[ad_1]
Loneliness quietly entered Kritika’s life, slipping in unnoticed. 23-year-old Kritika Prasad has been searching for remedy since March, 2023. “I wanted to be with people, had a lot to share, but I felt there was no one. When my constant crying became overwhelming, I realised it isn’t normal and consulted a therapist. I didn’t know it was happening because of loneliness,” said the Ranchi-based undergraduate student. A lack of social interaction led to her feeling isolated.
Kritika isn’t alone. World Health Organisation (WHO) states that one in every four adults, and between 5% and 15% adolescents across 142 countries, feel socially isolated and lonely. Once considered a passing feeling, loneliness has now been declared a global health concern.
Health effects of loneliness is similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day: US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
WHO launched a three-year international commission on social connection, co-led by US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, and African Union youth envoy, Chido Mpemba. Their aim? To work towards raising awareness, finding solutions to combat lack of social connection, promote social development, and well-being. The commission includes 11 global leaders, from fields of policy-making and advocacy.
An illustration of a woman feeling lonely (Image: iStock)
An illustration of how loneliness effects mental health of an individual (Image: iStock)
What’s making us lonely?
*Excessive use of social media (more than two hours a day)
Expand
*Oppressive and impersonal workplaces
*Rapid urbanisation, advent of remote work culture
*Sparse visits by family and friends
*Living alone
Look for red flags
*Withdrawal from social activities
*Feeling of emptiness, despite being surrounded by people
*Lack of meaningful connections
*Constant isolation leading to an unpleasant brain response, resulting in a state of loneliness
(As stated by mental health experts)
Fighting loneliness
*Foster genuine connections
*Prioritise quality time with friends and family
*Engage in group activities, develop hobbies for increased social interaction
*Psychological therapy and working through social skills
(As stated by mental health experts)
A woman feeling lonely, that ultimately leads to stress and other mental disorders (Image: iStock)
Celebs speak up
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan opened up about being a victim of occasional loneliness, and Reese Witherspoon spoke about post-divorce uncertainties. In 2022, Virat Kohli had shared his mental health struggles and feeling of loneliness.
Solitude vs isolation
There’s a thin line between intentional isolation, solitude, and loneliness. Solitude can be intentional, and so can isolation. But loneliness arising out of intentional isolation is a different ball game.
Introverts and isolation: The big difference
Loneliness can also seep in while setting boundaries. This is especially true for introverts. “Establishing social connections has all the time been troublesome for me,” stated 27-year-old Adhwait Krishnakumar, who has all the time discovered it uncomfortable to work together with individuals. Awareness and acceptance have given him a more recent perspective.
“I have tried working on my social skills by starting with small changes like joining a sports club, having small conversations with people regarding the sport, and actively listening to them. I do need my own space and time, but I am not keeping myself completely away from people anymore,” stated the Bengaluru-based IT skilled.
[adinserter block=”4″]
[ad_2]
Source link