Weve all had to navigate feelings of loneliness at one point or another, whether we want to openly admit it or not. This loneliness may materialize as a small tug when youre sitting by yourself, or it could be more of an overwhelming feeling that never quite leaves you.

Either way, its important to acknowledge and address these feelings of loneliness in healthy ways. And what better way to deal with these feelings than to ask professionals how they do it.

Even therapists are susceptible to the gripping impact of loneliness and heartbreak, particularly with the increase in isolation in the past two years due to social distancing, said Lori Ryland, a licensed clinical psychologist in Michigan and chief clinical officer at Pinnacle Treatment Centers .

So how do the experts handle it? Weve gathered a few methods and techniques below. Heres hoping theyll help you, too.

1. Acknowledge what youre feeling.

As with most feelings, you cant address loneliness unless you recognize its there.

Loneliness is a signal to acknowledge the vulnerability and ask for help, said Nicole Villegas , a wellness coach and founder of Take Action for Self-Care . By simply labeling these feelings, youve already taken the first step toward making it better, she added.

2. Seek connection.

When dealing with feelings of loneliness, Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, a licensed marriage and family therapist at The Zinnia Practice in California, said she takes the time to connect with others in real and meaningful ways.

I reach out to others either via social media or I send them a text to check in with them. I love having deep conversations with others. I genuinely like to know how they are doing and how I can support them, she said.

These connections dont always have to be with folks you already know and love; you could take the opportunity to meet new people. Angela Amias , a licensed social worker in Iowa City, Iowa, said she enjoys finding ways to connect in brief interactions.

Its easy to overlook small opportunities to connect with others, she said. I read a study several years ago that found casual interactions with strangers improved peoples moods for the rest of the day . Since the pandemic, I especially appreciate my encounters with vendors at the farmers market, with cashiers at the local grocery, with people I cross paths with during my daily walk.