Isolation and Loneliness

There are many situations that can make a person feel isolated. A lack of close friends and family, with little or no interaction, can make a person feel socially isolated. Some people may withdraw and spend days without any human contact.

There can be a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Sometimes being in the middle of groups of friends or family with whom they struggle to connect can make people feel lonelier than when they are alone.

Some people may feel isolated within their relationship, creating uncomfortable and sometimes insurmountable distance between them and their partners. Social isolation can lead to depression and other psychological challenges.

There are two types of loneliness: emotional and social. Emotional loneliness is when we miss the company of one particular person, such as a sibling, spouse, or best friend. Social loneliness is when we lack a wider social network such as a group of friends or colleagues.

A key aspect of coming to counselling is building a therapeutic relationship. The healing aspects of that relationship can help deal with the emotional and psychological issues associated with isolation and can identify strategies to help you engage with others and feel more whole.