Nearly everyone experiences loneliness. It is an emotion – the feeling of being disconnected or isolated. And it makes it extremely hard to connect and communicate with others.
Feelings of loneliness may fade as you begin interacting with others. However, if it reaches chronic loneliness, the effects can be long-lasting and have a negative impact on your mental health.
Consider the following ways that loneliness can lead to negative outcomes. You may experience one or more of them. Those you know may experience them. But it’s important to know what to look for.
Stress
Loneliness that lasts can cause increased levels of cortisol – the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol in your blood can lead to anxiety and depression if not relieved. And, it can make matters worse because it can lead you to shy away from the relationships that you crave.
Poor Quality of Sleep
When you are lonely, sleep may seem elusive. As your mind mulls over what you are feeling, it is hard to calm down enough to get a good night’s sleep. Also, the high cortisol levels that may be present can lead to poor sleep.
Substance Abuse
Those who are plagued with loneliness are susceptible to alcoholism and substance abuse. This may be a danger for many because it is seen as a means of escape – especially if they don’t have someone to talk to. The feelings ma be numbed, but the cause and the effects will not be removed.
Negative Self Image
Loneliness can have a major impact on how you see yourself. When it seems like no one cares, it’ easy to think poorly of yourself. You may feel like you are doing something wrong or that it is somehow your fault. This leads to greater anxiety and depression. And that can keep you from developing future relationships.
Withdrawal
Chronic loneliness can work against you fixing the “problem.” It can lead to withdrawal because you don’t want to be hurt again. This also can cause you to not share your struggle with others because of the withdrawal.
Loneliness is a common feeling, and many people do not consider the negative impact that it can have on someone mentally and emotionally. Please – if you are struggling with loneliness, reach out for help. With the help of friends, family, and even professionals, you can begin the steps to changing your situation.
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