A counsellor at the University of Cape Coast Counselling Centre, Dr. Eugene Kwarteng-Nantwi has emphasized the importance of building social connections to combat the onset of loneliness.
He defined loneliness as a complex and multifaceted emotional state of an individual characterized by a perceived lack of social connection, intimacy, and meaningful relationships.
Elaborating on the topic of loneliness on ATL FM’s Atlantic Wave, Dr. Kwarteng-Nantwi advised that building and maintaining strong social connections with other people can help drive away loneliness.
“So, social connection building and maintaining social connection with others can help alleviate loneliness. Try and make friends. If you are getting closer to people and it’s clear that you are not wanted, don’t force yourself there. You meet other people who embrace you nicely, he said.”
Dr. Kwarteng-Nantwi outlined that social factors such as social isolation and lack of social skills as well as psychological factors and life events can cause loneliness.
He explained that building social connections is not enough to sustain friendships but the success of social connection is also dependent on the right attitudes towards each other in the friendship.
Intimating that there are psychological factors that can also cause loneliness in some persons, he noted sleeplessness, mental health conditions such as depression, and the increased risk of physical health challenges as some of the effects of loneliness.
Stating measures that can be taken to fight loneliness, Dr. Eugene Kwarteng-Nantwi recommended that joining support groups or exercise groups can help eliminate the feeling of loneliness.
He advised that persons suffering from loneliness may seek professional help from clinical psychologists, emphasizing “Another way of overcoming loneliness is therapy. That’s seeking professional help. Going to a counsellor, a clinical psychologist, a psychotherapist.”
“These people can handle it when it hasn’t gotten to the stage where you must take medication. If you go beyond, then a psychiatrist must come. You have to go to another psychiatrist where you may be taking medication for you to get to equilibrium.”
According to him, seeking professional help from a therapist or a counsellor can help address underlying issues contributing to loneliness.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Eugene Kwarteng-Nantwi cautioned the general public not to allow loneliness push them into unhealthy relationships or forced marriages.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
