Social connection, interaction, and support are essential for humans to maintain optimal health and happiness. When we’re isolated from others or feel like we’re on our own in life, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness. These feelings can lead to depression and a decreased sense of self-worth if not dealt with. This is why it’s so vital that we learn to recognize symptoms and understand how to deal with loneliness in life.
Learn more about how to deal with loneliness as we discuss tips for coping with chronic loneliness.
It’s normal to feel lonely from time to time, but frequent feelings of sadness and isolation can take a toll on both your physical and emotional well-being. According to a recent study from Harvard, 36% of all Americans and an astounding 61% of young adults struggle with serious loneliness today.
If you recognize indicators of lonesomeness in your own life, you can focus on dealing with loneliness and improving your symptoms.
Common signs of loneliness include:
“If you’re noticing signs of loneliness in yourself or loved ones, such as symptoms of depression or feelings of isolation, we encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist. Connection is a crucial component of our mental wellness, and persistent feelings of loneliness can put us at risk for developing certain mental health conditions. You deserve support, and you deserve to feel connected to your community. Know that there are people out there who want to support you.”
Talkspace therapist Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
Loneliness can be very damaging, but thankfully, there are many ways you can learn to manage your negative feelings. Coping with loneliness isn’t always easy, but the following tips and strategies can help you feel a little more connected to the world around you.
If you’ve been dealing with loneliness lately, don’t hesitate to reach out to people you know love and care about you. Even if you can’t spend time with your friends and family in person, you can connect with them over the phone. Your loved ones may be craving social interaction just as much as you are.
When you’re caught up in feelings of sadness and isolation, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. Self-care is essential, though. Take care of yourself by eating a nutritious diet, exercising, meditation, and getting plenty of sleep each night. It’s easier to make positive changes in your life when you feel healthy and energetic.
If you spend most of your time alone, you might feel like every day is the same. A simple schedule can keep days from bleeding together and give you a sense of purpose. You can even include social activities in your daily routine, like a trip to a local coffeehouse or a phone call with a close friend.
Whether you learn a new language, curl up with a great book, or start gardening or rollerblading, hobbies can keep you engaged and give you new ways to connect with others and form strong social relationships. If you have a hobby that you’ve lost interest in, try picking it up again. Studies show that participating in activities you enjoy can improve your mood even when you feel disengaged.
“When I work with clients who are reporting symptoms of loneliness and depression, research shows that doing an activity you enjoy, even when you don’t feel like doing it, can be helpful in managing depression. This is called behavioral activation. A therapist who specializes in depression can support you if you’re struggling with these symptoms.”
Talkspace therapist Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
Pets can be a valuable source of companionship. Whether you adopt a cat, dog, or another type of animal, having a pet can relieve feelings of loneliness and might even help you meet new people. If you can’t adopt a pet, maybe you could start pet-sitting or volunteering at an animal shelter.
If you’re isolated and don’t know how to deal with loneliness, try conversing with a stranger. The next time you run an errand or attend an event, make small talk with someone you’ve never met before. Yes, these types of conversations can be tricky at first, but it gets easier with practice, and they can give you the social interaction you’ve been missing.
When you feel depressed or lonely, focusing on the negative parts of your life can be tempting. You can challenge these unhealthy and unhelpful thoughts by keeping a journal where you document your positive memories or list the things you’re grateful for. Research shows that journaling for mental health can influence your emotions and activate positive feelings.
If your social circle is very small, you may want to look for ways to expand it. Clubs, classes, and online communities are ways to meet new people with common interests. While putting yourself out there may feel uncomfortable initially, making new connections could improve your life.
Not only is volunteering an opportunity for socialization, but it’s a way to give back to others. Volunteering can distract you from feelings of sadness or isolation and allow you to focus on other people’s needs. Experts note that volunteering is a proven way to significantly reduce feelings of chronic loneliness and depression. When you work to help others, it can make you feel like you’re having a positive impact on the world around you, which is rewarding and uplifting.
At the start of each day, make a point of smiling at yourself in the mirror. While this might feel silly initially, studies show that smiling can instantly elevate your mood. Taking the time to smile can help you feel a little less lonely and motivate you to make positive changes that will enhance and improve your life.
If you don’t know how to deal with loneliness on your own, or if the symptoms of loneliness are causing you significant distress, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Severe loneliness and social isolation can be symptoms of depression. A therapist can help you figure out why you’re feeling alone and help you learn to address and manage your feelings and social anxiety.
Part of coping with loneliness is being able to identify unhealthy behaviors and negative thought patterns. While there’s no way to prevent loneliness completely, therapy can ensure you can engage with others healthily and positively.
Talkspace is an online therapy platform with experienced, licensed therapists who can help address your feelings of severe loneliness and guide you with healthy coping skills. You don’t have to go on living a life where you feel alone. You can make small changes in your life with the help of a Talkspace online therapist, so you feel supported, cared about, and ultimately less lonely. Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more.
Sources:
1. Loneliness in America: How the Pandemic Has Deepened an Epidemic of Loneliness — Making Caring Common. Making Caring Common Project. https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/loneliness-in-america. Published 2021. Accessed August 23, 2022.
2. Segerstrom S, Miller G. Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. Psychol Bull. 2004;130(4):601-630. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1361287/. Accessed August 23, 2022.
3. Primack B, Shensa A, Sidani J et al. Social Media Use and Perceived Social Isolation Among Young Adults in the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2017;53(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2017.01.010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5722463/. Accessed August 23, 2022.
4. Burkhardt H, Alexopoulos G, Pullmann M, Hull T, Areán P, Cohen T. Behavioral Activation and Depression Symptomatology: Longitudinal Assessment of Linguistic Indicators in Text-Based Therapy Sessions. J Med Internet Res. 2021;23(7). https://www.jmir.org/2021/7/e28244/. Accessed August 23, 2022.
5. Lee S. Volunteering and loneliness in older adults: A parallel mediation model. Aging & Mental Health. 2021;26(6):1234-1241. doi:10.1080/13607863.2021.1913477. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33878983/. Accessed August 23, 2022.
6. Neuhoff C, Schaefer C. Effects of Laughing, Smiling, and Howling on Mood. Psychol Rep. 2002;91(3_suppl):1079-1080. doi:10.2466/pr0.2002.91.3f.1079. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12585516/. Accessed August 23, 2022.
7. Ge L, Yap C, Ong R, Heng B. Social isolation, loneliness and their relationships with depressive symptoms: A population-based study. PLoS One. 2017;12(8):e0182145. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182145. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5568112/. Accessed August 23, 2022.
Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.
Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.
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Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and prearranging your future for security and peace of mind, is a wise investment. But for many, the prospect of selling their homeand determining whether the housing market is favorablecan feel like a daunting hurdle.Holding off might seem like the safest choice, but waiting could present unexpected challenges. In reality, knowing when to move to a senior living community could make all the difference.So why is 2025 the time to make the move? Keep reading to learn more.National Housing Market in 2025As of January 2025, the U.S. housing market presents the following trends:Home Prices: Zillow forecasts a 2.6% increase in home values for 2025, indicating a relatively modest appreciation similar to the previous year's growth.Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time since mid-2024, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rising to 7.04%, according to Freddie Mac.Housing Starts: In December, U.S. single-family homebuilding reached a 10-month high, rising to 3.3%, according to the Commerce Department.If you're like many of our residents and have owned your home for several years, selling in 2025 could be a highly profitable move. With home values expected to rise by 2.6%, you can look forward to growing your home equity, resulting in a strong return on your investment. This makes 2025 an excellent time to cash inyouve earned it!Mortgage rates are another key factor that makes selling now a wise choice. While mortgage rates are expected to ease in 2025, improving affordability for buyers, this will also likely lead to increased demand. As a result, home prices are expected to remain high and could even rise further.Another encouraging sign for sellers is the limited housing inventory. A recent Zillow analysis revealed that the U.S. is short by 4.5 million homes to meet demand. When supply can't keep up with demand, its the perfect time to enter the market. Leaving behind the hassles of homeownership, you can enjoy a more relaxed, resort-like lifestyle thats better suited for your retirement!No more worries about finances.Unlike being at the mercy of the unpredictable housing market and the financial challenges of maintaining your own home, moving to a continuing care retirement community gives you control over your future at fixed, predictable prices. With a range of convenient amenities designed to make life easier and more enjoyable, you can rest assured knowing your well-being is supported by a reliable, long-term health plan.All Acts Retirement-Life continuing care retirement communities offer Acts Life Care, a contract that secures your future health care needs and protects your savingsno matter the economic or global uncertainties. This contract guarantees access to care options like assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more, should you ever need them.Acts Life Care isnt just about planning for the unknownits about offering peace of mind. Imagine knowing that your future health care costs are already covered and that your monthly fee remains stable. This solution shields you from the fluctuations of the stock market and the rising costs of health care.Staying Active and Engaged in a Vibrant CommunityAs we age, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, and there's no better way to do that than by having a plethora of activities available at your fingertips to engage your body, mind, and spirit. Many of us find that isolation increases as we get older, which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Moving to a senior living community means staying social and fostering meaningful companionship.Residents also have easy access to a wellness suite with a full-time Nurse Practitioner who is available to address common health concerns and provide regular check-ups, helping you stay ahead of your health needs.Check out the amazing health benefits of a social lifestyle in retirement.Peace of Mind with Acts RetirementWe've highlighted that every Acts community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), but what does that truly mean? Simply put, a CCRC allows you to move in as a healthy and independent adult, choosing from apartment homes, villas, or cottages, depending on your preference. You make a one-time entrance fee payment that secures the benefits of Acts Life Care, along with a predictable monthly fee that covers essential services like maintenance, utilities, chef-prepared meals, and a range of other amenities.Should your care needs evolve, the Acts Life Care contract ensures your monthly fee wont change because of it. Your fee stays consistent regardless of the level of care you need.The Acts Life Care contract isnt just a benefitits a promise that gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your future health care needs are already paid for, at todays prices, allows you to rest easy and focus on enjoying life without worrying about unexpected costs.No such thing as a "free" home! Learn about the hidden costs of home ownership.As we age, managing the day-to-day upkeep of our homes can become a real burdenone that may be too much to handle. In an Acts continuing care retirement community, you can say goodbye to the stress of home maintenance: no more costly repairs, lawn care, snow removal, hurricane preparations, or fixing broken appliances.Security with Acts RetirementWhen it comes to senior living, the options can be overwhelming. So, why choose continuing care retirement living with Acts Retirement-Life Communities? One word: Security.With over 50 years of leadership in the senior living industry, Acts is one of the most trusted and experienced organizations in the field. As a not-for-profit entity, our focus is on improving the lives of our residents, not generating profits for shareholders. Additionally, our Acts Life Care plan ensures that residents savings are protected for life. All these factors, along with the other benefits well highlight below, contribute to Acts maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating among current residents.Acts communities also benefit from the strength of its network. With 28 continuing care retirement campuses in nine states, Acts provides a range of options for residents to experience our unparalleled lifestyle. Our on-site healthcare centers consistently rank among the nations top facilities according to state and federal agencies.When it comes to retirement living, Acts Retirement offers unmatched strength, security, and peace of mind.
By John NicoletteWhether its deciding what we want for breakfast in the morning or when our next trip to visit family is going to be, life is filled with decisions, and each one makes some kind of impact on our lives big or small. When it comes to aging, we all have a choice to make how do we want to live out retirement? Perhaps you think youd best thrive in an independent living community, where you can make friends with like-minded individuals and indulge in high-quality dining and a robust calendar of engaging activities. Or, like most retirees, you may prefer to enjoy your retirement in the home you worked so hard to achieve. AARPs 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey discovered that seven in 10 adults aged 50+ want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as they can. Only 6% would prefer to move in with a family member or friend. Since most older adults want to independently age in place, what steps can they take to make possible?This doesnt have to be a journey you embark on alone the right resources, like an age-in-place program, can provide a plan that you have control over. Age-in-place programs ensure that while you live the life youve worked so hard for, your current needs and future health care needs, as well as financial assets, are covered through a comprehensive, membership-based program. An age-in-place program, which is also known as continuing care without walls, allows you to live in your home, while also providing the comfort and security of a life plan community it's the best of both worlds.Similar to a life plan community, healthy, independent retirees can join with a one-time membership fee and an associated monthly service fee that will ensure future care in their home. With membership, you receive a life-long guarantee of personal care coordination and care for if or when you require it. Age-in-place programs bring security to your doorstep by making sure that your home is safe for you to continue to live in as you age. For example, Senior Choice at Home, the only age-in-place program based here in Southwest Florida, provides its members with a home inspection upon joining the program. That inspection addresses current and potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards, uneven staircases and inadequate hallway lighting.Personal care coordinators included in the programs membership also learn members medical history, medications and preferred physicians so that in an event that a member cannot advocate for themselves, their coordinator will. They also arrange for services if needed in the future, including homemaker services, home health aides, live-in companions and a transition into assisted living if that is preferred or needed.Just as you would any other major life decision, its imperative that you dedicate time to proactively plan for your aging in place journey it is a financial commitment and requires proper planning to ensure your assets are in order prior to selecting a program that works best for you. Enrolling in an age-in-place program comes with a set cost. It means you won't have to worry about rising long-term costs or what insurance will cover. Youll know exactly what you will pay for a lifetime of long-term care right from the start.In the era of an influx of Baby Boomer retirees, thousands of older adults will soon have a decision to make will you age in place, or take the leap into a senior living community? Whatever your decision may be, there are resources to guide you through the journey. Aging in place with the security of a membership-based program presents numerous benefits, but at their core, they guarantee retirees exactly what they need in this new chapter advocacy, financial and emotional security, and freedom.About the author John Nicolette is the director of Senior Choice at Home, an age-in-place program serving older adults in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Senior Choice at Home is regulated by the state of Florida as a premier life plan community without walls. To learn more, visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com or call 239-788-0694.
By Diana NicolOne of the most valuable things in life is time. Each second, minute and hour count toward something, big or small. In Southwest Florida, volunteerism is embedded in our community. With over 600 nonprofits in Lee County alone, its clear that Southwest Florida has a heart for giving. That generosity, care and patience spans across generations, from adults spending their weekends off work cleaning up our beautiful beaches, to high school students helping out at local food banks after school wraps up for the year.For students at Oasis High School in Cape Coral, theyve chosen to venture over to a local senior living community, Gulf Coast Village, after the final bell rings. Why? To offer support on a subject most Gen Zers consider themselves experts at: technology.Computer Literacy Education Outreach, or CLEO, is a student-run organization at Oasis High. The program initially started in 2022 at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, but it quickly took the community and nation by storm. Since its inception, CLEO has expanded to more than 50 schools in 20 states and has served over 3,000 older adults. Its mission is to empower seniors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world, helping them stay connected with loved ones and maintain independence.Gulf Coast Village, the only life plan community in Cape Coral, has been working with CLEO students since the summer of 2023, when they welcomed students from Cape Coral High School into the community. When the 2024-25 academic year began, the community began partnering with the Oasis High School division of CLEO. Shya Ruiz, a 2025 graduate of Oasis High, joined the program with a friend in 2023 during its first year at her school. After her first year, she loved it so much that she was elected to the role of president in 2024. I just like the feeling of helping other people when theyre needing help, said Ruiz. The smiles that you get when they finally understand or their problem gets solved...its rewarding.As president, one of her primary responsibilities was scheduling the sessions at Gulf Coast Village. Its an organized system: once a month, a group of five to six student volunteers visits Gulf Coast Village to assist residents. If theyre in need of help, residents can register for a 15-minute time slot. When their time comes, they are matched up with a student to receive specialized one-on-one support for whatever technology issues theyre having. And the possibilities are endless. Whether its needing help getting their printer connected to their cell phone or trying to figure out how to change their profile picture on Instagram, the students are able to help with whatever the residents need. The troubleshooting is diverse. One resident, Bill, had a few finnicky issues with his Samsung cell phone. He needed some help setting up his facial recognition and managing notifications, but his main issue was that when he received a text message, he was unable to find it. After a few minutes with Oasis students, Bill figured out how to access his texts. Now, hell never miss a text from his loving wife, Marguerite.Some residents, like Jayne Jennings, face some challenges with social media, as it continues to be an ever-popular way for retirees to stay connected to their loved ones. Luckily, Zers are social media afficionados. Ava Plainte, a CLEO student, showed Jennings the ropes, and she left the session with a new profile picture and a newfound knowledge of how to favorite photos in her iPhone camera roll.Some issues are a bit trickier, like connecting a printer to a cell phone or clearing out the junk storage of an iPad, while some are simpler, like showing residents how to set a morning alarm or mute an Instagram story they didnt want to see. With each presented issue, the students and residents work together for a solution. Most importantly, the students are compassionate, patient and attentive. They walk the residents seeking help through the process step-by-step so that when the session is over, theyre able to navigate the solution on their own.Opportunities for generations of both older and younger to connect are special. Intergenerational relationships present several benefits, like relationship building and avoiding adolescent egocentrism, but they also present the opportunity to learn. Through CLEO, retirees across the nation have the chance to learn something new every day from the generation that grew up on technology.About the author Diana Nicol is the life enrichment coordinator at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com