WAR ON LONELINESS

One way of understanding loneliness is to notice that it occurs for all of us whenever our expectations suddenly change.

Feelings of loneliness occur both at times of success and at times of loss and failure. Loneliness and the fear of loneliness can be found at the root of every emotional blockage a person has – either as the cause of the blockage, “If I say or do that, people might not like me and I’ll be alone,” or as a way to keep the blockage in place.

Loneliness is a real emotion, so it has both positive and negative aspects.

negative

a) The negative aspects – emptiness, tears, self-pity, separation, insomnia, fear and panic – are familiar to all of us; and

b) The fear of loneliness has additional negatives manipulative behavior, loss of intimacy and commitment, despair, feelings of guilt and /or being victimized, not trusting oneself, being enslaved by a fragile ego and withdrawal from living a full and complete existence.

positive

a) Because we are so carefully taught to fear loneliness, few people know how to experience the positive aspects of these sudden shifts in expectation, which are also real and of value;

b) These feelings help us to identify what is important to us as individuals, and to gain self-confidence in our own capabilities; and

c) They act as guideposts, showing us where we need to look, explore and grow.

Here are some useful numbers to contact;  Senior Help Line, LoCall 1850 440 444, open every day of the year from 10am till 10pm. The Samaritans  Republic of Ireland on 116 123.

Helpline is open daily from 6.00pm – 10.00pm and is staffed by professionals who offer callers support and advice in complete confidence. The number is 1800 742 645.  Teenline Ireland. Helpline for young people who feel lonely, anxious, down, vulnerble.   Freephone ( 1800 333 634) 7pm to 10pm : info@teenline.ie : teenline.ie

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