How can one overcome loneliness?

Question

I am not asking how to meet someone. My girl is far from me and, due to the distance, we can't be together for a while.

Answer 1

Well the best way to get rid of loneliness is to keep yourself occupied. If you are busy doing other stuff then you will not be able to think about the person you miss or the loneliness that consumes your soul. What I did when I was in glorious Iraq was learned to play the guitar, excercised and then completed my missions and before I knew it I was back home a year later.

Answer 2

What to do about your loneliness

Strengthen your network

Make the effort to stay in touch. Write letters, call, send greeting cards to stay in touch with people you care about. If you have access to a computer, browse the Internet, send emails to friends and also try to meet them.

Find ways to make new friends. New friends can add spice to your life.

Attend events and social gatherings. Invite people to your home.

Make a date to share meals with a friend or neighbour who is also alone.

Share experiences and feelings with your friends. Be a good listener.

Get a pet. A pet can lessen loneliness. Additionally, it can also help lower your blood pressure, anxiety and depression.
Take a walk with a neighbour every day.

Join a health club.

Stay positive. More importantly, stay away from negative people.


Identify and get rid of patterns of thinking, emotions and behaviour that could be at the root of your loneliness. These suggestions can help:

Acknowledge the problem and its causes. "Accept what you can't change. The death of a loved one, moving away from close friends and other unavoidable circumstances must simply be accepted. Sometimes, changes open doors to new experiences. Change what can be changed. Most causes of loneliness can be tackled, provided the problem is acknowledged,"

Avoid depending on others for your own happiness. "It is unrealistic to expect someone else to be responsible for your happiness," . Your happiness is your responsibility.

Develop self-esteem. People who dislike themselves tend to withdraw from others, thus increasing their sense of loneliness. "Don't think or talk negatively; for example, don't tell yourself you are not likable. This can be very destructive.

Go through some self-help books on how to become a more positive person,"

Take advantage of solitude. Being alone (as opposed to loneliness) can be a very positive experience. In fact, many people say spending time alone helps them 'recharge their mental batteries'. "In order to excel, most high achievers spend a lot of time alone," . Your period of loneliness may not be your choice, but if you utilise it, you can achieve a great deal.

Don't feel sorry for yourself. Feeling lonely is not unusual and there is nothing wrong in it. Understanding this will help you move on, even if you feel lonely at times. Be thankful for what you have and, instead of focusing on yourself, focus outwards

Answer 3

Any family or friends?
What about moving closer to your girlfriend?
I'm going through a very lonesome time right now also so I know how it is.
But I really think that loneliness and depression are a choice.
If you sit at home and do nothing and really believe you are alone and keep telling yourself that you are lonely its NEVER going to get ANY better.
But if you just tell yourself you have ppl that are there for you (even if they aren't physically) and you will be happy. Even if you dont believe it you have to say it. And get out and have some fun, stop saying your lonely and do something about it.
Happiness is a choice.
I also think God will never give us anything we cant handle and sometimes he puts us through these lonely times to figure out our lives and come back to reality and also become closer to him.
If all else fails he will always be with you and you will never be lonely.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Of course you can use the telephone, e-mail, IM, and even a webcam. But you probably already thought of that.

Something you might like to add to that mix is sending letters. Letters are more personal than using electronic means of communication, and while they take longer to deliver/receive, you can see her handwriting and maybe even smell her perfume/lotion. Also, you may not have the time to call her during the workday when you are thinking about her, but you can write her a cute little note and include that in a running letter. Plus, a letter is something you can hold in your hand, like a picture, and tangible things can help you feel less lonely than an IM conversation.

Answer 5

Learn something. I was lonely for a long time and it was making me crazy for a while, but I decided that I was going to try to do some of the things I always wanted to do but never did for various reasons. I bought paints and started to play around, picked up a cheep guitar and bought a few lesson books, etc. Whatever you've ever wanted to know something about, try to solve your curiosity. This won't stop you missing someone, but it will give you something productive and interesting to do in the meantime.

P.S. I'm not lonely anymore, and I'm not a half bad painter.
my guitar playing on the other hand ...

Answer 6

If you can't be with the one you love; love the one you're with. Just kidding! Find things to do that interest you, get a ball game together, build a model, go out with a friend, whatever you like to do, work helps and can be profitable too. And, of course; comminicate with your girl as much as possible. You'll be alright!

Answer 7

aaww...Seems we've got something in common. Well, why not try calling her often. Just remember, you and her will be together real soon! Just be patient, good things come to those who wait.
Yeah, also keep a picture of her with you every where you go, or something that reminds you of her.
Im afraid calling her, and keepin her picture at hand is the best you can do.

Answer 8

I agree with the guy about a cat or a dog. My mom lost her husband and was very lonely. She is a lot better now that she got a cat. Also learn to enjoy hobbies. Hang out with friends and families but you may avoid hanging out with couples, could make you miss her more.

Answer 9

long distance love affair... that's hard. to keep the love flowing you should call her most of the time. internet is a very good tool to talk to her everyday. think positive thoughts that someday you'll be together and it's worth your while. always and i say always tell her how much you care for her and give her the assurance of your love. think that you both will soon be together and will enjoy each others company. good luck!

Answer 10

To realize you are never alone because God also known as Krishna, Jehovah, Allah, Vishnu, etc. is situated within the core of every living beings heart waiting for us to turn to Him. Try Reading Bhagavad Gita As it is By Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada It is like associating with God directly in every page. Tells how to overcome all misery and loneliness. for info go to harekrishnatemple.co I love it.