It is completely normal to feel lonely from time to time, but if you are plagued by these feeling all the time, it may be a good idea to seek help. Feelings of loneliness can plague anyone at any time, including teenagers, the elderly, and those who suffer from depression. While symptoms range from person to person, people often experience sadness, isolation, and withdrawal from loved ones. Whether you live by yourself, with your family members, or with loved ones, loneliness can strike. Although not all cases of loneliness occur because of depression, there is a strong link between the two. In fact, feeling lonely is quite often a predictor of depression and sadness.
It is important to note that loneliness is an extremely complex mental and emotional condition that can be extremely powerful. It is safe to say that every single person has experienced some degree of abandonment and isolation at one point or another, even if only for a short period of time. Remembering how you felt during this time can be both painful and scary, but it is important to learn different strategies and coping mechanisms for fighting depression and these other feelings. Persistent loneliness can be emotionally, physically, and mentally painful, even leading to serious illnesses like depression and anxiety, reduced cardiovascular functioning, and cognitive decline.
Why Do I Feel This Way?
There are many different causes of loneliness, but in most cases it is an emotional response that happens when an individual isolates oneself from others or does not have any companionship. When we are disconnected from others, it can lead to anxious, sad, and depressed feelings. Even those who are in relationships can feel this way if there is something missing in this connection. When our needs are not met or we are feeling isolated from loved ones, pain rears its ugly head and can create negative emotional experiences for us. Thankfully, you are not alone and you can help these feelings by seeking human contact and even therapy.
What Can I Do About It?
Understanding that feeling lonely is completely normal is the first step. Once you understand this, you will be in a much better place to find the right solution for your particular needs. Our Carrollton depression therapists are here for you and are happy to sit down with you at any time and discuss how we can help. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the ways you can fight loneliness and depression:
- Seek help – Those who seek professional help when they start to feel lonely or depressed have a much better chance of getting past these emotions than those who dwell on how they are feeling. Loneliness can be chronic, and it is important to have a plan of action for treating it.
- Get out and do something – Even though it may be the last thing you want to do, getting out of the house and doing anything can help these feelings of loneliness. Even the smallest step can make all the difference in the world.
- Be realistic – Loneliness can hit at any time and is often hard to wrap your head around. For many, part of the “cure” is working to have conversations with people, but not getting depressed if these people don’t become lifelong companions.
- Reach out – Many people take to social media to convey their feelings of loneliness or depression, but we would like to encourage you to reach out to an actual person, whether that is a friend, family member, coworker, or therapist.
If you would like to talk to a therapist about depression or loneliness, please contact Lifeworks today.
