How to Support a Loved One Struggling with Loneliness

Hi there, today well be talking about how to support a loved one struggling with loneliness. Thank you for taking the step toward helping them, it takes a dedicated someone to volunteer their time and energy toward helping a friend.

You may be feeling helpless, not sure what to do to help your loved ones. You might feel as though youve done something wrong, that this is your fault. It can be, but often times loneliness is caused by disorders, illnesses, of just a series of awful days. By understanding and learning what loneliness can feel like, you could connect with them in so many new ways.

Here are some steps you could take to support your loved ones through this difficult journey

★ What Causes Loneliness?

Loneliness can manifest in many forms, it can be caused by depression, anxiety, autism, addictions, Alzheimers disease, and personality disorders, just to name a few. Your loved ones struggling with loneliness does not mean you are a bad person, it simply means they view support in a different way than you do. Talking to them can help figure out a support system that works for both of you.

★ What Loneliness Feels Like

Think of a time you felt really alone. A time where you felt as though no one in the world cared about what you thought or wanted to help you with your journey. Someone struggling with loneliness could feel this feeling amplified, or feel something completely different. Some people describe loneliness as ‘drowning in a bottomless pit, or ‘feeling like you are trapped in a bubble that keeps you apart from the world, even when there are people all around you,

★ How Can You Support Someone Struggling With Loneliness?

-Listen To Them

Listening is the biggest thing someone can do. Your friend or loved one may be quiet but that doesnt mean they dont have a lot to say. Practice your active listening skills, focus on what theyre saying, engage with them, and let them know you care! Its a simple thing to do but it makes such a big impact.

-Spend Time With Them

Do something they really love. Someone struggling with loneliness probably isnt doing things they used to enjoy as much. Think of something they have a passion for and spend time with them bonding over it. You may have to start small, but even the littlest thing could show them you care, and who knows, you might even get to know them better!

-Check In With Them

It doesnt have to be a long thing, just send them a message and ask how theyre doing. Show them you care and prove it too! Someone having a bad day might be reluctant to open up, a simple gesture could help them come out of that rabbit hole.

-Figure Out Coping Strategies

Coping strategies are a big one. Often someone struggling with anxiety might develop anxiety or depression and vice versa. Some simple coping strategies could be deep breathing or sending them images of cute animals. Of course, its different for everyone. Talk to them about what helps them calm down and when you see theyre in distress, remind them gently about a coping strategy and guide them through it.

-Create a Safe Space

This might be the most important one yet. Loneliness is not a weakness, its not something to be ashamed of. Let your loved ones know that you support them and that they can talk to you about anything.

A few questions for you:

What does loneliness mean to you?

Whats one way you can help/have helped someone with this loneliness?

How do you deal with loneliness?

A big thank you to @AveryLove for the ‘how to support thread!

@LittlebluP @PeppermintLove @SpectrumForHope @playfulPalm95 @MayaRoseBird5656 @ArwaS @CranberryPineapples @Mimi15