Here’s What You Can Do for “Cheer Up the Lonely Day” (July 11)
Loneliness is more than just a passing mood. It can be the sign of other mental health issues and when left untreated, it can cause more serious consequences. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to prevent these issues.
For “Cheer Up the Lonely Day,” which is July 11 every year, Professor Muthoni Musangali in the Webster University College of Arts and Sciences Department of Professional Counseling, and Patrick Stack, the director of Counseling/Life Development at Webster University, have shared some tips and advice to guide those who are suffering from loneliness or who know a family or loved one who may be suffering.
“Before the pandemic, I had read research that said that loneliness was a serious and growing problem among elderly populations,” Musangali said. “But when the pandemic hit, numerous studies showed that it became an issue for just about everyone. Most of us went days to weeks and even months without human contact, and we are not designed that way.”
Loneliness can spiral into depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other conditions that can amplify an individual’s isolation and lead to other behavioral issues, Musangali said. If someone is feeling lonely, the first step is to admit it to themselves, she said. “Once you admit it out loud, you are more likely to take action. The next step is to find a way to connect with other people, or if you can’t do that, pursue an activity that brings you joy.”
She suggested that people reach out to family, neighbors, friends or other loved ones. For those who feel they don’t have that support network, explore the local community and find groups of people with similar interests, such as local activity clubs on MeetUp.com or through community centers or local colleges. If they can’t travel, take advantage of modern technology and call or learn how to use Zoom or other programs that connect people electronically.
Patrick Stack, the director of Counseling/Life Development at Webster University agreed and added that often pursuing an activity that brings joy can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Numerous studies have found that regular exercise, listening to music or looking at art can improve moods and stabilize emotions for long periods of time. He came up with a list of activities that could help someone connect with other people or relieve the sense of loneliness:
· Contact a friend.
· Read a book.
· Watch a movie.
· Treat yourself.
· Ride a bike.
· Go for a swim.
· Learn/practice a musical instrument.
· Study a foreign language.
· Enroll in a self-improvement course.
· Develop a hobby.
· Go for a ride.
· Explore your city or town.
· Reengage with your place of worship.
· Interact with children (asking them what they want to do, then do it if possible).
· Practice thinking positive.
· Adopt a mantra.
· Take a warm bath or shower.
Stack said that for those who want to help those who are lonely, first make sure assumptions aren’t being made and that the person is suffering and doesn’t just prefer to be alone. “It is very rare for me to be lonely because I practice self-love through understanding, compassion, gentleness and mercy to myself,” Stack said. “Being one of 10 children in the family, I cherish being alone.”
Musangali agreed. “There is a huge difference between being alone and suffering from loneliness. Wanting to be alone with your thoughts or finding personal time to work on yourself or your hobbies can be healthy. But conversely, a person can be in a huge crowd and still feel isolated and alone. So just because someone does have social contact also doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering. If you do approach someone, ask, don’t assume.”
For more resources about how to deal with loneliness, visit How to Deal with Loneliness: Support and Resources (healthline.com).
For more information about Webster University’s Professional Counseling programs, visit Counseling (MA) | Webster University.
