Why do I still feel so alone when my family is so supportive of me?

Feeling alone does not always pertain to being around people! You can be "alone in a crowded place," even if that place is full of helpful people that support you and help you (or assist you in managing a mental illness). I understand how you feel! Often I become upset because I *know* there are people out there that care about me, I just feel like there's an invisible wall between my thoughts and their supportive selves. I'm sure they're doing their best to help you out, but if you feel so alone when it comes down to it, you should tell them. Or perhaps find someone to whom you can speak and relate these feelings to! It is up to you, my dear. I am always here if you need to talk. With love, Crow

Thank you for reaching out! To answer your own question reflect on how open you are with your family. Is there information you choose to withhold from your family because you feel ashamed about sharing anything negative? How do you feel when you do not share with your family? Is that causing you to feel alone? What emotions do you go through? I can really hear your family looks out for you and is very caring towards you. In what sense would you say you feel alone? Could it be you worry they cannot relate to what you will share? Could it be that you have not yet accepted what you are going through? Of course your family loves you, and will support your feelings even if they don’t know the full story. It is up to you to tell what they need to know in order to truly feel, and understand your pain. They will love you unconditionally, but it is up to you to be open about your secrets, or problem. Opening about things personal to you will take time and reflection of how you will communicate your need. Reflect on the people in your life you are really open with. Why in particular are you open with these people? Ask yourself also about whether you worry your family will get really emotional about what you share? Are you trying to protect them by not sharing? Do reflect if you feel okay opening up to someone more neutral, so that you have an easier time sharing what you go through. You are welcome to communicate with one of our listeners on our site of therapists for a listening ear. Wishing you all the strength and courage to reach out and be more accepting of what you are going through.

In moments when your family might be showing support, what kind of thoughts come up that have you feel alone? (and what are you doing to address those concerns/questions?) In general, simmering in positive moments and truly experiencing and absorbing them is a practice. Our brains are wired to notice the negative moments - so we can obsess over them, learn from them, and survive. But if you want happiness, next time you feel good feelings - gratitude, support - breathe into it and experience it lasting for 10 seconds before the judging thoughts come in. When someone offers help, support, or compliment, take a breathe, smile, and say thank you - without any qualifications or explanations, or "back atcha" out loud to them, or in your head. Receiving any attention, even positive attention, can be really hard. Just know you're not alone in feeling alone.

Your family is always there, you know that and some times, you do not even knowledge it, consequently it is not important or you do not feel them close to you. You are looking for a new experience, somebody who will bring you something new.. but will also stay. We are eager for new things, new emotions and when we do not get that, also a feeling of loneliness can take place. Another reason why you feel alone is because you do not see the people around you, they are there.. but you are just.. alone.. you do not want to talk to people.. you do not share their emotions.. you just isolate yourself..

Feeling alone is a very common and valid emotion. We are typically told that we must appreciate all that we have and we are lucky to have a supportive family, but sometimes loneliness does not come due to a lack of support. Loneliness stems from something within and sometimes it has nothing to do with the people around you. Many people go through life lost and feeling misunderstood, which in turn leads to feelings of loneliness. It is ok to feel this way, but there are steps that can be taken to come out of this black hole that loneliness tends to lead to. Gaining support from others outside your family is one great step. Or joining organizations or classes with like-minded individuals that share your interests. And simply talking about these feelings can help immensely.