How Group Therapy Can Help Ease Loneliness

As daily life becomes overpowered by technology, many of us experience a reduction in face-to-face contact. As a result, feelings of loneliness and depression are on the rise. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you experience loneliness or depression. Group therapy can help treat your symptoms and provide the sense of social support you need for lasting healing.

Loneliness and depression do not always occur due to the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or other stressful events. These mental health symptoms can also occur because of the lack of communication and connection we feel in our everyday lives. If you feel you need to connect with others; you are not alone. Alter Wellness Care can provide you with resources and group therapy sessions for guidance and support.

Depressive Disorders and Their Connection With Loneliness

While loneliness does not necessarily mean you have a depressive disorder, there is a connection between the two conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness is defined as “an emotion that comes from a lack of social connection.”

Loneliness is linked with many mental health disorders, including both depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. Additionally, unmanaged feelings of loneliness have been shown to cause suicidal thoughts in people of all ages. In a post-pandemic world, we are not just starting to reconnect with people physically. Society is also starting to realize the effects loneliness can have on our mental and physical health. 

Signs and Symptoms of Loneliness

There are both short-term and long-term effects of being lonely. Some of the symptoms associated with both loneliness and depression include:

• Low energy or lack of motivation
• Changes in appetite or unexpected weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep, sleeping too much or too little
• Loss of interest of finding little pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Feeling irritable, frustrated, or restless
• Physical aches and pains such as headaches or migraines
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing on a task
• Suicidal thoughts, feelings, or plans

A lack of strong social relationships can leave us feeling isolated. Not knowing where to turn to get help or being afraid to get help also can cause us to feel more isolated. Talking to your doctor about how you feel can help you garner the resources you need to get the help you deserve. 

If you fear talking to a doctor or a mental health professional, start by reaching out to a clinic like Alter Wellness. We can help you find the right resources to cope with your mental health symptoms.

Attending Group Therapy to Combat Loneliness

Being alone does not mean you are lonely. Conversely, having a large group of family and friends does not mean you automatically feel socially connected. In fact, feeling lonely when you are with a group of people is not uncommon. In other words, seeking out relationships that you feel can benefit your social and mental health is important to your overall well-being.

Group therapy can be of immense help when you feel like you need more support from like-minded people. While there are stigmas in society about being in group therapy, it is important to know that this kind of therapy can benefit you no matter what you are going through.

There are specific groups that you can turn to in order to get the help you need. If you are seeking out group therapy because you feel lonely or are going through depression, two types of group therapy to consider include cognitive-behavioral (CBT) groups and interpersonal group therapy.

CBT Group Therapy at Alter Wellness Care

This type of group therapy can help you cope with and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The goal of CBT is to challenge thoughts and beliefs that fuel unwanted emotions and behaviors. 

By teaching you how to identify these beliefs, you can begin to understand how they impact your feelings and actions. You can also learn to challenge that thinking by replacing negative or intrusive thoughts with positive thoughts that serve your highest good.  

When attending a CBT group, a therapist will lead you and others in the group to focus on ways you can manage your mental health symptoms. They will also help connect you with your peers as you begin to support and help each other to live healthier and happier lives.

Interpersonal Group Therapy at Alter Wellness Care

While CBT groups can help change faulty thinking, interpersonal group therapy aims to foster emotional development. You will learn to effectively process your past trauma and childhood concerns so you can begin to understand yourself better. In interpersonal group therapy, you may also discover how you can create stronger relationships with your peers and those outside your support system.

Our mission at Alter Wellness Care is to help you thrive despite your mental health challenges. Group therapy programs are beneficial in helping you build strong relationships with people around you. Loneliness is not something you have to face alone. Take care of your mental health by reaching out for support, whether it be from family or friends or to the caring team at Alter Wellness Care. 

If you are experiencing loneliness, social isolation, depression, and/or anxiety, Alter Wellness Care is here to help. Our team of licensed mental health professionals can help you learn new skills to combat loneliness and help you manage your mental health symptoms. Our group therapy programs provide a support system to those looking for more connection with their peers and those going through similar situations. You do not have to face life alone. We are here with outpatient services and resources to guide you to a healthier life. Through CBT and interpersonal group therapy, we can teach you ways to connect and build stronger relationships. Please call us at (866) 311-3510 to learn more about the services that we provide.