The truth of loneliness is that it can affect anyone, no matter what age, at any point in life. Feelings of loneliness can be attributed to numerous different factors, and can affect both your emotional and physical health long-term.

The sheer number of adults in the United States who experience loneliness is fairly large. In a January 2020 survey of 10,000 adults by Cigna, 61% of those surveyed said they felt lonely.

Though loneliness can be a challenging and difficult experience, there are coping skills that can help you manage and reduce the negative effects. Here are some tips that may be useful:

1. Reach out to others: Loneliness can make you feel isolated and disconnected, but reaching out to others can help you feel more connected and supported. Consider joining a social group, attending a community event, or reaching out to family and friends to talk or spend time together.
   
   
2. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself can help improve your mood and overall well-being. Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or listening to music. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.
   
   
3. Focus on the present moment: Sometimes, loneliness can be a result of dwelling on past events or worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay focused on the present moment and reduce anxiety and stress.
   
   
4. Consider therapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help you explore the root causes of your loneliness and develop coping skills to manage it. Therapy can also provide a safe and supportive space for you to share your thoughts and feelings.
   
   
5. Explore alternative treatments: While therapy and self-care can be effective, some people may benefit from alternative treatments such as ketamine therapy. Ketamine has been shown to have antidepressant effects and can help alleviate symptoms of loneliness and depression.
   
   

It’s important to note that coping with loneliness may take time and require a combination of different strategies. Don’t be afraid to try out different strategies and see what works best for you. Learning to develop coping skills is key to putting yourself on the path towards better understanding your thoughts and feelings, whether that be practicing more mindful self-care, or exploring alternative treatments such as ketamine infusions. Remember that it’s okay to feel lonely sometimes, and that you’re not alone in experiencing these feelings.