I feel like isolating myself, but deep inside I am very lonely. What do I do?
251 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Jun 4, 2022
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ViridianFrost9
on
Aug 2, 2016
Loneliness Expert
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I know exactly how that feels. Loneliness is something that's been with me my entire life and I always end up pushing people away and isolating myself even more, even though I know it's a trap.
You have to force yourself out of that comfort zone of isolation and self-pity of "why no one truly likes me?". As uncomfortable as it is at first I usually send a message to a friend I haven't talked to in a while, just a "hey, how's it going?" if I feel like talking to them. Or write my loneliness out on a blog and share it to trusted people on facebook, hoping someone will notice and reach out - it's like broadcasting a call for help. Another option is signing up for some sort of social activity - signing up is the key here, because it feels like you commit to it, someone will expect you, and hold accountable for showing up to some extent. I never believe it will work, I expect to feel all alone among all those new people I'll meet, yet another situation where I don't belong, but the actual outcome is nearly as bad. Meeting new people and chatting about trivial things takes you mind off of that feeling of loneliness, at least temporarily.
I know how insanely hard it is sometimes to resist that urge to isolate, but be aware of it, be aware that it's a trap, and search ways how to walk around it and not succumb :)
Struggling with loneliness?
Anonymous
on
Feb 17, 2019
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Surround yourself with things that make you happy. Don't talk to or even look at people if you don't want to. Read, if that's what you like. Watch movies, binge-eat, have a movie marathon, go for walk at odd hours, go running. Spend time with yourself, think about what's going on with your life and how you would like it to be. Care about yourself before anyone else.
Being alone and feeling lonely are two very different things. We are lonely when we don't enjoy our own company, when we aren't comfortable in own skin. Talk to yourself, take yourself to dates, make love, care. Look in the mirror, that is the person you go to sleep with every night. That person in the mirror, they come first.
Anonymous
on
Jul 21, 2016
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Why do you feel so lonely inside? Perhaps you need a period of self reflection. Loneliness is often a cry for help and you probably really need yourself right now. You are not "isolating" yourself in a negative way, simply caring for you first. That way you can be the best you for you, and those you care about. Try to extend yourself more to those around you but don't feel pressured. Be patient with yourself and let things flow :)
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fyeo
on
Sep 16, 2016
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I need to talk about this to a friend whom I can trust. Isolation might mean that you're just protecting yourself from getting harm by others, and that's why you avoid people, but yet feeling very lonely inside.
Anonymous
on
Dec 17, 2016
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This can be a problem for introverts or people with social anxiety, like myself, the way you always seem to be contradicting yourself in the things you want and feel. You may have a hard time making friends, or a hard time connecting with them, and it may feel like people don't really acknowlege how you feel, which can cause you to want to just isolate yourself; be with the only person who truly understands you, you. If you have the option to talk with friends or even make some new ones, this is always a good idea but not always the easiest for some. Sometimes it's best to start by simply going out more, having short conversations with people you don't know, maybe even just spend some time with a pet or volunteer at an animal shelter; sometimes all that it takes to help you when you feel alone is to interact with something else that is alive.
Anonymous
on
Sep 22, 2016
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You may want to isolate yourself to validate a lack of adequate interactions. Rather than cutting yourself off from society, which will ensure you do not find a friend, you should try looking in new and unusual places for like-minded people. One good friend is better than a million acquaintances.
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Serifeee
on
Jul 20, 2016
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we must talk with a strongest therapist when we feel very alone ourselves. Because in these times, we sometimes dont think properly. It is needed to talk with a wise.
Anonymous
on
Aug 15, 2016
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Even I feel lonely everyday. All of my friends have each other and sometimes I feel like I'm pushed away. But I never really let that get to me. To wash away the loneliness I watch funny and inspiring movies or I read a lot of books. It really, really helps. I would also recommend walking around in your neighborhood or town and just exploring everything. It's like the key to a world without sorrows.
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SanyaListensYou
on
Nov 10, 2016
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Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don’t. And believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
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charmingSoul63
on
May 7, 2017
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Look for the things you love about yourself, be it physical or your traits as a person. Explore it, embrace it and share it with the world. Know your own worth eventually you will fill yourself with positive energy and the right people will find their way to you and your loneliness will fade in time.
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sonofbard
on
Aug 28, 2016
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Begin by understanding what the isolation is all about - what's at the heart of it - why you feel lonely. You can be alone without feeling lonely; you can be surrounded by people who genuinely love and care for you, and still feel lonely. So, loneliness is not a matter of circumstances or situations, though these can be triggers.
Anonymous
on
Aug 3, 2016
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Get busy
Keeping yourself busy is a really effective way of dealing with loneliness. If you’re in a situation where you’re bored or can’t find a job, volunteer with something you care about or think you might be interested in. Feeling needed and useful is really important sometimes.
Know you’re not alone
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Honeypuffs99
on
Oct 2, 2016
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Relax, take it easy. I think a lot of people have felt like just blocking themselves from the world and isolating themselves at one point or another. Don't blame yourself for feeling this way, instead try to understand yourself better and find out what makes you feel this way. You could try talking to a close friend or family member about this, or even talk to a therapist if you don't feel comfortable with talking to a person you know.
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Peter
on
Oct 4, 2016
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Why don't you try just taking a walk. One day maybe walk to the end of your street, and the next to the park. Slowly integrate yourself out of your comfort zone. When you feel ready, just ask someone for the time. Slowly you will see how you are able to talk to strangers more easier. Also, you could try and join a group or a club, that shares a common interest like you.
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Happysoul323
on
Aug 12, 2017
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I was going through this phase once. It is the feeling of being hollow from inside. You just feel like there is noone who cares about you.You have noone to talk to. But trust me, people are out there to help you. People who want to see you happy. These can be your loved ones or sometimes complete strangers. The thing is to realise that we are after all a social animal and don't want to die alone. We always want someone by our side, whether we accept it or not. It is better to tell someone how you are feeling and you will get better day by day, just like me.
Anonymous
on
Aug 6, 2016
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Have some people let your expectations down? Isolating yourself isn't usually the best solution. Try to be positive, and maybe find some new people to talk with?
Anonymous
on
Jun 22, 2017
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Try to go out and socialise with others doing something you've never done before can be rewarding within itself.
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SilverPatronus777
on
Jul 20, 2016
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Try to engage yourself in activities that include relating to others, basing on the things you love the most. For example, if you like music, you can try entering a band. If you like art, some course where you have to relate to other students. There are a lot of activities that in some way force you to create relationships, but in the end they can be very helpful for you.
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joyousWind76
on
Jul 23, 2016
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Well do not isolate your self it will get worse chances are they must be someone family friends they will talk
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UniqueHeart
on
Aug 25, 2016
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Are you happy with your own company? First you should learn to be content with yourself. Once you learn to do this, to lessen the loneliness you should probably try to talk to people and make a few friends. You don't always have to be around them - try to find a balance of alone time and spending time with others.
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