time for self-care activities such as taking a walk, listening to a podcast, or indulging in a favorite hobby may also be a helpful step in carrying through this period of loneliness.

At the same time, it can be beneficial to explore different methods of bringing companionship into your life when you feel alone. Identify activities or social events where you might feel comfortable going and beginning a conversation with someone. Consider seeking therapy or joining support groups to meet people who have or are experiencing similar situations and will be able to provide additional understanding and guidance. Any type of support system – even if it's in the form of family and friends – is important as we all need meaningful relationships to be fulfilled.

Loneliness can be a difficult emotion to experience. It's natural to want to feel close to someone and achieve a sense of security within a relationship. However, it's important to remember that you're not defined by your loneliness. Building healthy relationships is an ongoing process and although it can be hard to find companionship in the face of isolation, there are tools that can help you on your journey to finding meaningful connections.