Loneliness

thus be bad for one’s health. Another point to keep in mind is that research shows mixed findings on the use of technology as a means to further connect with people, where we can see beneficial effects in older adults while the same use in younger adults shows detrimental effects.

There are ways to contest our feelings of loneliness, such as trying out new things where we may meet other people and trying to seek out individuals with similar interests to our own. Accepting that technology is a double-edged sword, and choosing to use it wisely, is another option. Additionally, engaging with your community is a great way to foster social connections in your own life, as well as in the life of others. Improving the quality of your community has positive and far-reaching effects for everyone involved.

Brock Hansen, Clinical Social Worker, offers the following four tips on how to distinguish loneliness and how to address it, in her article 10 More Ideas to Help with Loneliness. As Hansen explains, our brains naturally focus on pain, including the painful touch of loneliness. This makes it very easy to get caught up in all the thoughts that arise from that feeling, thoughts that might even be centered around trying to justify this state. Thus, one idea is to realize that loneliness is a feeling, and not a fact. Letting go of these thoughts, as hard as it can be, can go a long way in reducing the weight of loneliness. A second idea relates to the previous one: focusing on the needs and feeling of others, as opposed to our own loneliness. Diverting our inner gaze from our own pain can be helpful, as it not only distracts our mind, but also initiates a positive cycle where caring for someone else makes us feel more connected.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) also provides insightful strategies on coping with loneliness. Remember that what we see of others on social media can be deceiving, since people control what facet of themselves, they show. Comparing ourselves with people, whether or not it is done online, can make us feel like we are not as good as others, even though it is not the case. This is exactly why it’s essential that we avoid doing so. One last suggestion is to reach out to people, groups and clubs around you, as well as to resources that are there to help. It can be scary to go out and attempt making plans with new people, but merely trying will help build confidence. You are not as lonely as you may think! Trying out different groups to find the one that is a better fit for who we are, as opposed to feeling resigned in our loneliness, will lead to a more positive outcome. Finding the right people is so vital because it allows us to be ourselves. It is important to surround ourselves with friends, family, and a community that embraces our whole authentic selves. We encourage you to explore the different tips and tools provided in this article to break free from loneliness and bring in a sense of belonging and connection.

Mental Health Estrie (MHE) is a non-profit community organization committed to providing information, support, education and advocacy to English-speaking families and individuals in Estrie. To reach us please call 819565-3777 or email mhe.info@bellnet.ca Visit https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthestrie/ or www.mentalhealthestrie.com for updates

To provide feedback on this article, email Pier-olivier at mhestrie.po@ gmail.com

To view the articles referred to in this article, visit:

Speaking of Psychology: Living in a Lonely World: https://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/ lonely-world

How loneliness can make you sick: https://www.apa.org/science/about/ psa/2017/09/loneliness-sick

10 More Ideas to Help with Loneliness: https://psychcentral.com/blog/10more-ideas-to-help-with-loneliness/

Feeling lonely? You’re not alone – and it could be affecting your physical health: https://www.cbc.ca/news/ health/national-dealing-with-loneliness-1.4828017#:~:text=in%20 Canada%2c%20studies%20have%20 found,recent%20numbers%20by%20 Statistics%20canada.

More than half of Canadians feel lonely, isolated during coronavirus pandemic: Ipsos poll

https://globalnews.ca/news/6793214/ coronavirus-canada-lonely/