Thanks to social media, we are now more connected to one another than ever before. At least, that’s what we hear. The reality is that people are still feeling significantly lonely. Loneliness is so prevalent in America that the U.S. Surgeon General has designated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf">loneliness as an epidemic</a>. Loneliness doesn’t only feel awful, but has long term effects on our health and wellness. Let’s talk about what you can do to feel less lonely.&nbsp;<h2>What does loneliness really feel like</h2>Loneliness is more than just the absence of company; it’s a complex emotional state characterized by a sense of isolation and disconnection. And it’s very prevalent! Extreme loneliness leads to various mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, and it often exacerbates existing mental health conditions. Those who experience loneliness may feel like they have no one to turn to, or that no one truly understands them.<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:690/488;height:auto;width:399px;" src="https://i0.wp.com/blog.peers.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-20-at-10.36.42-am.png?resize=690%2C488&amp;ssl=1" alt="" width="690" height="488">That’s why <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peer support</a> can make all the difference!<h2>What is peer support?</h2><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">Professional peer support</a> is a type of mental health support based on the idea that people who have successfully overcome their mental health challenges are trained to support those who are experiencing something similar. Peer supporters are real people with real experiences, just like you, who have been professionally trained to help you navigate life’s challenges—whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, an eating disorder, or loneliness.Peer supporters offer emotional support and teach you skills to help you better understand yourself and your feelings, improve your relationships, and set goals. They provide a supportive space for you to feel seen and be heard by a professional who has actually been in your shoes, and knows how to help you navigate your challenges.&nbsp;<h2>What does peer support have to do with loneliness?</h2><ul><li>Shared Understanding</li></ul><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters">Peer support specialists</a> have walked a similar path, having confronted and overcome their own sense of loneliness at some point in their past. This shared experience creates an immediate connection and a deep sense of understanding between the peer supporter and the individual seeking help, which can be incredibly reassuring for someone who feels extremely isolated.<ul><li>Reducing Stigma</li></ul>One of the most significant barriers to seeking help for mental health issues is stigma – and more often than not, there is a huge amount of shame that comes together with feeling lonely, particularly in contrast to the hyper-sociable lives we seem supposed to have. Talking with a peer supporter who has been through a similar struggle helps instantly break down those barriers – and it also helps end the stigma&nbsp; around mental health by demonstrating that it’s far from a rare experience.<ul><li>Empowerment</li></ul>Peer support effectively empowers individuals to take control of their own mental health – and as a result, of their overall health and happiness. Peer supporters can provide guidance, tools, and coping strategies that have worked for them – whether it’s tips to meet new people, ideas on how to reconnect with old friends, or useful strategies to better enjoy your alone time. This empowerment is instrumental in building resilience and confidence in those facing loneliness and mental health issues.<ul><li>Emotional Support</li></ul>Loneliness often stems from a lack of emotional support, which can exacerbate a sense of deep vulnerability while also stopping you from actually sharing with others how you are really feeling. Professional peer supporters offer a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. This emotional connection alleviates the emotional weight of loneliness and helps individuals feel valued and cared for.<ul><li>Personalized Assistance</li></ul>Professional peer support is highly individualized. What this means is that peer supporters work closely with their clients to develop personalized strategies for overcoming loneliness in a way that feels right to them, based on their shared understanding and specific experiences of feeling isolated, rather than with a generic textbook approach. This tailored approach can make a significant difference in an individual’s recovery journey.<ul><li>Social Connection</li></ul>Simply connecting with someone – whether that be over the phone or in person- can instantly reduce feelings of loneliness. And building safe, genuine and meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences and challenges can do even more to feel seen, understood, and far from alone.&nbsp;Meet Dennis! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters/dennis-t?_gl=1*1gpxpiu*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjE3MTQ0NDIwLjE3MDMwOTM4NjM.*_ga_H5SXK15P1X*MTcwMzA5Mzg2Mi4xLjAuMTcwMzA5Mzg2Mi4wLjAuMA..#">Dennis</a> is a certified peer supporter from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peers.net</a> who has experience with loneliness. Dennis decided to be a peer supporter because he knows how it feels to be isolated, and doesn’t want anyone else to feel that way. To read more about Dennis and book a session, you can follow <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-supporters/dennis-t?_gl=1*1gpxpiu*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjE3MTQ0NDIwLjE3MDMwOTM4NjM.*_ga_H5SXK15P1X*MTcwMzA5Mzg2Mi4xLjAuMTcwMzA5Mzg2Mi4wLjAuMA..#">this link</a>!<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:858/586;height:auto;width:309px;" src="https://i0.wp.com/blog.peers.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/screenshot-2023-12-20-at-12.38.10-pm.png?resize=858%2C586&amp;ssl=1" alt="" width="858" height="586"><h2>The Science</h2>The benefits of peer support on feelings of loneliness is also shown in scientific research. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15348431.2016.1257428">Taylor and Francis </a>published an article called “The Influence of Loneliness and Interpersonal Relations on Latina/o Middle School Students’ Wellbeing.” The authors concluded that peer support was correlated with higher wellbeing in students with high loneliness. Lonely students benefited from peer support more than anyone else, which is excellent evidence of the positive outcomes associated with peer support.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0265407514567837">Sage Journals</a> published “Adolescent loneliness and social anxiety: The role of multiple sources of support,” the authors determined that peer support plays a major role in decreasing loneliness in young people. Not only that- but peer support also decreased social anxiety! This tells us how peer support can mitigate anxiety and loneliness.&nbsp;<h2>You Got This</h2>Loneliness is a silent struggle that affects countless individuals, and is often coupled with other mental health challenges. Peer support offers a lifeline to those experiencing loneliness, providing shared understanding, reduced stigma, empowerment, emotional support, personalized assistance, and opportunities for social connection. By harnessing the healing power of peer support, individuals will overcome loneliness, improve their mental well-being, and lead more fulfilling lives.If you or someone you know is experiencing loneliness or mental health challenges, consider seeking peer support as a valuable resource on the path to recovery. Remember, you are never alone on your journey to better mental health.<h2>How to book a session on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peers.net</a></h2>To book with a peer supporter on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peers.net</a>, navigate to our home page and browse the life experiences and identities to see which one is right for you. Read more about our peer support specialist certification <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://peers.net/peer-support-training-job">here</a>!As we said in the beginning, finding a mental health care solution can take multiple tries. With <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://peers.net/">peers.net</a>, you get your first session for $5 using the code “FIRST SESH.” If peer support doesn’t work for you, there are several other options available. To see additional resources, you can find our resource links page here. You got this! &nbsp;

Hannah Johns

Exploring the Healing Power of Peer Support for Loneliness

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