![]() This type of loneliness is not exclusive to any one personality type.įor some people chronic loneliness may become a side effect of a medical or emotional problem, including those dealing with the following issues: It’s easy to assume that someone who’s naturally shy and introverted might be most at risk, but outgoing, Type A, personalities can also suffer from chronic loneliness, even though they may appear to be the life of the party. 4 Who’s most at risk for chronic loneliness?Ĭhronic, or long-term, loneliness can afflict all types of people. And it can ultimately lead to depression. Long term feelings of loneliness and social isolation can also reduce cognitive skills, such as the ability to concentrate, make decisions, problem-solve, and even change negative self-beliefs. Some studies even suggest that there may be a link between loneliness and an increased risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer's. Research shows that chronic loneliness can have a significant impact on your overall health, including your brain health. What does chronic loneliness do to your brain? If you think you are suffering with long-term feelings of loneliness, talk to your doctor or a therapist. If left unchecked, these chronic loneliness symptoms can put you at greater risk for more serious medical and emotional problems, including: 3 Over time, higher cortisol levels can lead to high blood pressure, excess weight gain, muscle weakness, problems concentrating, and more. Cortisol is a hormone that your body creates when under stress. For example, chronic loneliness can drive up cortisol levels in the body. Long-term feelings of loneliness can affect your health in many ways. Continued feelings of being drained can lead to other issues like sleep problems, a weakened immune system, poor diet, and more.Ĭan chronic loneliness lead to health problems? ![]() If you’re dealing with chronic loneliness, trying to engage and be social with others can leave you feeling exhausted. Exhaustion and burn out when trying to engage socially.When you try to connect or reach out, it’s not reciprocated, and you’re not seen or heard.Does it feel like you are always less than enough? These feelings-long-term-are another possible symptom of chronic loneliness. Negative feelings of self-doubt and self-worth.It’s as if you’re in your own unbreakable bubble. Same on a bus, train, or walking down a busy street. At work, you may feel alienated and alone. You can be at a party surrounded by dozens of people and, yet, you feel isolated, separate, and disengaged. Overwhelming feeling of isolation regardless of where you are and who’s around.You have friends, but they are casual friends or acquaintances and you feel you can find no one who truly "gets" you. Your interaction doesn’t feel connected in a way that is fulfilling and this disconnection seems never ending. Maybe you have friends and family in your life, but engagement with them is at a very surface level. Inability to connect with others on a deeper, more intimate level.If you consistently feel some or all of the following, you may be dealing with chronic loneliness: What are the main signs and symptoms of chronic loneliness?Ĭhronic loneliness symptoms and signs can differ depending on who you are and your situation. This type of chronic, or long-term loneliness, can eventually impact all areas of your life. Being the "life of the party" doesn't necessarily exclude someone from being chronically lonely. Ongoing loneliness can afflict even the most seemingly outgoing person. It can also be accompanied by deeply rooted feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, or social anxiety. It’s characterized by constant and unrelenting feelings of being alone, separated or divided from others, and an inability to connect on a deeper level. What is chronic loneliness?Ĭhronic loneliness occurs when feelings of loneliness and uncomfortable social isolation go on for a long period of time. However, when feelings of loneliness and isolation worsen and continue long-term, there may be more serious signs and symptoms to be aware of and steps you can take to help deal with chronic loneliness. These types of feelings are typically brief and not considered chronic. Short-term bouts of loneliness can occur to many people at some point in their lives.
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