The idea that loneliness is considered a type of epidemic may seem strange. However, the number of people who are living with this feeling has grown exponentially since the advent of the virtual age. Loneliness can be defined as a type of subjective distress that stems from an individually feeling socially isolated and without a support system. While technology brings with it many advantages, including free exchange of information and an improvement in the quality of life, the internet has disrupted traditional social connectedness and authenticity.
You may have loved ones and a partner in your life, but still feel lonely or the need to talk with someone else. You might be having trouble in your relationship, or you want somebody outside of your bubble to talk about your life without judgement. No matter what the reason, relationships are the focal point of life. When we healthily connect with people around us, we flourish and are happy people. In this article, we will help recognize that you do have a support system and you simply need to talk to them without concern or regret.
Who can I turn to?
There are many reasons why you and I need someone to talk to even if you have a healthy personal relationship. There may be certain things you would prefer not to discuss with your partner, but you still need to discuss them. You may be frustrated about your relationship and you need a friend or a relationship advice hotline to vent to about your relationship issues. It is completely natural to need emotional support outside of your relationship. The bond you have with your partner is a major part of your life, but this does not necessarily mean it should encompass your entire existence. You may have a trusted friend who you can turn to to tell your frustrations, concerns, or you just need to complain. Sometimes, when you feel like you do not have someone to talk to, you need to open your heart and look towards people in your life who are available to listen.
Where to turn to: Talk to a friend
The friend that you choose should be someone that you trust and who trusts you. When you first come to them, explain the situation. Let them know whether you are seeking advice or if you just need someone who will let you vent without judgment. If you are planning on staying in a healthy relationship with your partner, let your friend know. The last thing you want is for this person to hold the things you say against your partner.
We all experience problems in our relationships, and we need someone to turn to from time to time. There may come a day when your friend needs to turn to you for help, as well. As long as you establish your boundaries initially, your friend will know the reason for you coming to them instead of your significant other. We all need someone to talk to, and a friend could be the perfect person to help you.
Where to turn to: Talk to a family member
A close family is another supportive outlet to help you when you need someone to talk to. A family knows you well, most likely better than most people in your life. The trust that you have built with them has lasted your lifetime, as family bonds can be stronger that a friend’s.
If the family you choose reach for support from is older, you also will benefit from talking to someone wise and with life experience. Your family can offer insight into the workings of relationships, drawing from their experiences. You will also be able to trust any advice is given since it will be based on real-life experience.
When you involve someone from your family into your personal life, it is important to set boundaries here as well. Make sure you let them know that you need what you tell them to be held in confidence. While the family is often the best place to turn to in your time of need, there are some family who you probably prefer not to know your personal business, or who you may not trust. Your family may not realize these are sensitive subjects, so be sure to chat with them early on to avoid this type of occurrence from happening.
Where to turn to: Talk to a support group
A different approach to reaching out for help could come in the form of a support group. This is a great option for those who are not comfortable telling the people close to them about their relationship problems.
There are many ways you can participate in a support group. One option is through group therapy. This would be a good option for someone that wants a professional dialed into the issues they need help with. Usually, this consists of a group of people lead by a therapist or trained counselor. Although the therapist is there to help, the session's dialogue is normally controlled by the group.
If you are looking for a more easily accessible option, you may consider social media. There are virtual support groups to help people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, mental health disorders, or a similar life-changing event, like a marriage ending or a loss of a loved one. The benefit of social media is not only convenience but increases the likelihood that you will find someone in a similar situation.
Often, seeking guidance or help from someone who has been through what you are going through offers the most comfort. You will be able to relax, knowing that this person understands you and knows what you are going through. You can also trust the advice given since it is tried and true.
A support group may be the best option for you. This all depends on you. If you are the type of person that likes to have many different takes on an issue, this is great for that. On the other hand, if you are not someone that handles criticism well, a support group or social media group may not be the best fit for you. Inevitably, there will be someone in a group of people that does not agree with you or the way you do things. If you prefer to not talk these moments, you can find another support group or look for individual mental health therapy.
Where to turn to: Talk to a religious leader
If you are religious, you can seek guidance from a religious leader at your place of worship. This is a beneficial option for those who root much of their life in their faith. If you want to be sure they are living their life by the standards of your religion, this is the best approach. You will be able to draw guidance and direction from your religion's writings and the counsel of someone with more knowledge than you.
Additionally, if your partner is also involved in the same faith, you can trust together that the advice given is right for your life. Another positive aspect of reaching for support from your religious leader is they are a neutral person who is not a part of your personal or social life. They will also be able to provide counsel free from judgment or condemnation. Since there is there to be sure, you walk strong in your faith, and support will be their only goal.
Where to turn to: Start a blog
For some people, talking to a person may not help and they need another outlet. If you feel you need someone to talk or vent to but are unable to think of anyone in your life right for the job, start a blog.
A blog combines asking for help and journaling all in one. Journaling has been shown to help many people work through their relationship problems in a healthy and non-confrontational way. When you start a blog, you are expressing yourself to the world, and there's a chance someone will read along and offer help or be comforted from it. In writing a blog in the virtual world, you will be able to connect with people from all over the world with similar issues. You will not have to worry about any of them thinking of you or your partner any differently because they do know you personally. This also gives the added benefit that any advice or guidance you receive is more likely to be unbiased. There will be no reason for a stranger to take sides, so it will be much easier for this person to give good, sound advice.
Where to turn to a counselor or therapist
Sometimes help from a regular person is not enough to help you relieve the stress or pain you are experiencing. You may also may not have people near you who you can trust to tell your innermost feelings. If your relationship problems are too much to bear or you feel like you are stuck, a therapist is someone to talk to that you can trust and believe in.
A therapist will help you understand your relationship issues and offer you strategies on how to solve them. This is another example of an outlet you can use that will be unbiased and as helpful as possible. Additionally, if you are experiencing relationship problems resulting from an underlying mental health issue, you can work on that in therapy as well. If this is the case, your relationship issues might fall away as you improve your mental health.
With the advent of the internet and increased options for clinical support, people are turning online in search of a convenient way to speak with a trusted therapist without having to leave the comforts of home. Recent studies show that electronically delivered cognitive behavioral therapy reduced feelings of loneliness while improving social anxiety symptoms. If you are looking for an easily acceptable therapist, Regain is a great option. Regain entire platform is based online. They have a diverse number of accredited therapists and counselors who help people like you every day. You will be able to get the help you need and rest easy knowing you will be matched with a therapist that fits your needs, all from the comfort from your own home.
Takeaway
Do not let the stigma surrounding getting help from a counselor stop you from reaching out. Although you may be hesitant due to this stigma, understand that therapy is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Reaching for professional support will open your perspective and help you understand that you are important, and people care about you. You will not regret getting the help you need one you reach for it.