Loneliness and its impact on mental health

By Varalika Mishra

Due to COVID, several people got affected and the worst form was loneliness. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle has stated, ‘Man is a social animal’. This statement tells us the importance of human interactions. The pandemic did teach us a lot about human connections and the importance of connection and communication between individuals.

There can be various reasons for loneliness. When someone’s needs are not met, there can be a feeling of loneliness. Problems in family, friendship or at workplace can cause a discomfort and distress that can result in feeling lonely.

According to Aakanksha Kapoor, a psychologist, “Loneliness can be a profound feeling that can influence mental health significantly. It is not just a passing emotion but rather a deep state affecting one’s overall well-being. When people go through ongoing loneliness, it might lead to numerous negative emotions like sadness, anxiety and a low sense of self-worth. The absence of social connections can also detrimentally impact self-esteem and self-worth, worsening feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. Over time, persistent loneliness can contribute to the development or increase of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders. Individuals who feel lonely often struggle with distorted views of themselves and the world, setting off a negative cycle in their mental health. Dealing with loneliness from a psychological perspective involves not just giving support and validation but also aiding people in creating healthy coping strategies and building meaningful connections to counter its harmful effects on their mental health.”

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According to the American Psychological Association, loneliness is a perceived state of being alone that causes discomfort or uneasiness. For some psychologists, loneliness is a part of the human condition, that is painful yet it may offer renewal and increased self-awareness.

According to Jitesh Khanna, a social activist, writer and entrepreneur, “There is a difference in between being alone and lonely. Being alone means being with yourself, enjoying your own company. It is also about cherishing solitude, deep contemplation and self-reflection. Being lonely, on the other hand is being miserable. It’s the feeling of being left out or neglected by people around you. The best solution is to enjoy solitude, recharge and reach out to the ones who feel left out. It is important that people enjoy their company too.”
According to a research, too much usage of social media may contribute to loneliness. Some suggest, social media may allow people to form new relationships.

In a 2021 study, conducted by Weinstein, Nguyen and Hansen, researchers gathered information on experiences of solitude in 2,035 people ranging from adolescents to older adults. Participants reported positive experiences relating to solitude, including self-connection, reduced pressure, and peaceful feelings.

So, while it is imperative to spend time with oneself to reflect and recharge, it is important to reach out to someone when loneliness knocks at one’s door.