Unveiling the Layers of Loneliness: Insights into Emotional Regulation and Social Identity
Explore the Impact of Emotion Regulation and Social Identity on Loneliness in a Recent Study
What is loneliness?
It's a complex feeling that can take many forms. Regardless of how loneliness presents itself, it's often a painful and distressing experience. It can affect your mental and physical health. But you don't have to suffer in silence or alone. Some strategies can help you manage your emotions and cope with loneliness.
You deserve to feel happy and fulfilled, and there are steps you can take to achieve that. You can improve your well-being by using emotional regulation strategies and building social connections. These techniques can reduce the bleak effects of loneliness.
Making social connections is helpful. So is engaging in activities that give you a sense of purpose. Join a sports club, volunteer, or spend time with loved ones. It can help you feel less lonely and more fulfilled.
There are different types of loneliness: Emotional loneliness, social loneliness, existential loneliness, as well as many other types.
In general, loneliness refers to the painful subjective experience of feeling isolated. Also, our relationships can feel unsatisfying or deficient (either in quality or quantity). I know a lot o out being lonely. Because of my father’s job, I moved around a lot growing up. I was shuffled from school to school, from state to state, and in some cases from country to country. I was always losing my friends and having to make new friends.
But, in that gap of starting a new school and finally making friends at my new school, I was lonely. It’s a miserable feeling. Today, I feel lonely even when I’m in a crowd or around a group of people.
A recent study by Hayes et al. concluded that emotional regulation and social identity uniquely contribute to loneliness. The research, published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology suggests that emotional regulation and social identity had significant unique contributions to the reported loneliness of people.
Dealing with intense emotions can be overwhelming and confusing. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of courage and strength. So, don't hesitate to seek professional support whenever you need it. Remember, you're not alone in this; there's no shame in asking for help.
Feeling alone and unsupported isn't just a passing feeling; it can trigger serious mental health problems like depression and dementia. Loneliness doesn't only affect our minds; it can harm our bodies too, increasing the chances of a stroke, lowering overall well-being, and even raising the risk of early death.
Moreover, loneliness might drive some towards substance abuse as a way to cope. It's crucial to recognise these risks and take steps to connect with others, as addressing loneliness can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Remember, reaching out matters.
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