By Shweta Pathak
Contributing Author for Spark Igniting Minds
Is that all? the experience is at an altogether different level.
Okay so what is loneliness? Being alone? Feeling alone?
It can be anything, to each of its own. According to me, loneliness is when you lose yourself. I see many people don’t feel lonely even when they’re alone. Maybe because it’s by choice or for a definite period of time. When someone feels that he/she’s not wanted by anyone in the world, or the loneliness seems forever, the self-worth or self esteem goes down. That’s the state of loneliness.
So people shouldn’t be alone? Not at all, in fact Spirituality always encourages seekers to spend some time alone, to look back, introspect, look within to find answers.
How can someone help if their friends or family members are suffering from this ‘mental illness’?
I am no expert to provide any clinical advice as to what are the symptoms, where to look for signs or help etc. But people must understand that loneliness is an experience rather than just a psychological concept. Someone who hasn't experienced loneliness can’t give advice that will help the person. There’s no one-fit-for-all solution, understand the person and behave in a most normal-caring way, the person shouldn't feel being constantly under observation. Don’t overburden the person with your overly care, he’s already carrying enough baggage.
What to do if you are experiencing loneliness?
First is there is no quick fix, secondly it’s sad that even the most evolved people around you do not understand that when you ask ‘why’ you’re not looking for a technical answer, you already know why this happened to you, the misery you’re into is just unacceptable. People don’t understand ‘Why this is happening to me’ doesn’t need a factual answer. Even If you understand the deeper philosophical concepts such as Karm Chakra (Karmic cycle) you are unable to accept the very fact that it is happening to you. It changes you completely sometimes for good and most of the time for bad, leading to low self confidence and lower self esteem.
So how to deal with it?
One thing that works for all is acceptability and the other one is resilience (Titiksha, as per the Indian Philosophical texts). Another thing is don't shut yourself completely. Even if you have no confidence to face the world, face it. Allow your friends and family to offer you help. Even if they can’t feel your pain they always mean good for you.
Spirituality helps a lot because Divinity knows what will work for you. If you surrender completely, help will be provided, for sure. And it is so important to mention here that Surrender doesn't mean renunciation, leaving the world and sitting atop, it means have complete faith. Try this and you will find a way out to how to deal with it. This won’t take away loneliness magically, it means you will find a way and sail through. It’s all about dealing with it, for, all the experiences, pain as well as happiness is temporary and your conscious knows that.
About the Author
Shweta is an L&D OD professional holding a decade long experience. She is a Nature lover and likes reading fictional as well as real stories and Vedic Scriptures.
She has recently started a journey to explore Spirituality through the path of Vedant Philosophy. She swears by the teachings of Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta and Ashtang Yog.
She is keen to participate in the causes of environmental conservation and animal care.