Loneliness

[أم بدر الدين]

Loneliness

"If I'm such a legend, then why am I so lonely? Let me tell you, legends are all very well if you've got somebody around who loves you."

"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."


Loneliness is a very powerful emotion. It can lead to depression, illness, even suicide. Although it may often hit the old, sick or handicapped people, it is very common among young people too. Why?

[size=6] Yes! You may need to work hard though! Here are some ideas to think about[/size]:

Remember, you are not the only one to feel this way - perhaps 25% of the people around you feel the same. So make the first step!

Do you have an interest or hobby? Find a group or society with this interest and join it.

Even in a stable long-term relationship or marriage, you should still not expect your partner to meet all of your emotional needs. They should certainly meet many of your needs, because your partner should be your best friend. But you should also have a network of good relationships with other friends, giving and taking help and support.

It can be easy to live out our lives through the imaginary relationships in films, TV, books, or even arm-length relationships on the Internet. These aren't real! TV and film characters do not act and talk like real people! It is an imaginary world, very different from the real one. Live in the real world!

To be wanted and needed, is a big answer to loneliness. Is there any way you can help other people? Can you volunteer to do something? Hospital visiting, visiting old people, assist an advice centre, an inner city help program - the list is endless. Or just learn to be a listening person who can understand how other people feel, and help them. In helping other people, we find friends and lose loneliness!

Don't wait for someone to phone (or write/email) you - you contact them. And if they seem too busy, it doesn't mean they are rejecting you. Try another time!

If you have been hurt as a child through emotional abuse, or difficult relationships with parents, don't bury those feelings. It is possible to find victory over these hurts.