Loneliness: Winning the inner battle

Experts in loneliness, anxiety and depression studies are alarmed that loneliness is spreading like an epidemic; some suggest one in three people have problems with loneliness.Despite the popular belief that feelings of loneliness increase in the aging population, it has been reported more and more young people are facing loneliness syndrome. It is surprising that this is happening in a time where people can instantly connect with others through social media. Does this mean social media is not helping to alleviate the feeling of loneliness?Loneliness is not the end of life.It is just another thought passing through the mind.Emotional dependence on others is the biggest reason for suffering from loneliness after a breakup. This is my story of overcoming loneliness after my own separation and divorce in the later years of my life.The truth is unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you accept a situation is what it is, you cannot move forward.It took me reaching rock bottom to realise it was my own persistent thoughts and negative beliefs about myself - and no one else's - that were so destructive to my wellbeing. These thoughts and beliefs led to trouble sleeping, difficulties at work, social withdrawal and even loss of appetite - not to mention anxiety and depression.It was a vicious cycle, but it seems loneliness, shame and fear often go hand in hand.Following the Eastern spiritual tradition, this story also explores the practice of mindful meditation and how it helped me undergo an amazing recovery from loneliness and a powerful depression, and enabled me to have a fresh start in life.