Psychological Support Group on the topic “Loneliness and Closeness: Why We Fear Being Alone and at the Same Time Fear Being Together”

On September 14, another meeting of our support group took place, with a theme that resonated with many – loneliness and the need for connection with others.

We began with a simple yet important introduction and outlined the rules that help create a safe space: confidentiality, mutual respect, and focusing on one’s own experience.

In the theoretical part, we discussed:

• the difference between “good” and “bad” loneliness,
• the ability to be alone with oneself,
• the unattainable ideal of absolute closeness,
• different types of loneliness – chronic, situational, and passing,
• the link between trust and the feeling of isolation.

The central exercise of the meeting was “My Planet” – a practical exploration of one’s inner world, where each participant could visualize their own “planet” and the place of others within it. This helped to better understand personal boundaries, needs, and ways of establishing connection.

At the end, participants shared their feedback: some felt relief from being able to express what is usually kept inside, while others discovered new ways to understand and experience loneliness.