Our Grants and Office Administrator, Nidhi, opens up about her experience of loneliness.
Q: When did you last feel lonely, and why?
A: During the winter lockdown in 2020 as I could not meet my closest friends and family. Even though I was working all through it from my office, it was like not having anything to look forward to socially and that was depressing.
Q: What did you do to help you cope with the feelings of loneliness you were experiencing?
A: Reading, talking to friends, online games, house decorations, yoga
Q: On a scale of 1-10, where would you rate loneliness as an emotion (1 being a pleasant emotion and 10 being a very unpleasant emotion)?
A: 10 – very unpleasant emotion
Q: Do you find it easy to talk to people about feeling lonely? Who do you turn to when you feel this way?
A: It’s not easy, but I’m fortunate to have supportive friends whom I could discuss this with and feel heard and valued.
Q: What advice would you give to someone else who is experiencing loneliness?
A: Talk to someone about it if possible, seek help if you have no friends and family. Perhaps restarting a hobby that you enjoyed or voluntary work is another option to give you something to look forward to. Taking a walk to clear the mind is helpful as well.
Q: Is there anything positive about loneliness?
A: I wouldn’t say there is any positivity in loneliness for most people, but it could make you mentally stronger to cope with situations and make your way through them.