Learning to be alone is the first step to self-love. – Thich Nhat Hanh I don't know if at one time or the other,you were left alone in your dark cozy room? Have you tried traveling or strolling a long distance without an ally?How did it feel? Did you ever experience temporary separation from loved ones,friends or a romantic partner? Do you know any couple who are experiencing empty nest because children have left for marriage or school? These are just a few contexts where the fear of being left alone snowballs.


Fear of being left alone is otherwise called mono phobia:it is an intense fear for isolation or a strong sense of emotional dependence on others which impinges on daily life if not properly addressed. People who are victims of this kind of fear are less productive being alone than when with others. They overcompensate their partners in relationships.They suffer from clinginess,dependency, chronic stress,sadness and fear. They worry about abandonment and separation that they avoid any possibility of isolation or physical neglect.

Several things could be the cause.It could be due to:
🍄‍🟫 low self esteem
🍄‍🟫 anxious attachment because of irregular caregivers
🍄‍🟫 bereavement of a loved one in the past and so on.


Here are some remedies to it:

🌼 Identifying and challenging irrational thoughts.
🌼 Gradual exposure to being alone in safe and healthy settings.
🌼 Develop hobbies and skills that foster self reliance.
🌼 Mediation and journalling
🌼 Positive affirmations
🌼 Join a support community like Mindvolta.

Thanks.
©️ Oni Emmanuel, Mindvolta Lead