Feeling Isolated or Lonely?

Loneliness is a feeling of sadness about being by yourself and disconnected from the world around you. We may have passing feelings of loneliness or these feelings may be ongoing, felt over a long period of time.

Loneliness may be related to isolation when we are physically or emotionally separated from other people. Our isolation may be self-inflicted, due to circumstance, or job related (relocation or frequent travel requirements).

There are several reasons we may feel lonely or isolated.

• Loss of a loved one or friend
• Lack of purpose or meaning in life
• Lack of close family ties
• Introverted personality (challenges meeting new people)
• Loss of employment or retirement
• Loss of health, mobility issues (inability to participate)
• Language or cultural barriers
• Physical isolation (especially due to shelter-in-place mandates)

Feeling lonely and isolated can have an impact on your mental and physical health. You may find yourself experiencing illness or worsening of current medical conditions. Aches, pains, and headaches are common. Low energy and lack of motivation can compound the situation. Diet and substance use/abuse will most definitely exacerbate the problem.

Often, loneliness and isolation are the symptoms but not the cause. There may be underlying issues such as abusive relationships, depression, anxiety, eating disorders or addiction contributing to the isolation and feelings of loneliness and mental health.

Regardless of the cause, it is important to get help!

Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to mental health and higher health risks for

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Cognitive decline
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Weakened immune system

Whether these feelings are related to the unexpected loss of a loved one, separation from family and friends, job loss, retirement, loss of mobility, or loss of purpose, it is important to get help before the situation worsens.

At ACT Teletherapy, we have a team of qualified and talented therapists that will gently and compassionately approach your feelings of loneliness and isolation and will help you discover new ways of overcoming the challenges and building deeper relationships with others without heightening anxiety. Our therapist can assess the root cause of your loneliness and help you build healthy relationships that can re-establish meaning and purpose in your life.

There is no better time than the present to break the barriers of social isolation and mental health and make positive changes in your life. ACT Teletherapy can help. We have safe, secure, and HIPAA compliant tools for communication, including voice, video, and texting options.

Many insurance companies are currently waving co-pays, so it is an excellent time to take advantage of the opportunities.

Call or contact us to get started. Nothing could be easier!