The cutting absence of comfort is the definition most commonly given to the condition that is better known as loneliness. The phenomenon of loneliness is evident in every culture and funnily enough the highest recorded levels of dissatisfaction are recorded in well developed societies whose population density far exceeds other more nomadic cultures. What we identify as the feeling of loneliness is often a spectrum of emotions that exist simultaneously within a given point of time and space, in simpler terms a mixture of feelings that happen to occur parallel to each other causes what we know collectively as feeling lonely.

Many theories have attempted to identify causes and effects of loneliness but more often than not our grasp on the topic has remained the same. The reason being that in everyday terminology loneliness goes synonymous with being alone; this however is far from the case. Isolation is the act of physically detaching oneself from others given personal preference or circumstantial demands whereas the feeling of loneliness is the absence of comfort where an individual is plagued by a lingering lack of what s/he identifies to be his/her requirement to be comfortable. Given these definitions it’s perfectly normal to be lonely in a crowded place as it is to be perfectly content by yourself on a rainy day.

As in all psychological conditions the conditions and the intensity of those conditions necessary to cause significant impact differs from person to person. This aspect is best demonstrated through a two factor model of disposition and circumstance. The factor of disposition is largely governed by genetics and heredity factors where certain individuals are in need of higher levels of comfort as opposed to others. One of the main inherent factors that is identified as being responsible for feelings of loneliness and low mood is known as the Serotonin hypothesis. Serotonin is a neurochemical present in the human brain that is largely held accountable for mood, a low level of Serotonin as often associated with low mood.

In addition to heredity disposition also depends on parenting style and environment of early childhood, this determination of a child’s personality is stated in Bowlby’s theory of attachment where children were identified to be in possession of a certain attachment style ranging from secure to anxious, anxious attachment styles are more likely to develop into low thresholds for loneliness later in life. Individuals who are more susceptible to anxiety and such conditions as loneliness are known as empaths.

The factor of circumstance is self explanatory and deals with the current living conditions of the individual. The level of social interaction, personal relationships and overall quality of one’s life are the main contributors to one’s circumstantial factor. Weather is an interesting determinant of mood and is a prime example of circumstantial factors that affect mood. According to the two factor model an individual with a higher disposition to anxiety and loneliness will be triggered by a relatively low level of circumstantial stress vice versa.  

 

The effects of loneliness thus caused also varies largely from person to person, but in general loneliness causes a mild form of depression that exhibits such characteristic symptoms as the feeling of discontentment and worry accompanied by insomnia or hypersomnia. A person undergoing this condition may develop feelings of unworthiness and exhibit learned helplessness; a condition where the current situation of discontentment seems permanent and inescapable.

Rainy weather on the other hand induces a mild form of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) a condition more commonly observed in European countries during winter. The explanation for SAD is given from an evolutionary perspective where we are hardwired to inhibit physical activity during winter the same way our ancestors hibernated. In a modern setting the lazy feeling and lack of drive experienced during stormy weather is likely to be a contemporary form of hibernation.

Another pressing question is what differentiates an individual who recovers from the phenomena of loneliness as against one whose condition deteriorates to the point of a depressive disorder or in extreme cases suicidal ideation and attempt. Even though the question can’t be answered absolutely it is highly likely that the two factor model can best provide a solution. The dispositional factors that influence vulnerability to low mood cannot be practically addressed outside of a clinical setting however circumstantial factors can easily be used in order to alleviate the condition and also to improve an individual’s general quality of life.

Healthy personal relationships with family and friends may in fact be the strongest form of medication to an individual undergoing a low spell. Humans are gifted an innate need to be in the company of others thus granting us the status of being social creatures. A support structure to fall back on provides fulfillment and a sense of belonging that is necessary for comfort.

Sunlight may also be a positive contributor to low mood since humans are wired genetically to be more active and pumped up in sunlight. Another very tempting solution is a specific class of food termed to be comfort food which generally includes food stuff that generally contains high levels of carbs and sugar such as chocolates and ice cream.

In conclusion loneliness is a fairly common phenomenon that can be addressed in a variety of ways which all have the benefit of alleviating your general quality of life alongside the blues.

 

 

(By Dilshan Senaratne)