How business owners can overcome chronic isolation and loneliness
Chronic loneliness is characterised by constant feelings of being alone, separated or divided from others, and an inability to connect on a deeper level. It can also be accompanied by deeply rooted feelings of inadequacy, poor self-esteem, and self-loathing. Learn how to overcome this feeling.
Why are some entrepreneurs feeling lonely?
Loneliness can happen for several reasons. For example, you might feel lonely if you:
change career
work from home
move to a new city
end a relationship
are living alone for the first time
As you adjust to these new circumstances, feelings of loneliness may pass, but sometimes they persist.
A lack of meaningful connections also contributes to loneliness, which is why you can feel lonely even if you have a wide social network.
Maybe you have a lot of casual friends and fill your time with social activities but don’t feel too close to anyone.
Living with mental or physical health issues can also increase the risk for loneliness. Health concerns can be isolating, since it can be difficult to explain how you feel. Sometimes social activities demand too much emotional or physical energy, and you might end up cancelling more plans than you keep.
Eventually, a continued lack of social connection might make you feel even worse.
What are the symptoms?
The main signs and symptoms of chronic loneliness are:
Inability to connect with others on a deeper, more intimate level
No close or "best" friends
Overwhelming feeling of isolation regardless of where you are and who's around
Negative feelings of self-doubt and self-worth
When you try to connect or reach out, it’s not reciprocated, and you’re not seen or heard
Exhaustion and burn out when trying to engage socially
How chronic loneliness leads to health problems
Long-term feelings of loneliness can affect your health in many ways. For example, chronic loneliness can drive up cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that your body creates when under stress. Over time, higher cortisol levels can lead to inflammation, excess weight gain, insulin resistance, problems concentrating, and more.
If left unchecked, these chronic loneliness symptoms can put you at greater risk for more serious medical and emotional problems, including:
Depression
Sleep disorders
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Mental health and emotional problems
Use of substance
There is even the possibility that chronic loneliness and the health risks that come with it could shorten one’s lifespan.
How can chronic loneliness affect the brain?
Research shows that chronic loneliness can have a significant impact on your overall health, including your brain health. Some studies even suggest that there may be a link between loneliness and an increased risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer's.
Long term feelings of loneliness and social isolation can also reduce cognitive skills, such as the ability to concentrate, problem-solve, make decisions, and even change negative self-beliefs. And it can ultimately lead to depression.
Who’s most at risk for chronic loneliness?
Chronic, or long-term, loneliness can afflict all types of people. It’s easy to assume that someone who’s naturally shy and introverted might be most at risk, but outgoing, Type A, personalities can also suffer from chronic loneliness, even though they may appear to be the life of the party. This type of loneliness is not exclusive to any one personality type.
For some people chronic loneliness may become a side effect of a medical or emotional problem, including those dealing with the following issues:
Substance use
Depression and bipolar disorder
Serious illness or disease
Some mild forms of autism, such as Asperger's Syndrome
Dementia and Alzheimer's
Sexual orientation issues
Some tips for dealing with chronic loneliness
Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or another health care professional.
Engage with other people in a positive, healthy way. Instead of relying on social media, try to connect with people in person. Make plans you'll enjoy and mark them on your calendar.
Get some exercise and sunlight. Try not to spend all your time in the office or at home. Instead, opt for a walk outside on a nice day.
Writing a "to do" list for the next day before bed can organise your thoughts and clear your mind of any distractions.
Find a support group, or even join a business network like ONLE Networking with likeminded entrepreneurs. Receiving support and encouragement from others who may share similar feelings, could help ease symptoms of chronic loneliness.