Loneliness

Loneliness has be referred to as the “Silent Epidemic.”  In Canada 1 in 4 people aged 15-24 reported that always or often feel lonely and 1 in 10 people aged 25 and older reported always or often feeling lonely (Stats Canada). Stats Canada also states that women report high levels of loneliness  than men and that those who report feeling loneliness struggle more with mental health and have a lower life satisfaction level.  It is also stated that people who are married are less likely to report feeling always or often lonely than those who are single.

There is even research that suggests that social isolation and loneliness  can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, suicidality and self harm,  dementia and earlier death (www.cdc,gov).

The Definition of loneliness  is a feeling, an emotion, and perception of a genernal sense of lacking connection or belonging, while also desiring more connection with others than one actually has.

At the surface, this definition makes sense but then why do we hear people say they can be in a room full of people and still feel lonely? Loneliness actually goes much deeper  than this definition.  Loneliness is fundamentally linked to your relationship with yourself..  If you are unhappy, discontent, insecure- you will likely feel lonely. The emotions that surface in moments of solitude—when there is no one and nothing to mask them—are often the most revealing. Avoiding them does not resolve them; it just buries them.

Strategies for Loneliness 

Most common recommended strategies for loneliness are to go and join clubs, volunteer, reach out to others and these things can be helpful in fostering social interaction and building connection but they are also distracting you from feeling the loneliness.  Connection is a vital part of living but in order to feel connection you must also be willing to feel fear, rejection, vulnerability and more.  Most struggle with feeling true connection and therefore feel more lonely.  As a result, surface-level interactions may temporarily alleviate loneliness. To resolve loneliness, it is essential to confront and explore your emotions and challenge your core beliefs.

Core Belief & Loneliness

To genuinely address loneliness and heal, it is essential to turn inward and focus on personal growth. Loneliness often stems from a core belief of being not good enough, not important, not valued." When this belief is present, it can lead to difficulty seeing your own worth and doubting whether you have anything meaningful to offer others. These internal struggles can persist whether you're alone or surrounded by people. Meaningful change begins by addressing your own challenges, insecurities, self-sabotaging behaviors, and, most importantly, the core beliefs that shape how you see yourself.

Loneliness vs Alone 

The healthier and more confident you are, the stronger your core belief good enough, important, and valued. As a result, feelings of loneliness begin to diminish. When you are comfortable within yourself, being alone no longer feels isolating—it becomes a natural and peaceful state. This inner shift allows you to feel at ease both in solitude and in social settings. You begin to recognize your  worth and the value you bring to your relationships, making your relationships stronger and more connected. Ultimately, loneliness is not about the absence of others, but about the relationship you have with yourself.