Chronic loneliness pops up if a person experiences loneliness for an extended period.

It’s not a diagnosable mental health condition, but it can affect your emotional and physical health.

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Why Do People Become Lonely?

Rear view image of a woman sitting alone on a bed in bedroom

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There are many reasons you may experience loneliness.

Instead, loneliness is a person’s perception and experience of their social interaction.

Symptoms of Chronic Loneliness

Loneliness is emotional.

Being lonely can feel distressing, isolating, numbing, hopeless, or like you don’t matter.

Chronic loneliness can also lead to symptoms that affect your day-to-day life.

How Can You Tell If Youre Chronically Lonely?

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call911.

Lifestyle Tips to Feel Less Lonely

Feeling less lonely is easier said than done.

If you start to feel left out or lonely, express this.

Taking the steps above can help prevent that transient feeling from becoming long-term.

Talk to a healthcare provider about your concerns.

They may be able to refer you to a qualified therapist or counselor or recommend local support groups.

Summary

Chronic loneliness shows up when someone experiences loneliness over a long period.

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