The Health Consequences of Loneliness

Contributing factors to loneliness include situationals variables such as:

• Physical isolation
• Moving to a new location
• Divorce
• The death of someone meaningfull
• Symptom of psycological disorder (depression)
• Low self-esteem

People who lack confidence in themselves otfen believe that they are unworthy of the attention or regard from other peoplem which can lead to isolation and chronic loneliness.

this is also why it's so important to trust yourself.

Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both psysical and mental health including:

• Alcoholism and drug use
• Altered brain funtion
• Alzheimer's disease progression
• Antisocial behavior
• Cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Decreased memory and learning
• Depression and suicide
• Increased stress levels
• Poor dicision making

These are not the only areas in which loneliness takes its toll.

Loneliness can be overcome. It does require a concious effort on your part to make a change. In the long run, making a change can make you happier, healtier and enable you to impact others around you in a positive way.

Here are some ways to prevent loneliness:

• Consider community service or another activity that you enjoy. These situations present great opportunities to meet people and cultivate new friendships and social interactions.
• Expect the best. Lonely people often expect rejection, so instead focus on positive thoughts and attitudes in your social relationships.
• Focus on developing quality relationships. Seek people who share similar attitudes, interests, and values with you.
• Recognize that loneliness is a sign that something needs to change.
• Understand the effects of loneliness on your life. There are physical and mental repercussions for loneliness.