
We can all fight against loneliness by engaging in random acts of kindness.
-Gail Honeyman
Loneliness often shows up for many of us at different times of our lives, especially during times of life transitions. You may currently feel lonely in motherhood, like in the early days of postpartum when you may feel like you’re the only one awake with an infant across the whole, entire world. You may also feel alone in your relationship with your partner. This can be one of the loneliest places to be, lonely even when you’re not actually alone (where some else can be present in body but distracted and not actually present in mind). Sometimes this means we need to work on being more connected to ourselves internally, and enjoying our own company when we are truly alone. Sometimes this means we need to figure out what type of support we need from others, and what types of repair we need to make in our relationships and in our own lives.
Read on for more short, quick information on: where loneliness in motherhood may stem from, where loneliness in relationships may stem from, and self-care to help combat loneliness in life.
Loneliness in motherhood may stem from:
- Being in a different stage in life than your family members or friends
- Being at home with young kids
- No time for your own activities
- Unmet wants and needs
- A mental health concern
- No time for connection
- Being on a different page than others
- Not having a co-parent
- Grief and loss issues
- Judgment and criticism from family and friends
What else would you add to this list?
Loneliness in relationships may stem from:
- Criticism and judgment
- Not being present
- Unfulfilled wants and needs
- Different life paths
- Working different hours
- Disrespected boundaries
- Having trouble relating to each other
- Not feeling loved and accepted
- Outside distractions
- Not prioritizing spending time together
What else would you add here?
Self-care to help combat loneliness in life:
- Go to therapy
- Feel your feelings
- Connect with loved ones
- Journal
- Read
- Join a group
- Exercise
- Snuggle with your pets
- Practice self-compassion
- Meditate
What else helps you combat loneliness in your own life?
Loneliness can be such a hard feeling to lean into and allow ourselves to feel, so that we can ultimately release this feeling all together. If you’re feeling high levels of loneliness if your own life right now, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area for more help and support. I’m sending lots of love and compassion your way as you navigate feelings of loneliness in your own life.