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How do I stop feeling so isolated?

220 Answers
Last Updated: 06/10/2022 at 7:17pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Aimee Wilson, LMHC

Counselor

I am a mental health counselor licensed in the state of Florida. I have been fully licensed for 5 years, however I have over 8 years of experience in the counseling field.

Top Rated Answers
fairyava
May 3rd, 2019 9:53pm
Humans are a tribal species, so we feel inclined to be around other people and feel included to feel like we are safe and secure. So many people now feel lonely, even if we are surrounded by other people on the daily. We can try to practice self-love to show ourselves that we are safe and we do not need to rely on anyone to feel like we are complete. Take yourself out, buy yourself something new, work on mindfulness. You can try reaching out to people you have lost connections with and develop closer friendships with others to fight these lonely feelings.
proudRose
May 5th, 2019 12:40am
Everyone can feel isolated sometimes, it’s completely normal! However it’s important to break this habit of isolating ourselves and start opening up to the world! My best piece of advice would be to reach out to your closest friends. Maybe you can ask them out for a coffee date, go to the movies, drive around, just do anything to get out of the house and have fun! Sometimes the best medicine is laughter so hanging out with your friends and having a laugh can be really helpful. Taking walks in nature is also very nice because you get a breath of fresh air and you can just enjoy some time for yourself
ComfortableSmiles97
May 26th, 2019 6:12am
Knowing that others are in the same position as you are can bring a measure of comfort or guilty relief. It may help you feel you are not completely alone in your pain, and there is hope out there for you; you are part of an invisible community to understand what you are going through on a daily basis. Connecting with people in real life goes a long way, whether in group therapy or through an online group chat. Receiving validation from others who understand your pain and do not judge you for it can help too. The most important validation that matters ultimately though, comes from you.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2019 3:53am
The best thing you can do for yourself is surround yourself with other people. Whether you do this by attending social events, sitting at a baseball game, or just taking up a new hobby where you can meet new people. Isolation comes from the lack of human contact or being around others. But when you try and surround yourself around other people, you will notice a drastic change. You will start to feel safer and more comfortable. It will become easier to talk to others, and interact with them. Just know that it's perfectly normal to feel this way, and everyone feels isolated at some point in their life.
Falguni4782
July 12th, 2019 6:55am
By changing your perception towards yourself & others. Why you feel that your are isolated ! First of all you have to limit your expectation from others. Just stop thinking about yourself always. Explore your hobbies. Go our and meet people without any reason. Not necessary everyone will behave or respond the way you want. But thats fine ! Just accept what world is. Go and live ! And last but not the least Help Poors and needy people. Devote some time to make the poor people around you a little better. Life is beautiful ! Live it ! Don't plan everything !
Imhere4you247
August 17th, 2019 6:34am
Feeling isolated is generally not a good feeling, even if you prefer being alone most of the time. What I've learned is that the best way to stop feeling isolated, is to stop allowing yourself to isolate yourself. Often times when I feel alone I have realized that I put myself in the situation. I can put myself in this situation by ignoring friends and family when I'm feeling down, avoiding going out, or even by making myself unapproachable. Many times this is done in order to protect myself as I have bad anxiety. One way to prevent myself from isolation is to talk to a trusted friend or put myself out of my comfort zone. In order to stop feeling isolated you must realize where the source of isolation came from and how you got to this point.
HopeIsAHealer
September 14th, 2019 12:39pm
I think the first step to ending isolation is to show up for yourself emotionally. Embark on a journey of self-discovery until you become familiar with your authentic self and can identify your needs, values and purpose. The next step is building healthy boundaries. Start by setting them for yourself. How can you stay in your integrity? How can you honor yourself? Decide what you love about yourself and where you would like to go. What kind of people will enrich your life. What qualities are you looking for in friends. Once this comes into focus, start reaching out to others by pursuing activities that you love. Seek out people whose values align with yours and slowly start to build bridges.
Anonymous
September 19th, 2019 4:33pm
Isolation is an awful thing to experience and it is difficult to feel like you're on your own in this thing. You can first try to recognize whether it's most likely due to your external environment or internal. If it's internal, you can try to accept that, yes, you do feel isolated and it is valid to feel that way regardless of the number of people you surround yourself with. What isolation means can be different to each person including you. Try to understand what it actually is and recognize the root of it. When you do figure it out, you are free to do what you think is the most ideal way to overcome it in your own pace and terms.
Anonymous
September 22nd, 2019 10:59am
Call a friend, bond with a family member, read a book and discuss it online. I think according to ROBERT WHITAKER of ANATOMY OF AN EPIDEMIC fame, a best-selling book, the key to happiness is human interaction. That is so, so, so very important, yes. according to ROBERT WHITAKER of ANATOMY OF AN EPIDEMIC fame, a best-selling book, the key to happiness is human interaction. That is so, so, so very important, yes. The most important human interaction is with family, then friends, then others. If you do not have family, then friends, neighbords etc etc. Try it. Spend time doing gardening, even if indoors in winter.
wildghostmemories
November 1st, 2019 9:31pm
How you feel is a feeling and while they can be overwhelming it is important to remember that your feelings are not you. I know it can be really hurtful and painful to feel this way and even though it can be difficult to accept you are no alone in it. It is very normal to feel isolated and connection can sometimes be difficult but you deserve to feel safe, supported, and heard. Have you already looked at the 7 cups guides on Lonliness, Anxiety and Managing Emotions? Those can be really helpful in reassuring yourself about your current feeling and reframing them into more positive ones.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2019 1:49am
The fact you're thinking about that is a good start , it shows you want change and you want things to get better. The best way to get yourself out of that enclosed environment is to go outside and try and do something like finding activities you enjoy such as football , tennis , or even just going out for walks with your friends or something small. It's also important to consider where and when you feel isolated and try and figure out why you feel that and maybe even discussing it with a family as one mind is better than two sometimes.
Prisha123
November 14th, 2019 6:23pm
Try to be happy with yourself first. It's very important to know your worth first. Spending time with yourself will not only help you gain self love but also help you overcome the fear of being isolated. The next step you can try is to talk to people. Give your time to people who actually mean something in your life. Talking to negative people only harm you. Try to stay with people you spread positive and have a positive impact in your life, this will help you have and maintain a healthy life. Going outdoors and taking a break sometimes also helps. I hope this helps you. :)
Anonymous
January 1st, 2020 4:19am
Try new activities. It may be hard, but it will be worth it in the long run. Join a sport, music group, or a school club. You will be given the opportunity to make new friends and connections. Any joining, you will also learn team working skills to help you in later life. Also, you can start to go out with family. Instead of saying no to going to dinners, say yes. See how it goes. You will most likely connect with family that you never thought you would. Your relationship with your family will then soon grow and grow.
HarshYogi
January 10th, 2020 3:19pm
Sometime, it would be useful to learn about patterns on when and why we get a feeling of isolation. In my case, if there if I get 3-4 blank days without external triggers (from business or guests or friends), I start feeling isolated. But coming to the point, yes, I have felt many a time the same and following has worked for me. 1. Always keeping some backlog tasks that do not require much preparation and I can engage immediately. Example, watering the plant, or organizing the book or even coming to 7cups.come and helping others. 2. Pick up a pen/laptop and start writing. Silence or feeling of isolation also is a great opportunity to look inward and get some great answers of life. 3. Leisure walk, if the climate is conducive. I hope this helps.
SpaceDino
January 30th, 2020 8:35pm
Start with small steps. Can you send a text or message to someone? Call an old friend or family member? Make plans to grab a coffee? If you feel like you don't have anyone to message or make plans with you could join a group chat here on 7cups or message a listener. Just reach out and say hello! I also find it useful to step outside and go for a walk when I'm feeling isolated. Make eye contact with people and nod, hold the door for someone, buy a coffee if you can afford. Even a small amount of human interaction with strangers can help.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2020 11:56pm
For me personally, I was able to stop feeling isolated by opening myself up to others. I often felt alone in the things I was experiencing and thought that no one else was going through the same things that I was, so no one could understand me. However, by getting to know people, and slowly telling my story to those that I trust, I was able to open myself up to the world and feel less lonely. Now, when I feel negative emotions, I know that someone is always there to listen, and I am not scared to reach out to others.
Anonymous
February 14th, 2020 5:45pm
By starting to love your own company this way you will never feel isolated, there is nothing more empowering in this whole world than starting to love your own company. Also when you get away with idea of being part of a group or crowd and identify yourself as a complete individual without anyone else involved , you will never feel isolated, you should never give yourself permission to feel isolated because of people who don't even matter . Self love is the key and that is the most important aspect of a person's life all together. This is what I believe.
Kali4now
March 7th, 2020 7:31pm
I have made the experience that other people usually also feel isolated. Not all of them. But more than one would expect. So when I feel lonely I send messages to friends who I haven't heard of in a long time, asking how they are doing. I treat them with the same compassion and care that I am currently really wishing for and usually a surprising amount of love and kindness and deep connection is coming back. It is so much easier to receive what you need if you show people around you that you are also willing to give that. This is the only thing that becomes more and more, the more you share it.
CupidtheKingofLove
December 2nd, 2020 1:02pm
Try to distract yourself. Listen to music or read something or watch a movie. You know even in a group you can feel isolated too. And it hurts badly. So what we can do is that keep ourselves busy. Do things we love and enjoy. It could be anything from taking care of a pet to just taking a walk. It helps if you keep your mind busy and take care of yourself. If you think about things like feeling distance and lonely then it's just hurting yourself. If possible keep yourself busy and do things your interested in like learn cooking or whatever you enjoy. It sort of helped me so I believe it can help others too.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2021 2:47am
You can try to reach out with friends and acquaintances from your past, join a gym or a local group related to your hobbies and interests, start to talk to people you see everyday in your routine (for example that person that serves coffee everyday). If you are isolated at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you can try to reconnect through the internet with people from your past and with people that you don't know but are in social media groups related to your interests, so you can talk about common interests and try to get a meaningful connection so you feel less isolated.
Hunterbukowski
January 31st, 2021 8:09am
To avoid feeling isolated I call friends or I also gain new hobbies and skills to keep me occupied and always busy I also have a baby who keeps great company and always wants to hang and play others may want to do online gaming or read you can go outside as well or contact people on seven cups so you have someone to talk and have listen to you so you don’t feel alone there is always someone there for you and to help if you ever feel alone. I personally enjoy the quiet alone time I get when I can
Youngadultsupport
January 15th, 2021 12:37am
I can relate to this! Covid has affected so many of us in terms of isolation. The ways I deal with the lonely and isolated feelings are participating in mindfulness guided meditations on YouTube, coming on here and connecting with a fellow peer, calling a family member or Skyping with a friend. It is especially hard for those with a lack of support and that’s what 7 Cups can help with. Many people are isolated right now so it is important to know and understand that you are not alone. Social media has us comparing the best versions of our lives. It’s hard when it seems like everybody else has an amazing group of friends to talk to. Understanding that social media is not accurate and taking breaks from the apps can also help.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2020 6:34am
To stop feeling isolated is a big ask and yet a small ask in a pandemic. We can text, email, videochat, PM/IM, etc. And yet, we don't always truly *connect*. It can feel isolating because we are sometimes literally isolated by fear, or by real needs to quarantine. But we ARE connected. Sometimes a meme might help us feel seen/heard, or finding an unusual online community that understands you where you can vent or ask questions. Sometimes it's about reaching out to someone by phone, slipping a friendly note under a neighbor's door to see if they are isolated and need a snack or an errand. Or, of course, reaching out on 7 cups. But do reach out, be brave, and remember that we are more connected than isolated.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2020 12:11am
Whole world is in front of us. To be honest, a big part in our isolation plays technology. I overcame feelings of isolation by turning off my phone and computer for some time, I started reading more, and spent time with my cat. In short - I lived. I started living when I turned off all the electronics in my house. I found meaning in things. I played on guitar and wrote songs. I kept in mind that people are isolated right now, just like me. I kept in mind that everything gets better. Sometimes it takes 5 years, but it does. All I had to do to realise this, was turning off my devices for some time. All I had to do to live, was getting rid of my phone. I know that´s extremely hard to do, but taking, for example, a week pause helps. And everything is possible. :)
littlekangaroo99
October 29th, 2020 8:29pm
I found it best when I wouldn't try to not feel isolated. As stupid as it may sound the less you care about it the more relaxed you are going to be and the better you will be able to engage with others. That being said it won't be benefical to just not care at all. In the meantime you can focus on the smaller steps towards your goal to not feel isolated anymore. You can practice your social skills like speaking louder and clearer, making eye contact and smiling more. That will make you more aproachable so that it will be easier to get in concat with new people and reconect with friends you might already have.
Anonymous
October 14th, 2020 9:43pm
By asking this question I believe you're well on your way to connecting with someone. The first few steps are the hardest, and you've done so much to come here to seek an answer to this question, so I want to start by celebrating this achievement! The subcommunities are a great resource if you're interested in creating connections with people who have similar interests. Or, joining regularly occurring group chats might be a good place to start. You can also message Community Leaders for additional support or for help navigating the resources 7 cups can offer. Outside of 7 cups, you might be surprised how much good a regular walk outside can do!
randomme101
October 24th, 2020 12:00pm
It must be hard feeling isolated especially when that feeling's new to you. We sometimes feel like we are alone even if we are with others or in a crowd. We feel like we don't belong there at all. But sometimes, we feel this way because we often try to be someone we are not. We try to fit and hide our true selves. Perhaps if we can only find the confidence to show who we really are, we wouldn't feel isolated. Also, try doing things that truly makes you happy it'll be hard but it'll be worth it.
Anonymous
April 17th, 2021 8:48am
For some people getting risk of isolated need the help from other people like friends, relatives,... I personally also believe that this is really a good way. However, I am even more convinced that we can stop feeling lonely on our own. Without the support from others, we can create own happiness by doing things we would love to do. Have you ever tried to watching films, shopping, learning, cooking,.. on your own? I myself have experienced that kind of feeling before. And i would say that it is even better than you could imagine. So just give it a try one day and you can figure out by yourself. I hope people who read this reply happiness in life!
Sentriase
November 19th, 2020 5:03am
Embrace the world. Go on strolls and explore the neighborhood. Explore around parks and places that have lots of people. Hop online and play a game or join a discussion of your interest. Entertain yourself and provide your opinion to communities. Share what your personal experiences. Ask for advice or even give advice to people. Think about those you care about connect with them as much as possible. Help those in need. Travel around the world and learn about different cultures. Visit animal shelters and make a friend. Bring happiness to those that need. Create your own community online by sharing a common interest.
HelpfulCam2000
November 21st, 2020 9:54pm
The best way to feel less isolated is to reach out someone who you think cares about you. It can be anyone from a teacher to a parent to a friend, but usually just reaching out to them and letting them know you are struggling can start a conversation. Other good ways to feel less isolated include reaching out to people you might work with or go to school with and just seeing if they need a friend. Sometimes the best way to have a good friend is to be a good friend, and being a good friend always starts with listening. Engage people on what they like or ask them about themselves and pretty soon you will have made a friend.