Loneliness
Loneliness Counselling in Clayfield, Brisbane
Loneliness is a difficult feeling that a person can experience when their friendships, family relationships, or other relationships are not the way they would like. Loneliness can be the result of being a long distance from someone we care for, but it does not necessarily require being alone - in fact, loneliness can occur in a crowded room, in the presence of loving friends and family. This is because it is a very personal feeling of being somehow separate or isolated. Many people struggled with loneliness even before the recent pandemic, however, since COVID-19, research shows that as many as 1 in 2 Australians report feeling more lonely.
Help is not far away. If you would like to see us face to face, we are based in Clayfield and just minutes away from Teneriffe, Kangaroo Point, East Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, and Brisbane City. We’re also within reach (5 - 15 mins away) from those in Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, Herston, West End, Petrie Terrace, Highgate Hill, Kelvin Grove, Norman Park, Kelvin Grove, Hawthorne, Windsor, Wilston, and Balmoral.
What is chronic loneliness?
Bouts of loneliness on occasion are a normal part of life, however it is considered to be chronic loneliness when feelings go on for a long period of time. Chronic loneliness features ongoing and unrelenting feelings of being alone, separated or isolated from others, and/or unable to connect on a deeper level. It can also be accompanied by deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy, shame, poor self-esteem, and even self-loathing.
Chronic loneliness can be experienced by even the most outgoing person. You can be - or appear to be - "life of the party" and still be deeply lonely. As noted earlier, long term loneliness, can over time impact all areas of your life.
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Loneliness
Symptoms and signs of chronic loneliness can differ from person to person and situation to situation. If you often feel some or all of the following, you might be experiencing chronic loneliness:
Feeling unable to connect with others on a deep, intimate level. Friends and family may be a part of your life, but your day to day interactions might feel as if they are at a very ‘surface’ level - rather than fulfilling, or deeper connection.
Believing there are no "best" friends - or close friends - to support you. You may have friends, but feel they are at a distance, or more casual acquaintances, rather than those who truly "gets" you.
Overwhelming isolation in a range of circumstances, feeling alone even at work with others or at a social event.
Persistent feelings of self-doubt and self-worth.
Exhaustion and burn out when trying to connect with others.
How Can Counselling Help?
If you have feelings of intense or ongoing loneliness that just don't go away, speaking with a psychologist or counsellor can help. Here are a few ways we can help:
Self exploration. Just as it sounds, self exploration is a process of helping unearth the reasons for one’s loneliness, and can lead to further more specific treatment.
Social anxiety. You may have feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, or social anxiety that interfere with building connections with others. (See more on various types of anxiety and how we can help with them here.
Communication skill-building. It could be that you have trouble getting to know people, whether they’re new friends or potential romantic partners. A psychologist can help identify this need and work with you to build the skills needed to connect with others. These skills don’t always come naturally - but rest assured, it isn’t ‘cheating’ to get a crash course in connection.
In all cases, talking to a counsellor can help you find ways to make changes. If you’re dealing with a mental or physical condition that isolates you or worsens feelings of loneliness, getting help for those issues can assist by making it easier to reach out to others.
If you are affected by loneliness and don’t really know why, therapy can help narrow down possible causes. It can be difficult to manage feelings of loneliness if you are not sure what’s happening. A professional can help you look at situations in your life that might be leading to these feelings.
Book an appointment or give us a call
If loneliness is affecting you or someone you love, let us help.
Lighthouse Relationships serves clients based locally in Clayfield, New Farm, Teneriffe, Kangaroo Point,Fortitude Valley, East Brisbane, and Brisbane central. We’re also just a short trip from Albion, Herston, West End, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, Kelvin Grove, Petrie Terrace, Highgate Hill, Norman Park, Hawthorne, Wooloowin, Wilston, Windsor, Nundah, and Balmoral - and we’re also available for Telehealth or zoom sessions from anywhere worldwide.