PDF | EPUB | Vol. 14, No. 3 (2019)
Loneliness is the sense of feeling alone. While some people who are lonely are physically separated from others, we can be around others and still feel lonely when important connections are missing. We may feel lonely for different reasons and experience loneliness in our own ways, but loneliness is always painful. Research increasingly shows that loneliness is a serious health risk, impacting physical health as well as mental health and emotional well-being. As technology allows us to live increasingly isolated lives and replace personal interactions with online interactions, some consider loneliness to be an epidemic. However, loneliness doesn’t have to be constant or permanent, and there is more to solving loneliness than simply never being alone. Embracing solitude, a reflective space to stop and look at the bigger picture, can be an important part of combatting loneliness. However, we can also all take steps to reach out for support when we need it, offer support to others who need it, and help build communities that allow everyone to feel connected and included.
Background
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Editor's Message
(Sarah Hamid-Balma) -
We Are Not Alone, We Are Part of the Majority—We are all lonely sometimes
(Ami Rokach)
Experiences and Perspectives
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How I Thrive Socially in the Midst of Living with a Mood Disorder
(Kathy) -
Depression, Loneliness and the Journey Towards Recovery: A young adult’s perspective on social connectedness
(Alberto Almeida) -
Loneliness—A Dark Abyss
(Jane) -
Quest for Connection: How a nearly deadly battle against isolation and depression resulted in a stronger me
(Liberty Aronoff) -
Falling into the Depths of Loneliness: And finding my way back out again
(Jay) -
Writing Through Loneliness: How alcohol isolated me but sobriety liberated me
(Tabitha Montgomery) -
Filling the Loneliness Void: Belonging and acceptance in a criminal world
(James Charman)
Alternatives and Approaches
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Looking Beyond Differences to End Adolescent Social Isolation: How a student-led non-profit has inspired a global movement
(Laura Talmus) -
How the Built Environment Shapes Our Classroom Experience
(Gal Kramer) -
Now There Is Someone to Call On: Organizations use a collective approach to connect with isolated seniors
(Mariam Larson) -
Connecting Generations: How a seniors care centre and a child care centre are combating loneliness and building community in Toronto
(Robert Petrushewsky and Rafelina Loschiavo) -
Beyond Loneliness: Building strong community through meaningful conversation
(Amie Peacock) -
On the Table: Vancouver Foundation celebrates community by connecting with BC residents over a meal and conversation
(Trina Prior)
