Loneliness and Loners – II. Loneliness as a Personal and Societal Problem
Date Posted: May 31st, 2007
Loneliness is a serious social problem which affects the sufferer, and society, in many ways. It affects the physical and/or mental health of the lonely. The lonely person craves attention and can be a burden on the medical and social systems which are already overburdened by the numerous problems of our society. We will never know how many people are in hospitals because of depression, or other mental illnesses, brought on by loneliness.
There is another aspect to loneliness, and that is the fear of loneliness. Many people stay in a relationship long after it has ceased to work because they are terrified of finding themselves alone.
It will never be possible to totally conquer loneliness in a society, for there are as many reasons for loneliness as there are lonely people. We can, however, try to understand why some people living alone do not suffer from loneliness. What we learn from them can perhaps be used to help lonely people feel less lonely.
Individuals differ of course; what is good for one person is intolerable to another. And yet, we can establish general principles which can be applied, with the proper modifications, to all members of society in need of help. A therapist will tell you that no two patients having similar problems can be treated in exactly the same way; nevertheless, she will be basing her therapy upon our understanding of human behavior. Without that, she could not possibly do her work.
We should therefore study the problem, and with care and understanding attempt to resolve it. It will take a long time and will require a lot of efforts. However, the final result will be worthwhile.
Humans are inherently social animals who need to interact with those of their own kind. No society can call itself civilized until it addresses the plight of the lonely. I dream of a future where being alone will be by choice only.
