Loneliness
The way back to togetherness
Loneliness is a feeling that can affect anyone - regardless of their age, life situation or the number of people around them. Perhaps you have the feeling that your social contacts are dwindling. Perhaps you feel that everyday life is becoming increasingly lonely because no one is really there to listen. But loneliness can be changed.
Signs that you need support
Loneliness is not always easy to recognize - especially if it develops gradually. But there are certain signs that indicate that support may be useful.
- Feeling of emptiness or meaninglessness: When everyday life seems meaningless and activities are no longer fun.
- Withdrawal from social contacts: Many people withdraw because they think no one misses them. However, this increases loneliness.
- Emotional stress: Loneliness can lead to sadness, listlessness or sleep problems. Some people develop the feeling that they are not needed.
- Loss of self-confidence: People who feel lonely often begin to doubt themselves - thoughts such as "Nobody likes me" arise.
- No one to turn to when problems arise: If important people to turn to in crisis situations are missing, everyday life feels more difficult.
What you can do now
Even if it takes effort, it is important to take action - and no one has to do it alone. Counseling can provide crucial support.
In a loneliness consultation, you are given the opportunity to talk openly about your situation. Counselors will listen to you without judging you. Together, we look at the causes of your loneliness and you develop a plan on how you can take the first steps. These can be simple actions, such as rekindling an old friendship, joining a leisure group or getting involved in a club.
If you are struggling with the idea of seeking counseling directly, an initial conversation by phone or online can be a good solution. The telephone counseling service is available around the clock and offers the opportunity to talk anonymously about your situation.
Finding support: What help is available?
Overcoming loneliness takes courage - but you don't have to do it alone.
Counselling and psychosocial support
- Counselling centers for loneliness: These centers offer conversations where you can talk openly about your situation. The counselors will help you find ways to deal with your loneliness.
- Phone counseling service: If you want to talk immediately, the telephone counseling service is available around the clock - anonymously and free of charge.
- Psychological counseling: If loneliness is accompanied by a depressive mood, psychologists can help you develop new ways of coping.
Assistance in everyday life
- Visiting services: Volunteers visit people who feel lonely - whether for a chat, a walk together or a small activity.
- Sponsorship programmes: Some organizations offer sponsorships where volunteers regularly visit older people or people living alone.
- Day centres and community centers: In many cities, there are meeting places where people can meet for coffee, games or joint activities.
Offers for social participation
- Support groups: These groups are open to people who are in similar life situations. The exchange helps to feel understood.
- Clubs and leisure activities: Whether it's a sports club, creative group or neighbourhood meeting place - there are many opportunities to get to know people with similar interests.
- Volunteering: People who volunteer automatically make social contacts - whether at the animal shelter, in neighbourhood support or at cultural events.
Frequently asked questions about counseling for loneliness
Yes, counseling will help you to better understand your situation and develop concrete steps to establish social contacts. Social counseling centers or psychosocial services offer support when loneliness becomes a burden.
Counseling centers can suggest leisure activities, self-help groups or volunteer activities that match your interests. Neighborhood meetings or meeting cafés also offer opportunities to make new contacts.
Yes, many senior counseling or telephone visiting services offer conversations and social activities. Programs such as "telephone friendships" or visiting services also help to overcome loneliness in old age.
Loneliness depends not only on the number of contacts, but also on the quality of the relationships. Counseling can help you deepen relationships and find new ways to feel connected to others.
Let us advise you now!
Loneliness doesn't have to be a permanent condition. Counseling centers, visiting services and self-help groups can help you reconnect. Get support.