How to Address Loneliness and Depression

One of the ways people differ is in how they handle being with people. Some people thrive in the presence of others, and they relish company. You could say that they are energized by talking with others and feel the loss of company keenly. Other people enjoy people in small doses. They sometimes need to build up energy to be with people and can find interpersonal interactions enjoyable, but a little draining.

Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum of whether you enjoy and thrive in the company of others, it’s safe to say that all people require human interaction for their well-being. People enjoy solitude in varying degrees, but they struggle with loneliness and isolation.

Solitude is purposeful and deliberate withdrawal from others, while loneliness is when a person doesn’t get the social contact they desire or need. Often, depression and loneliness go hand in hand.

The connection between depression and loneliness.

When you’re going through something, having people around you who will support you makes a world of difference. Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person’s being. It affects their emotional, mental, and physical well-being and functioning.

Being depressed is not a choice, and it certainly isn’t something that a person can simply get over with enough gumption or pep. Depression requires treatment, whether that’s talk therapy by itself, or in combination with medication and other interventions.

Some of the signs of depression include the following:

• Anger and irritability.
• Escapist and risky behavior, such as substance abuse or an excessive focus on one’s work.
• Not finding pleasure in activities or hobbies that used to bring joy.
• Fatigue and a lack of energy.
• Changes in one’s eating patterns, such as eating too much or eating too little. This often leads to significant changes in one’s weight
• Changes in sleep patterns, whether sleeping too much or too little.
• Withdrawing from friends and family members.
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
• Struggling to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions.
• Thoughts about dying or suicide.
• Uncontrollable emotions and mood swings.

When a person is feeling depressed, the feelings of low mood will last most of the day and persist for at least two weeks. Two of the symptoms of depression that were listed above are withdrawing from loved ones and a loss of pleasure in things one used to enjoy. These things, among others, can isolate the person from the people who love them, just at the time that they need them most.

It is imperative to resist the desire to isolate oneself and avoid loved ones at this time, as that can allow feelings such as hopelessness or worthlessness to run amok without being checked or challenged. You need the presence and support of friends and family to be reminded of the goodness of life and to promote your emotional well-being.

What to do when feeling depressed and lonely.

Depression often draws people toward deeper isolation and loneliness, and as mentioned above, that impulse should be resisted. Instead, reach out to a friend or loved one and tell them what’s going on in your life. Sometimes, simply talking about what’s happening can significantly lighten your load. Spending time with the people who care about you helps to promote your sense of well-being.

The people in your life can occupy different roles and provide different forms of support. Some people in your circle can provide you with informational support. These folks can provide you with guidance, information, and wisdom, which can be helpful when you’re considering options such as finding adequate treatment for depression.

Other forms of support that people can provide include:

Emotional support.

They provide you with space and give you a shoulder to cry on or provide you with backup when you need it.

Instrumental support.

This is when people in your circle help you by taking care of your physical needs, like giving you a ride to your doctor or counseling appointments. When you’re struggling to get up and get some exercise, they can come around and take that run with you. If you’re struggling to cook for yourself, they might provide you with a hot meal, or meet other immediate needs you might have, like picking up a prescription for you.

In addition to speaking with a loved one, you should also reach out and speak with a mental health professional. For one thing, it is important to get a proper diagnosis of depression. It may be that your symptoms are the result of another condition or certain circumstances that you’re in. A doctor or mental health professional will be able to determine what’s going on and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Conclusion.

If you suspect that you might be depressed, and if you’re feeling lonely, don’t hesitate to speak with someone about it. Counseling can help you better understand what you’re going through and provide you with the tools to cope and begin to thrive again. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor to address any questions or concerns you may have.