Being alone is one thing. Being lonely? That’s a different kind of haunting. And in these hard times where the economy is biting, the streets are tense, and survival feels like a daily battle, loneliness hits differently. It’s not just an emotional state; it’s a silent struggle that eats away at both mind and body.
So, what about it?
Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. It’s about going through life without a hand to hold, a voice to reassure you, or a presence to remind you that you matter. It’s lying awake at night with no one to call, scrolling endlessly through messages that never come. It’s the quiet dinners, the unshared victories, the weight of existing without a witness to your life.
The longer you live in this solitude, the more it reshapes you. You get used to your own company, not because you prefer it, but because it’s all you’ve known. You become skeptical of kindness, wary of warmth. Love, when it finally knocks, feels foreign—like a language you once knew but have long forgotten. Affection feels suspicious, care seems performative, and vulnerability? That becomes a luxury you can’t afford.
But is this really how life should be?
We are social creatures. Connection isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Science has long proven that isolation can wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health. Chronic loneliness isn’t just about sadness, it’s a slow poison that seeps into every corner of life.
Studies link loneliness to depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse. It doesn’t stop there. It has been associated with serious physical conditions like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and even an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. The human body thrives on interaction; take that away, and it begins to break down in ways we don’t always see.
Yet, in the chaos of our daily survival, we often ignore the warning signs. We bury ourselves in work, numb ourselves with distractions, and tell ourselves that we’re fine. But are we?
Is it a trap?
Breaking free from loneliness isn’t easy, but it’s possible. The first step? Get out of your own head.
Loneliness breeds overthinking. You replay past hurts, question your worth, and convince yourself that isolation is better than disappointment. But the truth is, you need to disrupt this cycle. Step outside, engage with the world, and find ways to reconnect with life beyond your thoughts.
– Move your body – Exercise isn’t just for fitness; it’s a powerful tool to fight stress and sadness. A simple walk, a dance session, or even a few stretches can change your mood.
– Find a passion project – Write, paint, sing, cook—whatever pulls you into the present moment and gives you a sense of purpose.
– Create your own joy – Buy yourself that chocolate bar, play your favorite song, watch a movie that makes you laugh. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend who’s feeling low.
– Build your support network – If there’s no one checking up on you, it’s time to change that. Join a community, reach out to old friends, or simply put yourself in spaces where new connections can happen.
And…
If love does come knocking? Let it in. Not every kind word is a lie, not every caring touch is a trick. Life is hard enough—don’t push away the people who genuinely want to stand beside you.
Still Scary?
Loneliness is terrifying, but it doesn’t have to define you. In this Tinubu era, where survival is tough and hope feels like a luxury, remember this, you are not alone in feeling alone. But you can choose not to stay there.
So, take a step. Any step. Towards yourself, towards others, towards a life where loneliness isn’t the loudest voice in your head. Because even in the darkest times, connection is still possible. And you? You are still deserving of it.
