Loneliness; one of the most talked about topics in vanlife. The truth is, it will follow you in whatever lifestyle you choose. It’s an incredibly human emotion that has a lot of power.
By definition, loneliness is described as “an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Loneliness is also described as social pain – a psychological mechanism which motivates individuals to seek social connections. Often associated with a perceived lack of connection and intimacy, loneliness overlaps and yet is distinct from solitude.
“Solitude is simply the state of being apart from others; not everyone who experiences solitude feels lonely. As a subjective emotion, loneliness can be felt even when a person is surrounded by other people. Hence, the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely. Loneliness can be short term (state loneliness) or long term (chronic loneliness). In either case, it can be intense and painful.”
For a lot of people, it’s not as easy to just “go out and make friends’. For some, it’s second nature. They are the type of people who find themselves in hour-long conversations with cashiers, exchanging stories about past experiences and delving into a different perspective.
A good example is myself and my better half, Dave. Dave has that very same ability to speak to anyone about any topic. I, on the other hand, enjoy keeping to myself in checkout lanes. We both have very different meanings of the word “lonely”, though in the end- they both result in the same deep, dark feelings everyone experiences at some point in their lives.
We can’t lie to you, say that without effort- things will change. You must be confident and vigilant, active in trying to provide the life for yourself that you deserve. While it’s never a fun process, it gets us to exactly where we need to be- and in a healthy manner without shortcutting life lessons.
While you can dream of someone stepping in to take away your loneliness, it’s a deeply personal and internal feeling that only you have the ability to resolve. Everyone needs a little something different, so make sure you have the resources you need to succeed. Whether you’re in a tent in a national forest, or boondocking in your rig named Betsy, these resources are everywhere. From personal help hotlines, therapy apps, community events and even Destination Now Here- where the goal is to provide a compassionate community where nobody feels lonely, the options are endless.
Being in the middle of the desert seemingly on another world you might feel that there isn’t a person for miles. It can get lonely out there. For whatever reason you choose this lifestyle, and I’m sure there are many- some hope their life will change. Their past life left them empty with a need for more. Some hope for a relationship, some just for conversation.
The hope of pulling up to another van and instantly making friends is almost always there, but it’s not realistic. It’s important to be aware and respectful of anothers journey while you traverse through yours. When you live your life to the fullest and enjoy the life you’re living, the right people will gravitate towards you. It’s an energy that is contagious. I, hands down, live by this theory and it hasn’t failed me yet. At the end of the day, we all deserve it.
Below is a list of resources to help even the most remote person in need, no matter the feeling. Remember, these hotlines provide trained professionals who are there to offer support, guidance, and resources. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact emergency services right away.
HOTLINES
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA):
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Crisis intervention and support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
Crisis Text Line (USA and Canada):
Text “HOME” to 741741
Confidential crisis support via text messaging for individuals in crisis or in need of emotional support.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA):
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Assistance, resources, and support for victims of domestic violence or those seeking information on domestic violence.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (USA):
Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
Confidential support, information, and resources for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (USA):
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)
Confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance abuse challenges.
LGBTQ+ Helpline:
Phone: Varies by country; for example, The Trevor Project (USA) at 1-866-488-7386.
Confidential support and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals.
Veterans Crisis Line (USA):
Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families, including assistance with mental health concerns and thoughts of suicide.
APPS
BetterHelp: Offers online counseling and therapy sessions with licensed therapists via messaging, phone calls, or video chat. https://www.betterhelp.com/
Talkspace: Provides access to licensed therapists through text, audio, and video messaging, along with the option for live video sessions. https://www.talkspace.com/
Calm: Focuses on mindfulness and meditation, offering guided meditation sessions, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and relaxing music. https://www.calm.com/
Headspace: Offers meditation and mindfulness exercises, along with content focused on stress reduction, better sleep, and improving overall well-being. https://www.headspace.com/
Sanvello: A comprehensive mental health app that includes tools for mood tracking, guided self-help exercises, therapy sessions, and peer support communities. https://www.sanvello.com/
Moodpath (MindDock): Helps users track their mood and emotions over time, offering insights and suggestions for improving mental well-being. Check it out on Android or iOS.
Woebot: Utilizes artificial intelligence to provide interactive and personalized therapy sessions, incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques. Check it out on Android or iOS.
Youper: An AI-powered mental health assistant that helps users manage anxiety, depression, and stress through conversation, mood tracking, and personalized techniques. https://www.youper.ai/
DESTINATION NOW HERE
Our goal is to create a community where everyone feels encouraged, comfortable and knowledgeable. A place where we explore every location like it’s the destination. Check out the EVENTS page and hang out with like-minded individuals, or if you’re feeling shy, feel free to just send me a message personally, or reach out on the CONTACT US form via the Destination Now Here homepage. Facts or family- we’re always here for you.
Safe travels!
