By Nurmaisarah Binti Hussein
A wide range of emotions, such as happiness, sadness, excitement, fear, and more, are encompassed in feelings. No human being is excluded from experiencing loneliness or being alone at some point. However, let me first clarify what I mean by “alone” and “lonely” before we dive more into what I have to say.
While being alone can sometimes lead to loneliness, it is not always the case. Being alone refers to being physically without having other people around you. They prefer to be alone for various reasons and enjoy moments of quiet. Some people enjoy solitude and find it a time for reflection and creativity. These preferences can be influenced by their society and lifestyle.
For instance, after someone has had enough socialising for the day, they may decide to spend some time alone. This type of recharge is necessary for them to get themselves back later. Introverted individuals may find that being alone is energising rather than draining. This is because they require consistent alone time to feel better and function at their best.
Moreover, spending time alone can contribute to mental clarity, stress reduction, and an overall sense of calm. Mental clarity could help you boost your concentration and improve your perception. This also gives some people who enjoy independence the freedom to make decisions without external influences. They could also enjoy a sense of self-reliance by doing so. According to author Steven Aitchison, “Being alone has a power that very few people can handle.”
As everyone knows, creativity frequently blooms in a state of isolation. Many people discover that they are more productive and creative when they have time to concentrate on hobbies, personal interests, and artistic works.
Loneliness is commonly described as a complex and distressing emotional state resulting from a perceived lack of sincere and deep social connections and companionship. It is a feeling of isolation and disconnection from others, even when you are not physically alone. On the other hand, “loneliness” means that even in a crowd, you may feel lonely even when others surround you and you do not feel a sense of connection or belonging.
Feelings of loneliness are often accompanied by isolation and a longing for more social engagement. It can affect mental and emotional wellbeing and cause feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a desire for social connection. Coping with loneliness is often about building and maintaining meaningful relationships with others and oneself.
There are common loneliness triggers. The absence of meaningful connections may impact the quality of a meaningful relationship. Being in a relationship or having had unique connections with certain people does not guarantee that you will not experience loneliness. You may still experience loneliness if these relationships are shallow, uncaring, or do not provide you with emotional support.
One of the primary triggers for loneliness is physical isolation caused by a lack of social connections. People who distance themselves from social interactions or connections or engage in less physical relationships with others are more likely to experience loneliness when it hits.
In addition, social media and technology may be the primary cause of loneliness for certain people. The existence of superficial connections might impact a person’s life. An over-reliance on virtual communication without honest, genuine, meaningful face-to-face connections may result in social isolation. This results from their belief that handling anything superficial is simpler and more enjoyable than taking some connections that need serious effort.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Loneliness can be brought on by social comparison. Some people find it easy to believe in the personas that other people have created on social media. People frequently compare their real lives and the believed ideal lives of others. Feelings of loneliness and inadequacy may worsen if one is constantly exposed to curated and idealised representations of other people’s lives on social media.
Loneliness is a complex emotion that can significantly impact both physical and mental health. While it is an average human experience to feel lonely occasionally, chronic loneliness can have serious consequences. It has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. It also leads to feelings of worthlessness, self-doubt, and isolation.
To sum up, there are nuances in the relationship between feeling lonely and being alone. Although loneliness is a familiar feeling, not everyone experiences it alone. People differ in their inclinations for social engagement or isolation, and loneliness frequently depends on the kind and joy of the social ties.
Recognising that being alone and lonely are typical aspects of the human experience. The key is to find a balance that aligns with individual needs and preferences.
• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
