5 Tips for Coping with Loneliness
Loneliness can be a common experience for people who feel disconnected from others. While we are physically distancing from our communities and our usual support networks to stay safe and healthy, loneliness can be a significant concern. Loneliness can be described as feeling alone and as though your social connections are not meeting your needs. Due to social distancing measures, many people may be physically disconnected from their friends and family for extended periods of time. One might notice themselves feeling lonely during this time. For our wellbeing, it is important to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to increase your sense of connectedness. These tips were created to help our community cope with loneliness and suggest ways to maintain meaningful connections with others.
- Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings
Feelings of loneliness can be difficult to cope with and can sometimes lead to us feeling anxious or upset. An important coping skill to cultivate for our health is to allow space for our feelings to be experienced. We can do this by acknowledging our thoughts and feelings as they show up, rather than denying they exist and avoiding feeling them. Not only does acknowledging our feelings help us to take actions to meet our needs, it can help us relate and connect with others who may be feeling similarly. One strategy for coping with feelings of loneliness is to try acknowledging your thoughts and feelings when they show up, notice what sensations you feel in your body, and then shift your focus to an engaging task that you enjoy doing. - Reach out & share
Being vulnerable by sharing how we are truly feeling is a strength and contributes to greater resilience. At this time, many people are sharing common experiences of uncertainty, disconnection, upset, and loss. When we are vulnerable with others, we create opportunities for authentic connection and reduce our feelings of being alone with our thoughts and feelings. It is important to reach out to trusted and supportive people during this time. Some options might include, friends, family, neighbours, your local MFRC, and other health care providers. - Try creative and safe ways to maintain meaningful connections with others
This pandemic is challenging us to find new ways to connect with others to experience togetherness while practicing physical distancing. A key part to feeling connected to others and reducing loneliness is to create meaningful connections with others. Meaningful connections are those that fulfill your social needs and create feelings of belonging and acceptance. Consider other ways of maintaining important connections with friends and families.Some ideas for ways to connect safely might be to:
– Use technology and social media to connect with people individually or in groups. Try different video platforms, use your phone to call and text, play a game virtually, or use an app.
– Schedule regular phone calls or virtual meetings with friends and family.
– Meet outdoors while maintaining 6 feet apart or more.
– Share photos and videos of your day, and encourage others to comment on them. - Engage with hobbies and try new things
While social distancing many of us are spending more time than usual indoors by ourselves or with our families. This can be an opportunity to actively engage with your hobbies and possibly explore new activities that can be done safely. Healthy distractions can help us cope when we are experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings, including those related to feeling lonely. Consider choosing healthy and engaging activities such as getting outside, staying active, connecting with others, and using your creative energy. - Practice self-compassion
After acknowledging that we are all collectively experiencing a significant challenge to our health and wellbeing, try practicing self-compassion. This involves treating yourself like you would someone you care about who is struggling and in need of support. Try showing yourself kindness, love, and care. Self-compassion can look different for everyone, so do whatever soothes and comforts you best. Some ideas include: acknowledging your feelings, giving yourself praise for your accomplishments, watching a comforting TV show, or cozying up on the couch.
Connect with us for support:
We at the Esquimalt MFRC are here to support our military community to be as strong, healthy, and resilient as possible. Our mental health team is available Monday to Friday for support and counselling. You can reach us by calling our intake line at 778-533-7736. Please remember, reaching out for help when you need it is a sign of strength and resilience.
