Lockdown Taught Us That You Can Feel Lonely Even When You Aren’t Alone
Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing vide... read full bio
Image: Shutterstock
You might be surprised to know that people often experience loneliness even when they live with their partners. It’s important to know that loneliness is entirely normal, and every single person you know has experienced it at least one point in their life. You can feel it in any situation, while surrounded by people and at any time. Just like sadness, anger, or even happiness, it comes, and it goes. In the end, at its very core, loneliness is the feeling of being disconnected from the rest of the world and those who surround you. We need more than just one human body next to us to not feel like we are lonely. Those everyday, simple routines that we once relied on before the pandemic no longer exist. So here’s a deeper look into it:
Missing Out On Simple Connections
Once you start to think of the different people that you used to see in your day-to-day routine, you realize that all of these people added to your community. Humans naturally are social beings. Unfortunately, it has become highly challenging to get all of these needs met due to this pandemic. Sure, you might think that video calls and zoom are a great way to stay in touch with those close to you, but we all know that it isn’t the same as interacting face to face. It’s also important to note that there is a significant difference between interacting with those we live with versus interacting with those we don’t live with. After a certain point, individuals we live with end up becoming an essential part of our existence and don’t provide us with the same kind of socialization that we get from meeting those who live outside.
All of these social interactions that we used to have helped us feel a lot more connected with ourselves and even used to give us energy. Now that we don’t have them, we start to feel like the world is closing in on us and has become small. In a way, we are grieving the lives that we used to have. If you live with others, you probably find yourself lacking some quality one-on-one time with yourself. Without this alone time, you will have a tougher time processing emotions and may find yourself lashing out at those around you. This is especially the case if you have children. We start to feel cramped in a “bubble” of sorts with the rest of our immediate family. However, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to cope with it.
5 Ways To Cope With These Feelings
Having just one or two loved ones around won’t meet all of your social needs. When you are keeping away from others, you might find yourself placing a lot of high expectations on those who live in your “bubble.” This can eventually lead to you feeling a deep sense of disconnect. If you’re wondering how to cope with these feelings, we have the following five solutions for you:
1. Be Compassionate Towards Yourself
Feeling a little extra emotional, along with a sense of discomfort, is not something that you should be ashamed of. Instead, you need to make sure that you give yourself and those around you a break every now and then. Yes, things are challenging right now, and it is totally okay to not feel like you’re okay, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to last forever.
2. Accept That Your Feelings Are Normal
Every single person starts to feel like they are alone every now and then; however, the truth is that the pandemic has exacerbated these feelings. When you realize that this feeling will eventually go away, it becomes less scary. Hence, instead of pushing away these difficult emotions, you need to start building a tolerance towards them. It’s essential to create a space to help you better understand those feelings of loneliness and what they are trying to tell you.
3. Start Making Some Changes
Those feelings of loneliness that you are facing are telling you something. It’s essential to tune in and listen to what they are trying to tell you. Maybe you need to do something that reminds you of what your old life was like. It could be something as simple as making a special cup of coffee just like the kind you got in your office or taking a hike to one of your favorite hills on the outskirts of town. Exploring some self-care strategies will be vastly beneficial to you.
4. Talk To Your Partner
Talking things through with your partner can be a pretty big step when it comes to it. When you start to hold your feelings on the inside, not talking to your partner will only amplify them. However, if you speak to one another, you may find out that you are not the only one in the relationship feeling this way. Working with one another can help you find a solution.
5. Ask For Some Alone Time
Don’t feel afraid to ask for some alone time. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with your day-to-day activities and feel the need to want a break of some sort. However, just because you want to connect with others, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t prioritize your own mental health and find time for yourself. Even if it is just fifteen minutes, you need to take some time out for yourself.
It’s true that the pandemic has been difficult for all of us, but it is tougher on some people. If you start to feel disconnected and like you are alone, you must know that these feelings are totally normal and not alone. As things begin to return to normal, it’s important to get vaccinated and try returning to your old life. Do let us know all of your thoughts on this article in the comment section below.
