Loneliness Is An All Too Common Problem That Needs To Be Recognized

   Loneliness…
   Loneliness, it’s tough. It can be painful, exhausting, heartbreaking, and potentially devastating, especially when we let it consume us. At times, it can feel almost overwhelming.
   Loneliness also has the potential to increase the risks of mental and physical health problems.
   I know all about loneliness because I’ve been living with it for decades. I understand the pain and challenges that come with it. Seeing other people have numerous close friends while I can’t seem to find even one.
   Anyone is susceptible. Individuals with lots of people around them or others who are physically alone and isolated.  All ages, genders, sexualities, races… No one is immune.
   Kinda scary I know.
   Thing is, while loneliness can be terribly challenging to deal with, we shouldn’t let it consume us. We must learn to control it, not let it control us.
   Believe in yourself, even at the most difficult moments. Remember that you can rely on yourself no matter what. I know, it can be brutal at times, but never give up on you.
   Stay open to the possibility of connecting with someone because after being hurt so much, it can be easy to automatically shut people out to try to protect ourselves from more disappointments, letdowns, and rejections. The problem with shutting people out is that it can also isolate us even more and prevent us from establishing contact and potential relationships with others. 
   So be open to meeting other people. Don’t automatically rule out letting them in. If they hurt you, don’t let it bring you down. I know it can be frustrating and terribly painful, especially when you don’t appear to have any close friends and attempts to find one seem to keep failing. Still, metaphorically speaking: Get back up, brush yourself off, and keep moving forward.
   Another thing is to try to find happiness in yourself. There is truth to the idea of love and have faith in yourself.
   Believe in you! Doing so will help make life more enjoyable and also increase the possibility of perhaps connecting with others.
   Do things you enjoy, even if you are doing them on your own. Use your imagination because there, you can experience, explore, and do whatever you want.
   And don’t be afraid to talk to a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. There is absolutely no shame in doing so, and it may help you cope with your circumstances a whole lot better.
   And please, never give up!
   Remember that you can always rely on yourself!