Happy #MentalHealthMonday! Today we're sharing more "weekly wellness" content developed by Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMCC) Mental Health Therapist Jillian Giesselmann M.A. for our St. Gianna Women's Homes (SGWH) residents. Today's topic is loneliness.
You could say this world is more connected than it's ever been. Social media makes us feel like we have many friends and constant connections when in reality, many people feel lonely in their day-to-day life. Researchers claim that the U.S. is experiencing a "loneliness epidemic." In a 2018 survey, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, experts discovered that about 22% of Americans say they constantly feel alone. So what should you do when you're feeling blue with anyone to lean on? Here's what therapists, doctors, and researchers say are some of the best strategies to cope with loneliness.
19 things to do when you're feeling lonely:
◾Name it. Validate it.
◾Remember healthy connections you already have.
◾Recognize you are not alone (in feeling lonely).
◾Get curious. Ask questions and research possible solutions.
◾Take time to slow down.
◾Reconnect with self-love and appreciation.
◾Spend time in nature.
◾Perform anonymous acts of kindness.
◾Give back to your community by volunteering.
◾Join a club.
◾Show up as your full self.
◾Put your hand over your heart.
◾Create something.
◾Spend time with animals at a shelter.
◾Check your social media usage.
◾Reconnect with positive role models.
◾Reevaluate any harmful habits.
◾Try to push yourself, but know your boundaries.
◾Work with a mental health professional.
Click here for more information on the mental health services offered by IHMCC.
