Loneliness- A bane or Blessing?

Loneliness is often used casually by all of us to describe our state of mind and sometimes our mere circumstances. And infact we often end up using 'lonely' and 'alone' like they mean the same thing, but infact they are two very different concepts and evoke different feelings.

Loneliness has its foundation in evolution. It is often experienced as a threat which becomes a warning signal for our mental health. So overall, its not seen something that can be beneficial for our mental health. Infact researchers have defined Loneliness as a condition which is not caused by being alone, but by being wihtout some definite needed relationship or set of relationships. So with this, we've atleast established that Loneliness is not about being physically alone, it is actually about feeling unseen or unloved or unheard. You could be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. It is not the company that we miss but the connection that we've felt with that company. World Health Organization quotes on its public website-"Social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with around 16% of people worldwide – one in six – experiencing loneliness. While the latest estimates suggest that loneliness is most common among adolescents and younger people, people of all ages experience loneliness – including older people, with around 11.8% experiencing loneliness". Loneliness can be experienced in some severe mental illnesses such as Depression, Anxiety disorders, psychosis etc or even without any mental illness but can lead to poor mental health.

Being Alone on the other hand, is a choice. One can also understand it as heart's desire. It is not the result of lack of company or bad company. It is a conscious decision to spend time alone and feel one's presence and enjoy one's own company. This doesn't come naturally to all of us. Especially, people who are highly dependent on others or external environment for their contentment, lack the ability to feel safe within themselves. Wanting to be alone can be quite therapeutic in the sense that it allows our thoughts and emotions to authentic and unbiased and unlayered for a while where we can self-introspect and reflect in our inner world. The personal space is healing in so many ways that i cannot begin to describe. It's a blessing to feel safe within oneself and hold that to grow.

Although, if you are struggling to feel safe in your own company, it is most crucial to reflect upon this and take active steps like introspection, therapy, talking to someone, reading books, whatever helps.

Please remember, “Solitude is not emptiness; it’s the space where meaning quietly unfolds.” 👆