I also live alone and sometimes feel overwhelmed especially over holidays if I end up alone. In addition to getting a pet is there any way for you to get out and meet people? It can be very difficult to do when you're feeling isolated and all alone because it brings up vulnerabilities and the tendency is to isolate more.

I have lost some friends I thought i had due to illness and also do to isolating so now I am trying to rebuild a social life almost from scratch. Even one new friend, some one to meet for coffee and a chat can be a long way to dispelling the loneliness.