The internet undoubtedly makes it much easier to connect with people. Thanks to social media, many of our closest friends and family members are at our fingertips. Yet, despite this advantage of being able to connect easily with people anywhere around the world, many people in Atlanta still feel alone. Social distancing can present many challenges to people with mental health conditions. Now more than ever, getting help for loneliness is vital at Atlanta Center for Mental Health.
Why Do You Feel Lonely?
Before learning about various types of treatment for loneliness, it is important to identify the causes of why you feel lonely. If you have trouble connecting with people, an Atlanta individual therapy program can really be instrumental in treating social anxiety and other issues. This will help you determine the types of assistance that will serve you best. Some of the most common reasons why people feel lonely are below:
- Genetics: While external factors greatly affect one’s feelings of loneliness, genetics is also a key factor. This means that even if two people are experiencing the same situations in life, one person many be more likely to experience loneliness than another.
- Perspective and attitude: The way you see yourself and others can directly affect your mood. If you have a negative outlook, you may isolate yourself, even from people who really care about you. This may result in increased feelings of loneliness. Keep in mind that quarantine makes most people feel lonely.
- Environment and surroundings: If you’ve moved to a new place alone, chances are you’ll feel lonely and isolated at times. Sometimes moving to a foreign country in which a language barrier poses a greater challenge in communicating with others can be even more challenging. People who had to move for education or employment opportunities may experience loneliness due to this new environment.
- Circumstances: When someone finds themselves in painful life situations such as having a chronic illness, divorce, or trauma, feelings of loneliness can be overwhelming.
Getting Help for Loneliness
If you can identify the reasons behind your feelings, you can consider ways to cope with loneliness with the help of a mental health treatment center. Here are some practical ways for improving your mood whenever you feel alone. Below are some of the most common ways to feel less lonely:
- Communicate with friends and family; Getting help for loneliness is something we all need sometimes. Reach out to family and friends when you feel the need. Use any means to communicate with them. If you can, why not pay them a visit?
- Go out and meet new people: If you transferred to a new place and don’t yet have any friends, just go out and explore. Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Sooner or later, you’ll meet good people and develop relationships.
- Get a pet: Pets can help alleviate stress and feelings of loneliness. If you live alone, consider adopting your very own furry friend. Just seeing them so excited to see you arrive home from work or school is sure to drive your loneliness away. If you get a pet, make sure you have the means to care for it; pets are expensive.
- Start a mini-project: Another way to keep busy and take your mind off loneliness is by starting a mini-project. It doesn’t matter what kind of project so long as it’s something you want to do, such as painting, quilting, reading, or writing.
- Pause from social media: Everyone’s life looks perfect on social media. It may be helpful to take a break and focus on experiencing new people without the pressure of social media.
- Seek professional treatment: Sometimes getting help for loneliness entails seeking professional help. A reputable mental health treatment center can help you avoid destructive effects such as depression.
The Atlanta Center for Mental Health Can Help
In getting help for loneliness, professional therapists can suggest a depression treatment program that is right for you. Atlanta Center for Mental Health can help you when you need it. Call our team of medical professionals at Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 for more information to help you find a treatment for loneliness.