Hi Lauriec, Tracy and Andrea,
I had posted a topic under separation anxiety a while ago about the fear of being alone. I never knew the word Monophobia. I absoloutely hate being alone because of panic attacks and I also suffer with agoraphobia. Do any of you suffer with agoraphobia?
Lauriec: Panic attacks rob you of so much, I understand when you say it takes everything you've got. I am always trying to find someone to stay with me. How did you beat it last time? What do you think caused the relapse? Try to remember those seven years and what your were doing and thinking that made you love being alone.
Tracy: You mentioned reading and watching tv still leaves you feeling empty and alone. You were asking for some ideas, comments and how other people cope with the fear of being alone. Well, if you don't suffer from agoraphobia and panic attacks then getting involved in helping others, like Andrea mentioned, is what can help.
I read an article titled "I'm so lonely" the other day and I will share what I think could help.
It starts off by saying everybody wants to belong and feel needed and accepted. But because of problems today, aloneness and isolation are real issues that affect us. We are created as social beings and one of our basic human needs is to be in the company of others. The Great Creator said to Adam, "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18).
The article says the main reason why it is not good to be alone is becuase too much time alone tends to cultivate inward, introverted thinking that focuses us too much on our self.
Loneliness is a self-focused, negative emotion. It is a feeling of sadness or discouragement for or about ourself. It is the opposite of joy and happiness. Most of us don't function very well when we are entirely alone, cut off from support and encouragement from others.
Here is how it suggests combating it:
Engage in activities that bring us together with others.
Build relationships with neighbors and talk to strangers.
Widen your circle of friends as not to stifle your personality development.
Don't dwell on the past.
Get in contact with GOD (through prayer) and draw closer to him.
Stay busy with hobbies.
Don't feel sorry for yourself.
Think of others first.