Lonely? Overcome loneliness by asking whether its cause is temporary or it's lingering too long. Taking action is the best path to overcoming loneliness -- don't dismiss getting a short-term assessment by a professional counselor (through your Employee Assistance Program) for guidance and tips and to rule out depression, especially if you feel lethargic about creating change. Loneliness has two parts: the negative state of mind it produces and the circumstances you identify as the cause (isolation, absence of a close relationship, overcoming shyness, etc.). Each part can benefit from its own intervention -- one part involving concrete steps and the other overcoming the negative self-talk that may undermine any action you want to take.