Loneliness and Depression

Psychologically, loneliness is described as a feeling that is commonly experienced by humans and animals. It is a very strong sense of emptiness and solitude which leads to other feelings like being unappreciated and unimportant. These feelings can sink one in the dark shades of depression and lead to emotional breakdowns and many psychological disorders.

Each individual has his reasons to be depressed and lonely. Loneliness is something everyone faces at some point or the other, but instead of being a victim to it, you should have the strength to fight back. People who suffer from it, often end up being depressed and antisocial. They find it difficult to trust, as well as love others who want to help them.

There are many causes for depression as no matter how healthy we keep ourselves physically, we can't ignore the emotional illnesses that confront us. It knows no boundaries of age and sex, and it can happen to anyone from childhood to old age. Take a look at some commonly observed causes among people of all ages.

➤ Loneliness comes to children who are orphans or have single parents. They often have experiences where no one wants to listen to their ideas and love them enough. Single parents with kids find it difficult to manage household work and office, chores, and their kids PTA meetings, etc.

These kids find it tough to communicate, often leading to either growing up to be very timid or excessively bold.

➤ Teenagers are the biggest victims. Facing a mean school crowd and being mocked or teased every single day, leads them into thinking that they are happier being alone and away from people. Some kids don't show up at school and get into wrong habits only because they sometimes relate to an isolated group. Low grades also lead to being unwanted and aloof.

➤ The working age group or adults suffer from it due to financial and social hindrances. An inappropriate job or career, inability to pay off loans, age pressures, dating issues, and sometimes even illnesses can make these young men and women take the wrong turns.

➤ The older age group suffers very often too. Citizens in the old age homes, abandoned by their children and even those who have never found love in their lives, always end up being lonely and with no one to talk to. It is truly sad to see them sitting alone in a corner, having almost no memory of a family they once had.

If you're suffering from it and don't know how to cope, don't worry, you will get out of it. All you need to do is:
➤ Try to be a bit open with people, even if they are unwilling to accept you. Don't lose hope. Make new friends and share your feelings more often, as that will free you from that burden you keep carrying.

➤ If you think you are lonely and have no one to turn to, pick up a pen and paper and write down all you're thinking about. Don't worry about how to write, just scribble if you feel like. Also write down what you feel like changing in yourself.

➤ Because you are depressed, you will isolate yourself from everyone. But that's surely not a great idea, as you will need someone to talk to, eventually. So if you have no one, talk to a pet, or a neighbor, or even a psychiatrist, but communicate.

➤ Gain confidence in yourself and join social activities. Go to a gym, swim, take a music class, learn dance, paint, stitch, date online, play indoor and outdoor games (not alone), shop or do whatever involves people in it. But make sure you don't let yourself be alone.

➤ Take a vacation and meet new people, and if you can't afford it, simply visit your family. Try to figure out solutions to your problems, and don't run away from them.

➤ Make decisions and be strong enough to make changes around you, as that will boost your confidence and give you a positive outlook towards life.
➤ The world is a great place to live only if you can make it better for yourself. Don't let others make a personality for you, make it for others.

Loneliness and depression are two monsters that can take you from a 'somebody' to a complete 'nobody', so don't give in and always stay happy, as a smile doesn't cost at all.