Psychotherapy and counseling can specifically target loneliness. Solution-focused therapy, for example, involves solving the problem by deciding which actions the patient needs to take to relieve symptoms of loneliness. Dialectal behavior therapy can help patients with borderline and other personality disorders regulate their emotions and accept their feelings. Cognitive therapy and rational emotive therapy use various techniques to assist patients in changing their negative thought patterns. For example, a therapist might assign a patient to introduce themselves to a stranger or attend an event with others. The assignment is then discussed at the next session. Client-centered, psychodynamic, and behavior therapies also may be appropriate for a patient experiencing loneliness. Positive psychology can aid patients by helping them appreciate and not discount others in their lives. Meditation and mindfulness can motivate individuals to live in the present and enjoy those around them.
Referral and psychosocial support can be offered to direct patients to social services for help in improving their living circumstances. For example, a patient with an alcohol use disorder may benefit from a referral to a self-help organization such as Alcoholics Anonymous, where they can receive additional support and develop friendships. Other resources might offer patients the ability to discuss solutions, such as the benefits of owning a pet, attending a class, or volunteering opportunities, to combat loneliness.
Living a purposeful life is essential to engaging with others and avoiding isolation. Many people have turned to online support rooms, chat rooms, gaming, and social media to maintain relationships and meet others. Excessive computer use can be detrimental, however, if used in a manner that doesn’t involve interaction with others.
Regardless of the specific intervention, psychiatrists and other psychiatric clinicians can play a major role in reducing a patient’s loneliness. Simply by being present, you are showing the patient that at least one person in their life listens and cares.