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Symptoms of Loneliness
If you aren’t sure if you’re suffering from loneliness, there are certain symptoms you can look for. After all, physically being alone isn’t the same as loneliness.
What Are the Symptoms of Loneliness?
You might be suffering from loneliness if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Feeling disconnected from others
Connecting with others is an essential part of tackling loneliness, but you might be struggling to feel that connection even when you’re interacting with people. - Lack of emotional bonding
Bonding with people on an emotional level is key to preventing feelings of loneliness. You’ll miss this bonding time if you aren’t getting enough, because you can sense that it’s important for your wellbeing. The longer this persists, the worse you’ll feel. - A smaller social circle than you’d like
You may feel lonely if there aren’t enough people in your social circle. You’ll start to wish you had more friends and acquaintances, or you may feel that there’s something missing in your life. - Negative emotions
Emotions like emptiness, sadness, fear and futility can cause loneliness. You end up trapped in a downwards spiral. - Physical or mental health conditions
Physical or mental health conditions can contribute to feelings of loneliness. You might start to withdraw, which means you’ll have fewer social connections and won’t be able to bond with people, for example.
How Do You Know If You’re Lonely?
There are several ways to tell if you’re experiencing loneliness. You need to look at physical and mental, but also social and behavioral, cues.
- Physical signs
- Poor personal grooming
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Lack of appetite
- Mental signs
- Negative self-image and low self-confidence
- A sense of meaningless and hopelessness
- Feelings of abandonment
- Disillusionment
- Sadness
- Rage
- Lack of trust in others
- Social signs
- Few social contacts
- Lack of social support
- Behavioral signs
- Lack of social skills
- Keeping others at a distance
- Clingy behavior
- Focus on self
- Addictions or excessive use of substances
- Life events
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce
- Illness or disability
- Relocation, emigration or major life change
- Losing a job
- Financial difficulties
- A pandemic
Help
Sometimes loneliness can be caused by things like depression, anxiety or even autism. There are various possible causes. Our qualified psychologists are happy to help you find new coping mechanisms.
Related symptoms
Loneliness in relationships
You are in a relationship, yet you sometimes feel lonely even though you are not physically alone. For example, you may feel misunderstood by your partner, or you may feel that your partner does not give you enough attention. Feelings of loneliness occur more often than you might think and are normal. But prolonged loneliness can affect your mental wellbeing. If you feel alone in your relationship for a long time, it is important to do something about it. After reading this article, you will understand how loneliness in a relationship arises and have tools to help you feel less lonely.
Dealing with loneliness
There are certain practical steps you can take if you’re trying to tackle loneliness. You can manage your feelings in different ways so that they have less of a negative impact on your daily life.
For example, it might help to talk to someone about it or make a list of all the people you could call for a chat. If you start small, you’ll be able to figure out what’s working for you in your battle against loneliness.
Causes and Effects of loneliness
Loneliness has serious consequences. If you experience feelings of loneliness for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to both mental and physical health issues. You’ll start to feel like you’re withdrawing from regular society. It’s important to act quickly in order to avoid any unnecessary long-term problems.
Get help from a Loneliness psychologist
Contact one of our psychologists today without obligation. You can talk about feelings and symptoms. In addition, you will receive information about a suitable treatment that suits you.
- Reimbursed healthcare with a rating of 9+
- Direct help without long waiting times
- Free, no-obligation treatment advice