Feeling lonely from time to time is natural and not uncommon.
“Individuals may feel lonely when surrounded by others when they feel like they cannot be themselves or have to fabricate the truth to please others [or] when the individuals around them have different ethical beliefs,” Magavi explained.
Other reasons you might feel lonely despite being surrounded by others include:
depression or other mental health conditions
health conditions, including disabilities, chronic conditions, and terminal illness
loss and grief
trauma
discrimination or racism
migration to a new country
existential crisis
lack of meaningful relationships
communication or attachment problems in a relationship
The pandemic and need to physically distance have also increased debilitating feelings of loneliness, says Magavi.
“Extroverts may struggle more than introverts,” she added. “Individuals with low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety may have an external locus of control and may rely on extraneous factors to feel whole.”
“Individuals may feel lonely when surrounded by others when they feel like they cannot be themselves or have to fabricate the truth to please others [or] when the individuals around them have different ethical beliefs,” Magavi explained.
Other reasons you might feel lonely despite being surrounded by others include:
depression or other mental health conditions
health conditions, including disabilities, chronic conditions, and terminal illness
loss and grief
trauma
discrimination or racism
migration to a new country
existential crisis
lack of meaningful relationships
communication or attachment problems in a relationship
The pandemic and need to physically distance have also increased debilitating feelings of loneliness, says Magavi.
“Extroverts may struggle more than introverts,” she added. “Individuals with low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety may have an external locus of control and may rely on extraneous factors to feel whole.”