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Loneliness

All of us experience loneliness at times. The emotion of loneliness usually indicates a feeling of disconnection from others. Some of us end up feeling lonely after spending extended periods alone, but it’s also possible to feel lonely while in the presence of others. Usually, loneliness is not a comfortable emotion, and while it’s normal to occasionally experience it, prolonged loneliness can lead to depression in some people.

It’s important to remember that loneliness is not necessarily a permanent state and that it can be uncomfortable to step out of your shell and find new ways to connect with others. Forging social connections, however, can be beneficial in dispelling loneliness.

Sometimes though, loneliness is an indicator of depression. How to tell the difference? Loneliness is a specific reaction to feeling alone or isolated, and would not affect your overall quality of life. In contrast, depression is a broader feeling of disconnection that permeates all aspects of your life. If you find that you are experiencing loneliness (or depression), seek help from a licensed therapist, counselor, or your doctor.

Escaping Loneliness in Retirement
Read More
Published on: 22 Oct 2024
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 10 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

Escaping Loneliness in Retirement

Published on: 22 Oct 2024
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byKarmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Oct 22, 2024
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
Retirement is supposed to be an exciting time in your life. You’ve worked for years and are more…
Male Loneliness
Read More
Published on: 30 Nov 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 

Male Loneliness: The Unspoken Struggle

Published on: 30 Nov 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Written byFamous Erwin, LMHC, LPC
  • Nov 30, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
Recent research shows that men are lonelier than ever. Only 27% of men say they have 6 close…
Why You May Feel So Lonely
Read More
Published on: 18 Oct 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

9 Reasons Why You May Feel So Lonely

Published on: 18 Oct 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Written byOlga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • Oct 18, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
Loneliness is a universal human emotion, something that everyone experiences at one point or another in life. Though…
Feeling Lonely in College
Read More
Published on: 18 Oct 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

Feeling Lonely in College? Here’s Why & What to Do

Published on: 18 Oct 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • Written byJill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Oct 18, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
Updated 12/14/2023. Going away to college is a major milestone — the experience can be unlike any other…
Read More
Published on: 07 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW

How to Deal with Holiday Loneliness

Published on: 07 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
  • Written byMeaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Dec 07, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Liz Kelly, LCSW
Updated on 9/21/2022 Every year, there comes a time when we are all propelled full force into the…
Ask Ashely Ertel
Read More
Published on: 04 Mar 2021
  • 4 minute read

Ask a Therapist: How Can I Hold on to Hope When I’ve Been Feeling Lonely For So Long?

Published on: 04 Mar 2021
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Mar 04, 2021
Our Council of Experts are available each week to offer insight, guidance, and tips to answer your questions.…
woman sitting at desk
Read More
Published on: 19 Feb 2021
  • 4 minute read

Why Boredom Can Be a Good Thing and How to Utilize It

Published on: 19 Feb 2021
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Feb 19, 2021
If you’re anything like me, a common theme of your text messages with all your friends is complaints…
Read More
Published on: 11 Feb 2021
  • 4 minute read

How to Fend Off Loneliness

Published on: 11 Feb 2021
  • Written byHannah Connors
  • Feb 11, 2021
February is here and with it comes an overwhelming slew of Valentine’s Day imagery and reminders of who…
Alone for the holidays
Read More
Published on: 21 Dec 2020
  • 5 minute read

How to Do the Holidays Alone in Style

Published on: 21 Dec 2020
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Dec 21, 2020
Are you dreading spending the holidays alone? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We promise, spending the holidays…
Coping with transitions
Read More
Published on: 09 Nov 2020
  • 4 minute read

How to Manage When You Lose Touch with Your Support Systems

Published on: 09 Nov 2020
  • Written byHannah Connors
  • Nov 09, 2020
Whether it be graduating college, moving to a new city, starting a different job, or doing all three…

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