Symptoms of Loneliness

Reviewed by our psychologist : Simone das Dores

If you aren’t sure if you’re suffering from loneliness, there are certain symptoms you can look for. After all, physically being alone isn’t the same as loneliness.

In this article:

  • What are the symptoms of loneliness?
  • How do you know if you’re lonely?

What Are the Symptoms of Loneliness?

You might be suffering from loneliness if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Feeling disconnected from others
    Connecting with others is an essential part of tackling loneliness, but you might be struggling to feel that connection even when you’re interacting with people. 
  • Lack of emotional bonding
    Bonding with people on an emotional level is key to preventing feelings of loneliness. You’ll miss this bonding time if you aren’t getting enough, because you can sense that it’s important for your wellbeing. The longer this persists, the worse you’ll feel. 
  • A smaller social circle than you’d like
    You may feel lonely if there aren’t enough people in your social circle. You’ll start to wish you had more friends and acquaintances, or you may feel that there’s something missing in your life. 
  • Negative emotions
    Emotions like emptiness, sadness, fear and futility can cause loneliness. You end up trapped in a downwards spiral. 
  • Physical or mental health conditions
    Physical or mental health conditions can contribute to feelings of loneliness. You might start to withdraw, which means you’ll have fewer social connections and won’t be able to bond with people, for example.

iPractice offers everyone:

How Do You Know If You’re Lonely?

There are several ways to tell if you’re experiencing loneliness. You need to look at physical and mental, but also social and behavioral, cues.

  • Physical signs
    • Poor personal grooming
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches
    • Muscle tension
    • Lack of appetite 
  • Mental signs
    • Negative self-image and low self-confidence
    • A sense of meaningless and hopelessness
    • Feelings of abandonment
    • Disillusionment
    • Sadness
    • Rage
    • Lack of trust in others 
  • Social signs
    • Few social contacts
    • Lack of social support 
  • Behavioral signs
    • Lack of social skills
    • Keeping others at a distance
    • Clingy behavior
    • Focus on self
    • Addictions or excessive use of substances 
  • Life events
    • Death of a loved one
    • Divorce
    • Illness or disability
    • Relocation, emigration or major life change
    • Losing a job
    • Financial difficulties
    • A pandemic

Sometimes loneliness can be caused by things like depression, anxiety or even autism. There are various possible causes. Our qualified psychologists are happy to help you find new coping mechanisms. 

Have you got any questions about loneliness and how best to manage it? Give us a call on +3120 214 3928 and we’d be happy to discuss it with you personally.

Clinical Psychologist : Simone das Dores

“Loneliness causes pain, which you can only resolve together.“

Would you rather have the support of a professional?

Contact one of our psychologists today without obligation. You can talk about your feelings and symptoms and get information about a suitable treatment programme for you.