Isolation and Loneliness
Human beings are naturally social animals. When we find ourselves becoming isolated, we should take that as a warning sign that we are turned against ourselves in some basic way. If not already there, we are on a path toward feeling bad, lonely, introverted or even depressed.
When we are isolated, we may have thoughts of not belonging or of feeling rejected by others. What we overlook, however, is that when we are alone, we are often in the company of our worst enemy- the one within ourselves. An isolated space is the perfect breeding ground for negative, self-critical thoughts. These thought patterns make up the “critical inner voice (CIV),” an internalized enemy that leads to self-destructive thought processes and behaviors.
Feeling lonely can trigger voices that we are unloved or unlikeable. These reflect a hostile and unfriendly point of view toward yourself. Treat these voices like they were coming from an external enemy, and do not tolerate them. Literally tell them to go away and that you refuse to buy into their destructive message. It is important to always act against any thoughts that people don’t like you. Are there ways you act that are based on what your voices tell you? For example, do you attack yourself for being “awkward” or “creepy” and then act quiet in a group of people? Then does your voice turn around and criticize you for acting that way?
Your critical inner voice can generate self-fulfilling prophecies. It will try to keep you from challenging yourself, then stab you in the back for avoiding taking action. Your CIV will almost always try to prevent you from struggling through uncomfortable situations and ultimately feeling at ease with yourself. When you challenge your voices, don’t be surprised if they temporarily become stronger. Remember that if you are persistent in countering your attacks, they will ultimately become weaker and even go away altogether. You may still hear them, but they will feel less intimidating and have less power over you.
When it comes to isolation, the voice can be an especially complicated and strategic enemy. Sometimes, it will lure us into being alone with comforting-seeming thoughts (“Just go home and spend some time by yourself. You enjoy being on your own.”). At other times, it will viciously attack us (“No one wants you around. They don’t like you. Just stay away from everyone!”) These cruel directives are not based on reality, but on the agenda of a self-destructive point of view we’ve taken on based on early life experiences. Think about how much of your negative feelings about yourself came from how you felt as kid? Did you often feel isolated or rejected, unseen or misunderstood?
No matter what their source, voices that you are unlikeable are much harder to accept around people who like you. When we hear these attacks, it is vital that we do not allow them to manipulate our behavior. Don’t put yourself in an isolated situation. Go out in public. Our brains do not respond positively to seclusion. Place yourself in social settings and interactions, even if you are among strangers. If you feel shy in public, try going online. Interacting on the internet may be a good first step in giving you the confidence to express yourself.
Society can breed a lot of loneliness. Separations, divorces along with the loss of our jobs, our social networks and loved ones can leave any one of us feeling alone. Even shuffling through a crowded street or scrunched together on a subway, one can feel completely alone – with no one making eye contact or exchanging a smile. Still it is better for us on every level to get out and be among people and to never allow our voices to make us cynical toward ourselves or others.
One of the best actions we can take to counteract the hopelessness we may feel is to think outside of ourselves. Believe beyond all doubt that you have something to offer. Volunteering is a great exercise in thinking outside yourself and often gives you the opportunity to connect with new people. Even little acts of generosity can have a significant impact. Generosity, as a principle, can lead to stronger self-esteem, which then leads to more social behavior.
If you are feeling isolated and may be experiencing symptoms of depression, here are some helpful resources:
National Institute of Mental Health – Depression
Depression.com
WebMD – Depression
Helpguide.org – Depression
Depression-Screening.org
GET HELP:
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS OR IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP, CALL 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
This is a free hotline available 24 hours a day to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Suicide Prevention Resources:
If someone you know is at risk for suicide, call your local suicide hotline or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Download the Brochure:
“Save a Life” or “Como Prevenir el Suicidio
Helpful Websites:http://www.glendon.org/index.php?pageid=118www.suicidology.org
Read:
“Something to Lose”
Dr. Lisa Firestone’s blog, Suicide: The Warning Signs
Dr. Lisa Firestone’s blog, Suicide: How Can You Help Someone at Risk
Related Articles:
Eight Ways to Actively Fight Depression
Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends
Tags: depression, isolated, isolation, loneliness, lonely, loss, sad
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Thank you for these informations. I become isolated and loniless. I search solutions.
This is a great article about isolation and loneliness, very informative, thank you for posting it.