Loneliness With Anxiety In A Crowd

“I feel alone” or “I feel lonely.” Or, you could feel loneliness and anxiety in a crowd. Feeling alone and feeling lonely are two different emotions. Altogether, some people describe loneliness and anxiety as the feeling we have when our need for social contact and relationships isn’t met. But loneliness isn’t the same as being alone. As a matter of fact, you may feel content without much contact with other people. But others may find this a lonely and anxious experience.

Another key point, some people may only feel lonely and anxious at certain times. But other people may experience chronic loneliness and anxiousness. This is a deep feeling of loneliness that goes on for a long time. All in all, you may be around others and still feel like you’re alone. Some people might think that you need to live alone to feel lonely. Or that being lonely means not having many friends or family around you. But you can have lots of social contact and support and still feel lonely. Especially if you don’t feel understood or cared for by the people around you.

Therefore, feeling lonely can have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if you’ve felt lonely for a long time.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” —Mahatma Gandhi

Loneliness and Anxiety

However, the loss of community is one of the things contributing to the rise in anxiety, which you may feel yourself or see in a loved one. In fact, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25 percent. Hence, common forms of anxiety and loneliness that are in the community include:

First of all, anxiety about reentering society or leaving the house
Anxiety about big crowds
Anxiety about travel
Fourthly, anxiety about going back to work or school in person
Lastly, anxiety about not seeing loved ones (or seeing them)

While we all need some level of anxiety in our lives to function properly and thrive, if you think your anxiety may be heightened, the “Three A’s of Anxiety” are a helpful way to identify a potential issue:

Avoidance
For some, the longer we are out of school, work, or activities, the greater avoidant behaviors can become. This can be due to social interactions or being in any public space.
Ambivalence
We, as humans, have a hard time making decisions as it is. When we are stressed or anxious, we can overthink. Therefore, this can lead to “analysis paralysis,” which can result in poor decision-making and ineffective learning.
Anticipation
These are the constant “what-ifs” and “what happens when…?” Being that, anticipating a stressful event is often more stressful than the event itself. This is especially true when there are so many unknowns. Contrarily, changes in our lives, going back to school, heading to a new job, and going out in a crowded area for the first time can all be anxiety-provoking, even in the best of circumstances.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” —Henry David Thoreau

Causes of Loneliness

At length, contributing factors to loneliness and anxiety include situational variables, such as physical isolation, moving to a new location, and divorce. The death of someone significant in a person’s life can also lead to feelings of loneliness. Additionally, it can be a symptom of a psychological disorder such as depression. At this point, depression often causes people to withdrawal socially, which can lead to isolation. Research also suggests that loneliness can be a factor that contributes to symptoms of depression.

At the same time, loneliness can also be attributed to internal factors such as low self-esteem. People who lack confidence in themselves often believe that they are unworthy of the attention or regard of other people. This in turn can lead to isolation and chronic loneliness. Personality factors may also play a role. Introverts, for example, might be less likely to cultivate and seek social connections, which can contribute to feelings of isolation, loneliness and anxiety.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” —E. M. Forster

Feeling Lonely in a Relationship

At the same time, people are rarely alone in their loneliness. It’s not uncommon for people in relationships to feel lonely whether it’s because they’re growing apart or have stopped nurturing the relationship for one reason or another. Therefore, signs of loneliness and anxiety in a relationship can include:

Isolation, or a lack of desire to spend time with other people
Changes in eating patterns
Not completing daily responsibilities (cooking dinner, helping with the kids, etc.)
Fourthly, a change in communication with others
A shift in hygiene (showering less or not grooming as usual)
A shift in social media activity
Lastly, wanting more physical closeness with your partner

Above all, you can clearly communicate what you need from your partner and vice versa, talk about what might’ve led to the disconnect. Also, think about what you can do moving forward to feel that closeness again. Maybe it’s sending a long-distance partner a cute and thoughtful gift.

“You have succeeded in life when all you want is only what you need.” —Vernon Howard

Emotional Loneliness

All things considered, feeling lonely isn’t a mental health problem. But having a mental health problem can increase feelings of loneliness. For example, if you’re struggling with your mental health, you may:

First of all, avoid social events and activities you usually enjoy
Have low self-esteem
Find it hard to try new things and worry about engaging with others
Fourthly, find it difficult to speak to people about how you’re feeling, for fear of stigma or not being understood
Feel like you could be a burden to others
Lastly, feel overwhelmed in busy public places, or at work events and parties

As a result, feeling lonely and anxious can have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if you’ve felt lonely for a long time. As a matter of fact, some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress. It’s also associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems. For example, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” —Nelson Mandela

Loneliness After Divorce

Humans need connection. We are social animals. After all, research has shown that social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions. Also, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. Therefore, if we don’t connect, we could be putting our health at risk. Here are five ways you can deal with loneliness and anxiety after divorce:

Join a group for divorced people. You’re not alone. Altogether, therapy groups offer an opportunity to get help, understanding, and insight from others who are going through a similar experience.

Find a hobby. Join a choir, a book club or even the gym. Also, volunteering is also a great way to connect with others.

Find a new routine. If you lived with your spouse or partner, it’s likely you had a regular everyday routine. Although, the longer the relationship or marriage, the more ingrained that day-to-day routine likely became. Create a new routine that works for you.

Do things for you. Try to make time to do a couple of things everyday just for you. Maybe you’d enjoy a walk, a bubble bath, some yoga, reading a good book, or listening to your favourite music.

Accept your feelings of post-relationship loneliness: You’ve suddenly lost someone important in your life. As a result, they are physically gone, as well as emotionally. You may feel disconnected and alienated from others, as well. While you grieve and heal from your divorce or break up you may experience periods of loneliness and anxiety. Hence, that can be a common part of the process in moving forward.

“You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.” ―Mary Oliver

Loneliness Treatments

Here are some tips and suggestions for managing feelings of loneliness and anxiety:

First of all, learn more about being comfortable in your own company
Try and open up to people you know
Take it slow
Make new connections
Try not to compare yourself to others
Look after yourself
Lastly, try talking therapies

Some people find these ideas useful. But remember that different things work for different people at different times. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.” —Harvey Fierstein

Conclusion

Loneliness and anxiety can leave people feeling isolated and disconnected from others. Therefore, it is a complex state of mind that can be caused by life changes, mental health conditions, poor self-esteem, and personality traits. Loneliness can also have serious health consequences including decreased mental wellness and physical problems.

“I feel so alone.” If you’re feeling sad and alone, get in touch with a support group or talk to a therapist. Consequently, they can help you navigate those feelings of being alone. Right now, I prefer to isolate myself because when I’m around other people, my anxiety is high. Although, I don’t feel lonely. I prefer to be alone. Someone might say “but you’re around other people in the house!” To that I say, remember you can be lonely even in a crowd.

Therefore, nn that note, I shall leave you to your doings. Be well. Until next time…