We are slowly emerging from a period in world history where solitude has been present for many of us through the lockdowns during the recent pandemic. This has led to a shift in our relationship with being alone, there is a reason that solitary confinement is used as a punishment. Previously time to ourselves could have felt necessary and nourishing, now many people associate being alone with loneliness and isolation.
In this loneliness it can be challenging to talk about it to those close to us but at EASE Wellbeing talking therapy service, we understand that loneliness can be really difficult in itself and have really troubling effects on our physical, mental, emotional and social health and wellbeing. Talking about how loneliness impacts you with someone in a safe, personable, caring and professional environment is the first step for many out of this isolated position.
One of the consequences of spending time alone is that it can lead to consternation and rumination which can be very difficult to work through once it has become a habit. As with much in life, when we become habituated to things, it can be very difficult to stop. It becomes a familiar yet unwanted space. From this point of view, there is something counter intuitive about the development of our attachment to the familiar. Suddenly, we find ourselves experiencing anxiety when facing that which has become unfamiliar, so that which we thought we wanted has become something that also invokes anxiety and therefore to be avoided.
Even so we believe that being human in essence involves belonging. It is really important to recreate a healthy way of living in a more communal and social way, providing us with a sense of identity through belonging, meaning and purpose. At EASE Wellbeing we promote through talking therapy the hope that life can be recovered and we can learn to thrive again through our human connections and regaining a sense of belonging.
