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Loneliness

All of us experience loneliness at times. The emotion of loneliness usually indicates a feeling of disconnection from others. Some of us end up feeling lonely after spending extended periods alone, but it’s also possible to feel lonely while in the presence of others. Usually, loneliness is not a comfortable emotion, and while it’s normal to occasionally experience it, prolonged loneliness can lead to depression in some people.

It’s important to remember that loneliness is not necessarily a permanent state and that it can be uncomfortable to step out of your shell and find new ways to connect with others. Forging social connections, however, can be beneficial in dispelling loneliness.

Sometimes though, loneliness is an indicator of depression. How to tell the difference? Loneliness is a specific reaction to feeling alone or isolated, and would not affect your overall quality of life. In contrast, depression is a broader feeling of disconnection that permeates all aspects of your life. If you find that you are experiencing loneliness (or depression), seek help from a licensed therapist, counselor, or your doctor.

Read More
Published on: 07 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW

How to Deal with Holiday Loneliness

Published on: 07 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • Written byMeaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Dec 07, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
Updated on 9/21/2022 Every year, there comes a time when we are all propelled full force into the…
Ask Ashely Ertel
Read More
Published on: 04 Mar 2021
  • 4 minute read

Ask a Therapist: How Can I Hold on to Hope When I’ve Been Feeling Lonely For So Long?

Published on: 04 Mar 2021
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Mar 04, 2021
Our Council of Experts are available each week to offer insight, guidance, and tips to answer your questions.…
woman sitting at desk
Read More
Published on: 19 Feb 2021
  • 4 minute read

Why Boredom Can Be a Good Thing and How to Utilize It

Published on: 19 Feb 2021
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Feb 19, 2021
If you’re anything like me, a common theme of your text messages with all your friends is complaints…
Read More
Published on: 11 Feb 2021
  • 4 minute read

How to Fend Off Loneliness

Published on: 11 Feb 2021
  • Written byHannah Connors
  • Feb 11, 2021
February is here and with it comes an overwhelming slew of Valentine’s Day imagery and reminders of who…
Alone for the holidays
Read More
Published on: 21 Dec 2020
  • 5 minute read

How to Do the Holidays Alone in Style

Published on: 21 Dec 2020
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Dec 21, 2020
Are you dreading spending the holidays alone? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We promise, spending the holidays…
Coping with transitions
Read More
Published on: 09 Nov 2020
  • 4 minute read

How to Manage When You Lose Touch with Your Support Systems

Published on: 09 Nov 2020
  • Written byHannah Connors
  • Nov 09, 2020
Whether it be graduating college, moving to a new city, starting a different job, or doing all three…
a couple of friends taking a picture together on the street
Read More
Published on: 24 Jul 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 5 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

How to Reconnect With Friends Safely and Save Your Mental Health

Published on: 24 Jul 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byJessica Bloom
  • Jul 24, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
To limit the spread of COVID-19, we’ve spent months physically distant from our friends. We tried to stay…
girl leaning on window, surreal scene
Read More
Published on: 10 Jul 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

Why Do I Feel Numb?

Published on: 10 Jul 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Jul 10, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Updated on 9/20/2022 Experiencing negative emotions is never fun, but sometimes feeling absolutely nothing at all can be…
extreme loneliness
Read More
Published on: 14 May 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 4 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

Dealing with Extreme Loneliness During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Published on: 14 May 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byRachel O'Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S
  • May 14, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
While loneliness is a common human emotion, during the global coronavirus pandemic many of us are feeling acutely,…
benefits of alone time
Read More
Published on: 27 Mar 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • 5 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW

The Benefits of Alone Time

Published on: 27 Mar 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Mar 27, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
If I spend too much time with people, I feel like I’m going to explode. I’ll start to…

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