How to Feel Less Isolated

Change the way you think. Feelings of isolation can be lessened by changing the way you think. Your friends and colleagues may tell you stories of how much fun they had at a party or how happy they are with their relationships. You may feel isolated and that you are not enjoying your life as much as they do. It is not true that since you are mentally ill, you are the only one who feels loneliness. The truth is, almost everyone feels lonely too. They just do not talk about it. People find themselves alone once in a while. Thinking that it is normal and it happens to everybody can help lessen the loneliness.

Use the internet. We now live in a world with so many opportunities for social contact. Using the internet can help alleviate loneliness. There are numerous websites where people can meet and stay connected like Facebook, Myspace, Friendster, and Multiply. Uploading pictures of your latest whereabouts can help people be updated about you. Your friends can have different opinions about your posts and they can post comments. For example, if they saw you post a picture of you in a nice place, they may comment and ask where that place is. You can then answer their question and that is when the conversation starts. Your friend may be grateful and find you really nice. She or he may remember you as a nice friend and may even invite you on special occasions or to go out sometime.

Help others. Helping other people is a very good way to gain friends. Even small favors can mean a lot to other people. You should not always think about your own good. Thinking about the welfare of others can bring people closer to you. Joining in outreach programs can help you meet friends and help people in need as well. This way, you can both satisfy your own personal needs and the needs of others.

Enroll in classes. Participating in programs that have opportunities to meet friends is a good start. When you enroll in a class that interests you, you will probably meet people who find that class interesting as well. This gives you something common to talk about and possibly grow into a potential relationship.

Attend religious groups. Religious beliefs can provide social connection and meaning to your life. Attending spiritual meetings can be an opportunity for making friends. Churches usually organize social outings for its members. Praying to your god or gods can make you feel less alone as you have someone always ready to listen to you. You may also feel that your god or gods gave you life because you have a special mission on earth which can give meaning to your life.

References Used:

Cacioppo, J. T., & Patrick, W. (2008). Loneliness: human nature and the need for social connection. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.

Cattan, M., White, M., Bond, J., & Learmouth, A. (2005). Preventing social isolation and loneliness among older people : a systematic review of health promotion interventions. Ageing & Society, 25, 41-67. DOI: 10.1017/S0144686X04002594.

Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook "friends:" Social capital and College students' use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), article 1.

Lubkin, I.M. & Larsen, P.D. (2006). Chronic illness: Impact and interventions (6th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.