Do you feel yourself “unhappy ”? Could it be loneliness or depression? If you are alone when you want to spend time with other people, it is a normal reaction to feel unhappy. Connecting with others is not just a way to have a good time. Social relationships are also highly influential on overall health. People are social beings, not socializing enough can have negative effects on health. Loneliness increases the level of cortisol in the body. This in turn affects the immune system; it can cause some diseases such as obesity, sleep problems, diabetes and heart problems. On the other hand, prolonged loneliness significantly increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Is there a link between loneliness and depression? Let us look for an answer to this question by combining the results of various researches.
Are you alone or depressed?
Identifying the cause of emotional distress is the first step toward a happier life. Loneliness and depression can cause you to feel similar emotions. Therefore, it is not easy to distinguish between the two conditions. In both cases, you may feel restless, have trouble sleeping, be irritable, and feel your energy drop.
The biggest difference between loneliness and depression is that depression is a mental health condition, while loneliness is a feeling that can take you as much as depression. Feelings that you feel in the moment of loneliness disappear when you connect with someone, while symptoms of depression can persist for years. Depression is not only linked to the need for socialization. Moreover, even if you are not alone in depression, you may feel indifferent, empty and unhappy.
Can loneliness turn into depression?
Depression is often a complex mental health problem that occurs when several factors come together. Therefore, loneliness and the unhappiness that this condition brings can cause depression. Not everyone who is alone gets depressed. Experts have some suggestions for dealing with loneliness. To effectively address loneliness, it is necessary to uncover the underlying causes. Therefore, experts state that the existing relationships must be evaluated first. You can feel really alone in the crowd. If you feel alone with lots of people in your life, you may want to consider the quality of your relationships. How do you spend time with others? If you are just spending time without making a real connection, it is not possible for your social needs to be met. Instead of sitting in the same environment and watching television or looking at your phones, try building more meaningful connections with your friends:
Start a conversation about current events or other topics that are important to you.Call or visit your loved one instead of sending a quick message.Participate in events that allow you to learn more about each other. You can take nature walks or work on a project.Do not be afraid to talk to your neighbors.What can you do?
Spending your time on unsatisfied activities can lead to unhappiness and boredom. Try to do activities that you really enjoy in your free time. Hobbies can help improve your perspective and make new connections. Moreover, you do not need to allocate large budgets to hobbies. For low-budget hobby ideas that will allow you to spend quality time in your spare time here you can click. Your hobbies bring you in contact with other people who enjoy similar activities. This can help you build new and satisfying relationships.
It’s normal to feel unhappy when you don’t have a social connection. But improving the quality of your relationships also helps prevent future feelings of loneliness while providing some protection against depression. Depression or loneliness. Whatever you are dealing with, you do not have to solve it alone. Talking about how you feel with your family, therapist, or friend can be a great start for you.