How to Deal with Loneliness While Living Independently
Written by Ryan Greenwood
How to Deal with Loneliness While Living Independently
Loneliness is a common challenge, especially when living independently. While it can be tempting to fill the silence with distractions or avoid confronting the feeling altogether, addressing loneliness head-on is an important step toward building a fulfilling, connected life. Here’s how to start:
1. Acknowledge the Feeling
First things first: recognize that loneliness is a valid emotion. It exists for a reason—it’s your mind’s way of telling you to seek connection. Rather than brushing it aside, try sitting with the feeling for a moment. Ask yourself what might be triggering it: Is it a lack of social interaction? Distance from loved ones? Or something else entirely? By naming and understanding the feeling, you give yourself the power to address it.
Pro Tip: Journaling can be a helpful tool for exploring emotions. Try prompts like, What is making me feel disconnected right now?
2. Cultivate New Connections
Friendships don’t happen by accident—they’re built through mutual respect and shared experiences. Finding these connections requires putting yourself out there, even when it feels intimidating.
Join community clubs, book groups, or fitness classes.
Volunteer for causes that resonate with you.
Attend local events where people share your interests (hello, trivia night!).
Building friendships might take time, but every small step helps grow your circle.
3. Maintain and Revive Current Relationships
Adult friendships often require deliberate effort. Unlike high school, where you saw friends daily, maintaining connections in adulthood means reaching out intentionally.
Call or text friends and family members, even if it feels awkward.
Revive old friendships by reminiscing about shared memories or asking how they’ve been.
Make plans to meet up, offering a range of times to accommodate their schedules.
Don’t take it personally if they’re busy—it’s not about you; it’s about life’s demands. Consistency is key here.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Living alone doesn’t mean being lonely all the time. Take this opportunity to foster a loving relationship with yourself. Treat yourself as you would a good friend:
Spend time doing hobbies you enjoy.
Celebrate your small wins, even if it’s just folding the laundry.
Practice mindfulness to appreciate your own company.
When you’re kind to yourself, you’re better equipped to connect with others.
5. Seek Professional Support if Needed
If loneliness feels overwhelming or persistent, consider reaching out to a therapist. They can help you unpack deeper feelings, identify barriers to connection, and develop strategies to move forward. Therapy isn’t just for tough times—it’s a great tool for personal growth.
At Hello Calm, we offer individual therapy and a range of other services to support your mental health journey. Loneliness doesn’t have to be a permanent state. Let us help you build the connection-filled life you deserve.
Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together
If you’re ready to take the next step toward feeling more connected and less alone, schedule an appointment with one of our therapists at Hello Calm. Together, we can create a path toward meaningful connections and a fulfilling life.
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Ryan Greenwood, CPC, MA
Ryan is the founder and clinical director of Hello Calm. He graduated at the top of his class from Adams State University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is a member of the American Counseling Association, and has a great passion for working with people to grow in the middle of their hardest moments. Ryan is a Henderson local, greatly loves the Golden Knights, traveling, and being outdoors. He and his wife have been happily married for 9 years.
