Loneliness is a universal human emotion that is both complex and unique to each individual. because it has no single common cause, the prevention and treatment of this potentially damaging state of mind can vary dramatically.For example, a lonely child who struggles to make friends at school has different needs than a lonely older adult whose spouse has recently died.

Loneliness

Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both psysical and mental health including:<ul><li>Alcoholism and drug use</li><li>Altered brain funtion</li><li>Alzheimer's disease progression</li><li>Antisocial behavior</li><li>Cardiovascular disease and stroke</li><li>Decreased memory and learning</li><li>Depression and suicide</li><li>Increased stress levels</li><li>Poor dicision making</li></ul>These are not the only areas in which loneliness takes its toll.

Health risks of loneliness

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

Tips to prevent and overcome loneliness

While common definitions of loneliness describe it as a state of solitude or being alone, loneliness is actually a state of mind. Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted. People who are lonely often crave human contact, but their state of mind makes it more difficult to form connections with other people. Loneliness is not necessarily about being alone. instead, if you feel alone and isolated, that is how loneliness plays into your state of mind.

Definiton of loneliness

Contributing factors to loneliness include situationals variables such as:<ul><li>Physical isolation</li><li>Moving to a new location</li><li>Divorce</li><li>The death of someone meaningfull</li><li>Symptom of psycological disorder (depression)</li><li>Low self-esteem</li></ul>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.

Causes of loneliness

Loneliness is a universal yet complex human emotion. Learn more about the causes, health effects, and tips to prevent loneliness.