Breaking the Cycle of Loneliness: How Joining a Community Can Help You Thrive

Loneliness is a universal human experience that can be devastating to one's physical and mental health. It's a feeling that most of us have encountered at some point in our lives, but for many, it's an ongoing struggle. 

In recent years, research has shown that loneliness is a major public health concern to the point of being considered an epidemic. 

A 2020 study published by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that over half of American adults feel lonely and isolated.

That means that Believers are not exempt.  Thankfully, with help, we can fight with faith and awareness.

What is Loneliness?

Feeling alone and disconnected from others is what loneliness is all about. 

You may feel like nobody understands or cares for you, even though you're surrounded by people. This is a completely normal feeling that we all experience at some point in our lives. 

Loneliness can last for a short while or become a chronic condition that affects your entire life. 

Social isolation, life transitions, and relationship changes are common causes of loneliness.

It's worth noting that loneliness can have detrimental effects on your overall health. Therefore, it's a state of being that needs to be taken seriously to avoid any negative health outcomes. 

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What are Signs of Loneliness?

The signs of loneliness can be both physical and emotional. Some common physical signs of loneliness include fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. 

Emotional signs of loneliness can include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from others. 

People who are experiencing loneliness may also exhibit behaviors such as spending more time on social media, overeating, or turning to substances to cope with their feelings.

Loneliness can be a powerful force that can prevent a person from fully engaging with the present moment.

When someone is struggling with feelings of isolation and detachment, they may find themselves constantly dwelling on the past and worrying about the future, which can make it difficult to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around them.

Moreover, loneliness can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness, which can distract a person from being fully present in the moment.

Awareness helps to identify these behaviors, because it's important to recognize that they may be struggling with loneliness.

What is the Main Cause of Loneliness?

Loneliness can stem from various sources. A life shift like relocating to a new place or experiencing a significant setback can trigger sensations of seclusion and desolation. 

Did you know that social media platforms can also contribute to feelings of loneliness?  The reason is that they may foster a sense of inadequacy and detachment. 

That’s why building meaningful relationships is so important.  Plus that make us feel valued and connected. 

What are the 3 Types of Loneliness?

According to research, there are three types of loneliness: social loneliness, emotional loneliness, and existential loneliness. 

Social loneliness is the most common type of loneliness and occurs when people feel they lack a social network of friends, family, or colleagues. This type of loneliness can occur when someone moves to a new city, loses touch with old friends, or experiences a change in life circumstances.

Emotional loneliness occurs when someone feels they lack meaningful and intimate relationships. This type of loneliness can happen when someone is in a relationship, but it lacks emotional intimacy, or when someone has a lot of friends but still feels disconnected and alone.

Are you feeling lost and disconnected from your greater purpose in life? Maybe you know someone who is?

People in this space may be experiencing the deep and thought-provoking loneliness known as existential loneliness.

It's a challenging and philosophical type of loneliness that can arise when we question our life choices or are grappling with an existential crisis.

By exploring and discovering our true beliefs and values, we can reconnect with our sense of purpose and find meaning in our journey.

What Are 3 Physical Effects of Loneliness?

It's no secret that loneliness can take a toll on our emotional well-being, but did you know it can harm our physical health as well? 

Various studies have found that feelings of loneliness can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and weaken the immune system. 

Psychology Today linked loneliness to increased inflammation which can trigger health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Another study showed that loneliness has a connection to high blood pressure, which raises the risk of potentially deadly illnesses like stroke, kidney disease, and heart disease. 

Another study found that loneliness can weaken the immune system, making the body vulnerable to illnesses and infections. 

How Community Can Break the Cycle of Loneliness

Community is one way to overcome loneliness and help us thrive. 

There are several types of communities that can provide a sense of belonging and connection, including family, our faith community, circles of friends, etc. 

Here’s how each one can help:

1. Family: For many people, family is the primary source of social support. Spending time with family members can provide a sense of security, intimacy, and belonging that can help combat feelings of loneliness.

2. Faith Community: Faith communities such as church can be a particularly powerful, because they often offer a variety of opportunities for social connection and engagement, including worship services, small groups, and community service projects.

3. Accountability Partners: Accountability partners are people with whom you have a shared goal or interest, and who help keep you accountable to your commitments. This can be a great way to form a supportive, non-judgmental relationship that can help you stay connected and motivated.

4. Circle of Friends: A circle of friends can provide a sense of community and support, as well as opportunities for socializing and having fun. These friends can help you feel like you're part of a larger group, and can provide a sense of belonging that can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

5. Class - Gym or Similar Interest: Joining a class or group centered around a shared interest, such as a fitness class or a book club, can provide opportunities for socializing and meeting new people who share your interests. This can help you form new connections and feel more engaged with the world around you.

6. Local Community Gatherings: Attending local community gatherings, such as festivals, farmers markets, or other events, can help you feel more connected to your community and provide opportunities to meet new people. This can help you feel more engaged with your surroundings and less isolated.

Community is an enriching powerful space to begin reaching out and building relationships that are fulfilling.

Loneliness is a common and serious problem that can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. 

There are many ways to combat loneliness and find connection and support. Building relationships and communities can be a powerful tool in overcoming loneliness. Additionally, engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, can also help combat loneliness and improve overall wellbeing. 

As it says in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." The Bible reminds us of the importance of friendship and support in our lives, and the power of community to help us thrive. 

As we reach out to others and build relationships, may we find the connection and support we need to combat loneliness and live fulfilling lives.