ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The holidays are here, and while this time of year can bring feelings of joy, it can also bring feelings of loneliness.

Founder and counselor Cedric Wilson and licensed clinical psychologist Maddy Nagel of Seeking Wellness want us to know that feelings of loneliness are something many Americans experience and that there are many ways to receive help.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness affects up to 50 percent of Americans, and loneliness and isolation increase the risk of premature death by 26 to 29 percent.

They say one way to combat holiday loneliness is to acknowledge that you feel this way, because being honest with yourself is one of the steps to asking for help.

They say you can help combat these feelings by building connections gradually—that is, talking and attending events. They also say you can pursue activities that match your passions and comfort level and reconnect with old friends or seek help from trusted contacts.

They also recommend that if you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of loneliness, you can help by reaching out, organizing gatherings, and taking social risks.

If you are interested in consulting services or would like more information, you can visit this link.

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