Reaction to article “Loneliness Harms Health”

November 12, 2008

Hey Web friends. I recently read an article called “Loneliness Harms Health by Rick Nauert, PhD you can read it yourselves by following this link http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/09/05/loneliness-harms-health/2882.html

I wanted to say that since the beginning of my recovery I have always found the issue of loneliness to be a key and interesting topic. I think the article explores an interesting phenomena of societal structures breaking down and causing disconnection. Man I can really relate to this. My profound sense of loneliness at Penn State main campus my freshmen year in college always was a paradox to me. Here I am surrounded by thousands of people all pursuing education and I still feel disconnected and lonely. The move to Penn State had caused a dramatic change in my support system. It wasn’t untill I found a different way of relating to people through my volunteer experience at an organization called Compeer that I learned how to build a support system. Compeer taught me to relate to the whole individual by matching me up in a friendship with another individual with mental health challenges. I think the last statement in the article sums up my experience best. “Lonely people feel a hunger.” “The key is to realize that the solution lies not in being fed, but in cooking for and enjoying a meal with others.” I have always said in my work as a facilitator that the greatest lesson I have learned about loneliness is that if you want support be a support to another. Let me know what you think.

Eric

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. .

4 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Chris  |  November 17, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Hi Eric. This is my first visit to your Blog. U r so insightful. This issue of lonliness was one I came across quite a few times at an Inner Source Healing group I attended this past weekend. U made the greatest point at the end of your blog. If you want support- be supportive. If you want love in your life, be loveable- hell just BE love! One way to start doing that is be more compasionate to ourselves about our great stuff and about our not-so-great stuff too. We’ve god to be a lot nicer to ourselves and in so doing be ever nicer to our own souls; to the dividity within yourself..and that honors the higher power and divinity within us all.

    Have a GREAT day!

    Reply
  • 2. Chris  |  November 17, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    Hi Eric. This is my first visit to your Blog. U r so insightful. This issue of lonliness was one I came across quite a few times at an Inner Source Healing group I attended this past weekend. U made the greatest point at the end of your blog. If you want support- be supportive. If you want love in your life, be loveable- hell just BE love! One way to start doing that is be more compasionate to ourselves about our great stuff and about our not-so-great stuff too. We’ve god to be a lot nicer to ourselves and in so doing be ever nicer to our own souls; to the dividity within yourself..and that honors the higher power and divinity within us all.

    Have a GREAT day!

    Reply
  • 3. cecelia  |  May 15, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Speaking on the topic of lonliness, I would appreciate some input from my fellow peers. My own lonliness is becoming terrible, it is very much affecting my wellness. I have no friends, no one to talk with, doing anything with etc. I work as a Cps, they are nice at work , but we have nothing in common. I am 44, oldest co-worker 24.any suggestion advice would be so much appreciated. Please I really need some help with my action plan.

    Thank You

    Reply
    • 4. ericswrapcorner  |  May 27, 2009 at 1:08 pm

      You have me thinking about building support and community. I think a good place to start with building relationships is finding a commonality shared interest or common goal. For instance, hobbies, or community cause. Meetup.com is a neat resource for finding get togethers.
      Take good care,
      Eric

      Reply

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