Loneliness: Socializing
Strategies and Suggestions on social networking when lonely
You might be a person who prefers to avoid virtual communication and very much prefers in-person social activities and connection. Because of this, you may be avoiding reaching out to family and friends due to the fact that you will have to talk to them virtually. Even though you don't like socializing over the phone, over video call, over text, etc. it is very important to continue making an attempt to reach out to those in your social network during the pandemic so that you can maintain your social life during this time for your mental health.
Stop and Think:
Think about your social network right now. Who do you consider friends? Peers or coworkers? Family members? When you think of socializing, who comes to mind? Who do you like to spend time with? Is there anyone that you have wanted to become closer to in the past, but never got around to reaching out to them? Is there anyone you used to be close to and you miss?
Now is the time to think about what kinds of people you want to add or maintain in your social network to make plans with, though you will have to think of creative opportunities to socialize together. Use this worksheet to determine where you might have social support in your life right now. It could be a good time to build up and strengthen your current social network as social support is VERY important for our other mental health needs to reach out for help for things like anxiety, trauma, grief, worry, etc.
Another way is to think of ways you can branch out and meet new people from your home. One obvious way on 7Cups is to reach out to a listener as a member, or train to become a listener to help others. You can meet diverse people from different backgrounds while practicing core values and genorosity to make you feel fulfilled and good! This can be helpful to your mental health in maintaining a social network and feeling productive. Other ways can be to join online classes (academic or physical), research forums or clubs to join virtually, or reach out to people on social media.