Introduction

Late marriage trend seems to be growing when most of those who are working are more likely more concern for his career than getting married. In 2010, statistic showed that 2.5 million from 28.3 million Malaysian are single. 37.8% from them are men and the rest 32.2% are women and is likely to show an increase in numbers nowadays. No wonder that emptiness syndrome showed a drastic increase among single men especially. Emptiness syndrome usually referred to a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship. It is typically includes anxious feelings about lack of connectedness or communality with other beings both in present and extending to the future. This syndrome can be felt when they are surrounded by other people.

Symptoms

• Physical – aches and pain, headaches, illness or worsening of medical condition
• Mental health – increase risk of depression, anxiety or paranoia or panic attacks
• Low energy – difficulty getting to sleep, waking frequently or sleeping too much
• Diet problem – loss of appetite, sudden weight gain or loss
• Negative feeling – feeling of worthlessness, helplessness or thought of committing suicide
• Substance use – increase consumption of alcohol, smoking, medication and drugs

Complications

• Depression and increase the risk of suicide
• Increase stress levels
• Social interaction are not as positive as other people, hence the relationships do not buffer them from stress as normal people
• Raises the levels of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and obesity
• Destroys the quality and efficiency of sleep, so that it is less restorative, both physically and psychologically. They wake more at night and spend less time in bed (sleeping)
• Anti-social behavior
• Poor decision-making
• Decreased memory and learning ability
• Alcohol and drug abuse

Prevention and Treatment

• Recognize that emptiness is something that needs to be change
• Understand the effects of emptiness on your life both physically and mentally
• Expect the best. Lonely people often expect rejection, so instead, focus on positive thoughts and attitudes on social relationships
• Connect or reconnect with friends or family. Staying in – contact with the loved ones can prevent loneliness and isolation
• Get out and about. Regular outings for social functions, exercise, visiting friends, doing shopping or simply going to public places
• Get involved in community. Try a new or old hobby, join a club or learn new skill
• Helping others is a great way to help yourself feel connected
• Get support. Get help from a counselor or a trusted person
• Having therapy. By working with an experienced psychologist, therapist or counselor, you can learn new behavioral approaches, new relationship and communication skills to help you deal with anxiety and depression
• Relaxation and stress relief techniques. Include things like specific ways of breathing, muscle relaxation training, guided mental imagery or soothing self-talk. It helps you deal and overcome the feeling of emptiness, depression and anxiety
• They do not cure but they can temporarily suppress the symptoms through chemical interaction

Reference

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loneliness
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/connections/200905/epidemic-loneliness