Test: What’s your personal loneliness trigger?

You might not immediately connect loss of purpose and direction in life with loneliness, but prolonged periods of feeling that life lacks meaning can drain you of joy, and leave you feeling disconnected from both the people and world around you. It can feel like low mood but if it also comes with feelings of ‘what’s life all about?’ chances are what you’re experiencing is existential loneliness. You might feel at times like you’re the only one who’s wondering about the meaning of life, rather than just getting on with the day-to-day.

If it’s important to you to live a life of purpose, you’ll only be able to tolerate short periods of feeling unsure of the best path. In the longer term, existential loneliness can leave you feeling rudderless, and craving a new start. It can be a catalyst to make big life changes if they are needed. But existential loneliness can disruptive so in the short term, resist the urge to retreat, and instead surround yourself with uplifting people. Spending time with likeminded people who share your passions, vision or goals will help you feel more connected with life again. Shared humour and kindness are also invaluable during times of existential loneliness – and remember, you aren’t the only one who feels this way.