Loneliness
Do you miss having people around you, have you lost someone, divorced or ill? Do you worry a lot or do you have interests that you cannot share with anyone? Perhaps you are so busy working that you are unable to maintain contact with other people. Or do you have no one to do fun things with? Do you lack goals or meaning in your life? The reason for feeling lonely can be different for everyone. Feeling lonely is also not the same as "being alone. You can even have many people around you and yet feel very alone and lonely in the midst of family, friends and colleagues.
Need help or support?
Within the municipality of Opsterland, a prevention and welfare consultant can help you.
Loneliness is much more common than we think and occurs in everyone and all ages. Loneliness almost never goes away on its own and can have a direct effect on your health and daily functioning. It can make people sad and anxious, causing them to withdraw from society. This can have a negative effect on a person's life.
Admitting that you are lonely is often difficult. Yet you will have to take that step if you want to do something about your loneliness. No one can read the thoughts and feelings of others. If you want to break through your own or someone else's loneliness, it is up to you to take the first step.
What can you do yourself?
Tell someone how you feel and what you would like to change. Find something you can look forward to, that will make you happy. A new hobby, sport, a reading club or would volunteering be something for you? Most clubs get excited when new volunteers come forward spontaneously.
Step up to someone who interests you and strike up a conversation. Friendships don't happen spontaneously but sometimes they do from a chat at the supermarket, local sports club or library. You can also rekindle old watered-down friendships. A phone call or a card can be the starting signal to renew a friendship.
Is there someone in your neighborhood who often seems to be alone? Someone who seems isolated and doesn't seem to find any real connection within his or her environment? Start talking and ask open-ended questions. Questions to which there are no yes or no answers. Perhaps together you can find something that appeals and that makes someone want to participate in society again.
Loneliness does not go away by itself. Hardly anyone can solve loneliness alone, but you can do this together with others. If you find it difficult to break through your loneliness or that of another, there are several organizations that want to help, listen and think along with you.
Know that you are not alone. At least the following organizations are there for you.
Calling or chatting with the Listening Line
You can call or chat with the Listening Line 24 hours a day. Here someone is available day and night for a confidential conversation or to provide information. Here, if you feel the need, you can share your concerns and feelings of loneliness anonymously. The Luisterlijn can be reached via telephone number (088) 07 67 000. Do you prefer to chat with someone? This can be done via the website of the Luisterlijn: deluisterlijn.nl
Sight Point: for meaningful conversation
Perhaps you are missing someone you can have a good conversation with. You lack purpose, or meaning in your life. Or you struggle with questions you can't quite figure out. This can also make you feel lonely. Spiritual counselors from Sichtpunt are happy to help. They are available for a good conversation and can think with you about meaning and life questions. You decide in what way.
Spiritual care is for everyone, regardless of your beliefs or faith. Would you like to contact a spiritual director? Then check out the sichtpunt.frl.
Would you like to have a conversation with someone in your area?
If so, you may be able to address your question to a volunteer from one of the many village support centers within the municipality. These volunteers are happy to think along with you and may be able to put you in contact with organizations, associations, volunteers and fellow villagers. Personal and close by! If you would like someone a little further away from you, you can also call on volunteers from another village support center. It is all about what you want and need.
Websites with more information
Would you like more information on the topic of loneliness? Or are you looking for tips and options for support? Then check out national websites such as:
