Depression & Loneliness: What is the Connection and What Can You Do?
Emotions of Depression
Sadness is probably the word most often associated with depression. While this makes sense, we must be diligent to not ignore other emotions that can play a major role.
For example, loneliness. It's not just a serious issue for a depressed person; it can also deepen their condition—even more so now, in the time of social distancing.
Of course, the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic can be measured in infection rates, unemployment statistics, and much more. However, the virus and the measures taken to address it are also profoundly impacting our collective mental health. This includes a marked increase in depression and loneliness.
Let’s find out more about this connection and the steps we can take to counter it.
What Is the Connection Between Depression and Loneliness?
At first glance, depression and loneliness can look and feel similar. They both manifest in signs like loss of focus, self-doubt, unexplained aches and pains, low energy, and disturbances in your sleeping and/or eating habits. However, loneliness is a transient state of mind. Depression is a diagnosable mental health condition.
The connection between the two, as touched on at the outset, exists in two forms:
Loneliness can be a factor that can lead a person to experience depression
For someone who is already depressed, loneliness is a risk factor to make the condition worse
It’s important to recognize, though, that not all lonely people become depressed. Moreover, just because you're alone a lot doesn't mean you automatically feel lonely. This could be an issue of self-image. It may also spring from a person's particular brain chemistry.
What’s essential to identify is if you feel the loneliness-depression connection impacting you—particularly during the pandemic.
What Can You Do About Depression and Loneliness?
Ideally, if you recognize yourself as showing the signs of chronic loneliness, you take steps to address it. This will, of course, help you feel less isolated. But also, it can prevent loneliness from leading to depression or exacerbating your existing depression.
It’s not helpful to hear someone advise you to “get out more” or “find new friends.” A big part of both loneliness and depression is feeling like you lack such options. So, it might help to begin with an assessment of the social opportunities in your life.
The following are some self-help tips that may assist you with that process:
Volunteer/Help Others
Some clichés exist because they are truisms. Reaching out to help the vulnerable souls within your reach is a powerful way to bridge social gaps and stave off loneliness. Volunteering not only boosts your self-esteem but also eases you into a new network of potential contacts. Even in the age of COVID-19, possibilities exist in this realm.
Use Your Online Time Mindfully
Your online time does NOT have to consist of endless, mindless scrolling or binge-watching YouTube videos. There are countless resources at the tip of your fingers. Tamp down the social media and couch potato energy drains and aim your focus toward some uplifting and productive directions. (And that includes the next point.)
Look for a Support Group
Online or in-person, it can be such a source of solace to interact with others who feel similar to you. Joining a support group will remove the sense of being alone or uniquely flawed. It will allow you the opportunity to feel accepted and learn from others. A support group can also guide you in finding the kind of help you need (see below). Consider reaching out to Focus Counseling to learn more resources around the Columbus, OH area.
Why You Should Seek Depression Counseling in Columbus, oh?
There are so many factors at play here. No one—especially in the time of COVID-19—should be expected to parse out all of them. That's why seeking depression therapy is important.
Get the guidance you need by working with an experienced depression therapist in Columbus, OH. Your weekly sessions will help you better understand loneliness, depression, and the link between them. From there, you and your depression counselor can work to create healthy, productive approaches to address your condition.
My Approach to Depression Therapy in Columbus, OH
If you would like to find out how my approach to depression counseling can help you deal with depression and loneliness, please feel free to contact me.
Get Started with Counseling for Depression Today
If you’re ready to prioritize your mental health and seek the support you deserve, reach out to get connected with the right depression therapist for you. Your path to healing begins today with depression counseling in Columbus, OH. Follow the steps below to get started:
Call 614-489-8759 so we can get to know more about you!
Explore our services.
Begin depression therapy at Focus Counseling and identify ways to help cope with loneliness and depression.
OTHER SERVICES OUR THERAPISTS OFFER:
At Focus Counseling, we offer a spectrum of specialized services aimed at addressing various facets of your well-being. Our services range from depression counseling, teen counseling, and couples therapy. Our team also provides therapy sessions tailored to your unique needs like family counseling, anger management, grief counseling, and child counseling. We’re committed to offering diverse and compassionate care to guide you on the path to a healthier and more fulfilling life.