Health

The Very Real Side Effects of Being Lonely

5. Studies Link Loneliness To Depression. Depression and feelings of loneliness are closely linked together. In fact, one can cause the other and vice versa. A… Trista - November 15, 2021

5. Studies Link Loneliness To Depression.

Depression and feelings of loneliness are closely linked together. In fact, one can cause the other and vice versa. A common mistake that people make is that you have to have no friends to experience loneliness. However, even people with closely-knit circles can experience loneliness. It can affect their health, so don’t always look at the loners when considering this condition. The same can be said for those who live with depression; they’re not the people who constantly look sad and do not interact with other people. Some depressed people can seem outgoing, wearing smiles on their faces, and acting like the life of the party.

It can be difficult to diagnose someone with depression or loneliness when there are no signs to look out for. Do you want action? That requires you to be honest and recognize your symptoms. More often than not, patients get embarrassed about these feelings. Then, they do not to share them with their doctor, thinking that their symptoms will just go away on their own because they’re “having a bad day.” Often, family and friends are the only ones with enough knowledge of the person to intervene and say that maybe their loved one needs help. If someone comes to you suggesting that perhaps you are coping with depression, take their concerns seriously. Moreover, if someone you know may be struggling, do not be afraid to reach out.

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4. Tips and Tricks To Overcome And Prevent Loneliness.

Loneliness isn’t a death sentence for your major organs. It can be overcome and even conquered. Nevertheless, it requires that you notice it in the first place and do something to combat those feelings. You have to make a conscious effort to change your life and stick to it regularly to improve the quality of your life and your relationships with other people. In fact, here are a few tips you could start implementing today in your life. Lifestyle changes may be in order, but do not be afraid or feel overwhelmed. These lifestyle changes are for the better and will make you both physically and mentally healthier.

The most important step may simply be recognizing that something in your life needs to change. You may be waiting for that magical moment when your life suddenly improves. Things like meeting that special someone who will be your soul mate forever, getting that dream job, or the positive pregnancy test. But suppose you do not address the loneliness and depression in your life. In that case, even if these miracles do happen, you will end up being a lonely person with a soul mate from whom you feel disconnected, or a lonely person with a great job and great house who has trouble appreciating them. Start reaching out for human connection today, and the first point of contact for that connection maybe a therapist.

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3. Discover A Place To Volunteer.

Many lonely people feel unrecognized, unnoticed, and altogether unimportant. They may have exceptional skills that their bosses do not seem interested in learning about or using. They are often very kind and caring, especially because they know the feeling of being left out. Volunteering is a great way to use your skills and time in a way that matters and helps other people. In the process, you will connect with people who benefit from your services and experience increased self-esteem from knowing that you did something that did help another person.

There are so many different options for volunteering, so start by thinking about something that you care about particularly and what skills you have that you could use. Are you especially concerned about the environment? About hunger or homelessness in your community? What about the public schools in your local area? Maybe some children need tutoring, or the school administration has some odd jobs that a volunteer could help out with. And if you are feeling particularly lonely, think about who else feels lonely: animals living in a shelter, waiting to be adopted. Spending one-on-one time with dogs and cats in a shelter helps socialize them so that when they get adopted, they are better able to bond with their new family.

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2. Find People With Similar Interests.

Making new friends can be challenging, especially if you are struggling with loneliness and have grown to appreciate the isolation. But getting out and building new connections with other people is essential to overcoming loneliness and the negative health consequences. Finding people who have similar interests can be a great way to create new friendships. Besides, experiencing the human connection that is the essence of life. Before you can do that, you need to think about what your interests are! If you have been experiencing loneliness or depression, you may have forgotten what you enjoy or otherwise lost interest in them. Take a few minutes to make a list of the things that interest you, be they growing plants, buying organic food, reading mystery novels, going hiking, walking along the beach, whatever the case may be.

There are plenty of ways to find people who have similar interests. One is through social media, which can be an excellent resource for finding people who have the same hobbies. There are Facebook groups for people who enjoy growing plants or readings. Groups for athletes or students to connect, and so much more. Sure, connecting virtually is less ideal than in-person. However, people who are severely depressed may be more comfortable with a virtual connection. That is, until they feel more comfortable with the idea of meeting people in person. To find in-person groups, your local library can be an excellent resource. You can learn about things going on in the community, including interest groups. Also, try to look for hobby stores; for example, if you appreciate art and there is an art store nearby, go there! You can check in and see if there are any groups for people who enjoy art.

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1. Let Other People Know You Care.

What is at the heart of loneliness? It is often the belief that no one cares. And the funny thing is that many people who are struggling with loneliness think they are the only person in the world that feels that way when the opposite is true. Before the covid pandemic began, a study found that 61% of people feel lonely; that number indeed went even higher once everyone had to go into lockdown. The reality is that the person whom you think may not be interested in connecting with you may be desperate for someone to give a call and say that they care.

Yes, loneliness can easily make you feel isolated. It may seem as if you are the only person in the world who does not belong or have meaningful connections. However, you could very well be someone else’s lifeline. So pick up the phone. Send a text or make a call. Don’t focus on saying that you are sad and want the other person to cheer you up. Instead, say that you wanted to let that person know that you were thinking of them. That you wanted to check in and see how things are going. Everyone needs to know that someone cares. When you realize that you have made a difference in someone else’s life, you will feel much less lonely.

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