The state of isolation can be an unpleasant experience. Loneliness manifests itself as the emotional response to isolation. In the U.S.A. one recent study of 20,000 people found that 47% of Americans report sometimes or always feeling lonely or left out.
Common causes can be wide and varied. Lack of friendships, particularly in childhood and adolescence, bullying, the death or illness of a close family friend or relative, breakups and divorce are just some of the many varied and complex situations that can trigger isolation.
Other potentially harmful feelings can surface as a result. Anger, resentment and frustration can contribute to a situation where you feel isolated and lonely. Even if you’re in the middle of a crowd of people you know, perhaps at a party of other social function, you can still feel isolated and cut off from other people, feeling that you can’t or won’t interact with others because you lack confidence.
All too often, many people are wrapped up in their feelings of despair or desperation, not knowing how to overcome the sense of aloneness. Their despair simply serves to exacerbate the situation, making it increasingly more difficult to overcome. It is a mad, vicious cycle, looping over and over again. It is repetition of the same old patterns and failed strategies that keep people stuck in isolation. This makes it easy for them to hold onto resentment, anger and frustration.
The feeling that at least they can control these emotions to some degree gives them some semblance of control over their lives. But do they really have control? Or do the feelings of resentment, anger and frustration control them?
And how much does it cost this person in the long run?
Are antidepressants, over-eating, drinking and smoking helping elevate the pain, or is it just expensive pain relief?
A healthy suggestion, one that allows you to break the vicious cycle of isolation, is the understanding of how to break these old habits and create new healthy ones. An empowering question may be; “If you are tired of this situation, what would be the exact opposite lifestyle to the isolation and loneliness you are currently experiencing?”
Another empowering thought would be to imagine yourself in your ideal life. What does it look like? Who is there with you? Can you see yourself enjoying time with friends and family?
If you can imagine this, then you can create it.
I have personal experience of falling into the trap of isolation and also of developing strategies to break these patterns.
If you would like to know more, contact me today for a free consultation.
Contact: David Gillman - The Mindset Mechanic
Mob: 0481152683
Email: david@keystonecoaching.net Website: www.keystonecoaching.net
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