The psychologist named the main differences between solitude and loneliness.
Voluntary seclusion can help a person recover, whereas painful loneliness is associated with a lack of emotional support and a sense of isolation. ""Maria Todorova, psychologist of the Autonomous Non-profit Organization "Center for Mental Health Assistance "Road of Opportunities", told Izvestia on September 29.
"It's important not to equate loneliness with something negative. People are very different: some people need regular privacy to recover, while others enjoy being alone with themselves," the specialist noted.
According to Todorova, from the point of view of attachment theory, it is not the amount of time that a person spends alone that is important, but his inner state. With resource solitude, a person chooses to be alone on their own, retains a sense of support and understands that, if necessary, they can seek help from their loved ones.
With painful loneliness, a person may experience a lack of emotional connection and feel that there are no people around who can understand or support him. At the same time, the number of social contacts does not always show the real state of a person: even among a large number of acquaintances, you can feel isolated.
Why the feeling of isolation may increase in autumn
In autumn, many people's lifestyle changes: daylight hours are shortened, people spend more time at home, and the number of walks and casual meetings decreases. This can increase the feeling of isolation and emotional tension.
In addition, after the summer period, many return to a more intense work or study schedule. There is less time for rest and communication, and the workload is increasing.
What are the signs of a lack of support?
One of the main signs, the psychologist called a steady feeling that a person has no one to share their feelings with or seek help. He may feel that no one will understand him or that his problems don't matter to others. At the same time, outwardly such a situation may be imperceptible: a person is able to actively communicate, maintain work and social contacts, but at the same time not have close emotional ties.
Todorova noted that an important role is played by a sense of security in a relationship. The constant fear of rejection, unwillingness to ask for help, and the belief that all problems need to be solved on their own may indicate a lack of supportive communication.
"Social media cannot be considered either a universal solution to the problem of loneliness or its cause. They can help maintain relationships, find people with similar interests, and stay in touch with loved ones. For people who find it difficult to meet in person often, online communication can be an additional way of interacting. However, the quality of the relationship remains a more important factor than the number of contacts," the psychologist explained.
Why is it comfortable for some to be one, but difficult for others
Todorova emphasized that people's need for communication varies. Some people need time alone to recover, while others need to interact with their loved ones on a regular basis.
According to the psychologist, the experience of attachment is of great importance. If a person is confident in the reliability of their relationship and knows that they can receive support if necessary, they more easily perceive loneliness as a temporary state and do not lose their sense of connection with other people even when they are alone.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
