This week, let’s talk about how we can tackle loneliness and foster a sense of connection and community!
2. Try joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in community events can help you meet new people and create a sense of belonging. Find activities that align with your interests, whether it’s a book club, a sports team, or a hobby group. If there is nothing around you, try looking online!
3. If loneliness is overwhelming and affecting your well-being, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop strategies to cope with loneliness. I always say to my clients that therapy is a place to talk about things in a safe space. Sometimes, our loved ones already have a view of who we are, and can be unhelpful even when they are trying to be helpful! So it can be nice to have a person that isn’t a loved one.
4. This may sound silly but quality over quantity! It’s not about having a large circle of friends but rather building deep, meaningful connections. Invest time and effort into relationships that bring you joy and fulfillment. A few years ago, I had a long conversation with a good friend- we talked about circles or levels of friendship. It is ok that not everyone is a “level 1/super close” friend! if you want to try the exercise we did:
grab a piece of paper and a pencil.
Draw one circle on the middle and label it “me”.
Draw a few circles with the original circle inside the circles. So each circle will be bigger than the next.
Label each circle- the closest one will be level 1, the next on the outside of that will be level 2 and so on.
Then, think of people who are in your life- and think- where are they in your life? Depending on the closeness, put them in the corresponding circle and space.
Then, think to yourself- what do the people in your levels have in common? What is different? What do they bring to your life? Etc.
With these in mind, let’s jump into this week’s Therapist Mama Bear tip!
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