8️⃣ Dysfunctional Attitudes That Sabotage Overcoming Loneliness

💡 Emotional loneliness is an experience that we can all encounter at some point, but we don’t always know how to manage it in a healthy way. Even worse, we sometimes adopt attitudes that unknowingly sabotage our ability to overcome that feeling of emptiness.

🔹 What are those dysfunctional attitudes that trap us?

🔸 Denying the problem:
Instead of recognizing that loneliness is causing discomfort, some people choose to ignore it. This may seem like a defense strategy, but in reality, it only prolongs the pain.
✨ "There is no worse blind person than the one who does not want to see."

🔸 Exaggerating the situation:
At the other extreme, some turn loneliness into an insurmountable tragedy. They believe they are doomed to be alone, with no way out, leading to despair.
✨ "He who sees everything in darkness will never find the light."

🔸 Blaming others:
"I'm alone because no one understands me," or "My friends are selfish." This approach leads to victimization and avoids taking responsibility for changing things.
✨ "Those who sow resentment will harvest loneliness."

🔸 Blaming oneself excessively:
On the other hand, some people carry disproportionate guilt: "It’s my fault they left me," "I'm not worthy of love." This constant self-criticism only deepens suffering.
✨ "Those who flog themselves will not find relief."

🔸 Expecting others to solve the problem:
Believing that the solution to loneliness will only come if someone else seeks us out, loves us, or understands us is a way of giving up our own power.
✨ "God gives nuts, but He doesn’t crack them."

🔸 Doing nothing or acting desperately:
Some remain paralyzed, waiting for time to resolve their discomfort. Others, in contrast, make impulsive decisions to fill the void, like starting toxic relationships or resorting to addictions.
✨ "The lying wolf catches no prey, nor does the sleeping man achieve victory."

🔹 Why are these attitudes so dangerous?

Because they perpetuate loneliness. Instead of building bridges to others, they build walls. Instead of seeking solutions, they keep us trapped in distress.

🔹 What can we do to overcome these attitudes?

🔸 Acknowledge loneliness without judging it: It is a valid human emotion.
🔸 Accept that you have the power to change your situation: It doesn’t depend solely on others.
🔸 Seek support, but also cultivate yourself: Read, learn, get to know yourself better.
🔸 Take small steps: A call, a message, a walk in the park. You don’t need to change everything all at once.

✨ “The first key to overcoming loneliness is understanding how we trap ourselves in it.”

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Loneliness is not just a matter of lacking company, but of how we relate to ourselves. Do you recognize yourself in any of these attitudes? If so, don't punish yourself. Simply becoming aware is already the first step toward change.

With love,
Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández, your friend in health promotion. 💙

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📚 Did you enjoy this read? 

Discover more in the book Challenging Loneliness: Paths to Reconnect: 

https://books2read.com/Challenging-Loneliness-English

🧠 Would you like to know the story behind this project?

Read the interview with Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández here: 
👉 https://mentalhealthmaun.blogspot.com/2025/04/interview-with-arturo-jose-sanchez.html

🌍 Looking for more articles on mental health and well-being?
🔹 Browse the blog index in Spanish here: 
👉 https://saludmentalmaun.blogspot.com/2024/06/index.html
🔹 Or explore the blog index in English here: 
👉 https://mentalhealthmaun.blogspot.com/2024/06/index.html

💬 And if you’d like to share your experiences and reflections on mental health in a safe, supportive space, I invite you to join our WhatsApp group Mental Health in the Heart of Maun: 
👉 https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bq2zInoxO6ZJzhmamfLmy0

💙 Together, we build paths toward emotional well-being.

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