Understanding Loneliness and Depression

Loneliness and depression can be intertwined, and it can be difficult to distinguish where one may end and the other begins. The feelings of one can resemble the feelings of the other. Knowing how to distinguish between the two can help you identify what steps to take to overcome those feelings. One can change due to circumstances while the other remains unchanged.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17, ESV

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is an emotional feeling triggered by being alone that is due to an individual’s isolation or lack of social connectedness with others. During the pandemic, loneliness was reported to be experienced by a majority of individuals due to the requirement of social distancing. It is normal to have minimal occurrences of feeling lonely. The problem lies in the prolonged experience which can be a risk factor for depression.

When an individual begins to feel emotionally isolated or alone, a thought process of examining the situation for threats has begun. This thought process can create feelings of mistrust, which in turn forces an individual into a state of isolation in order for the individual to feel safe. This cycle of irrational thinking can lead to a struggle with depression.

Loneliness and its Causes Versus Solitude

It is important to note that loneliness is different from solitude. Loneliness is based upon an individual’s unwanted feelings or choice of being socially isolated, while solitude is based upon an individual’s choice to be or live alone or isolated for one reason or another. However, a person who lives in solitude can have healthy relationships but prefers to balance life with time alone.

The causes of loneliness are typically based on the situation. Moving to a new city, divorce, change in family structure, or starting a new job can create feelings of loneliness. Loneliness can also be a symptom of depression.

Additionally, having low self-esteem can cause a person to become isolated, which will foster feelings of loneliness. If a person is an introvert, they may also experience bouts of loneliness because they do not have many social connections or interactions.

The Effects of Loneliness on Health

Feelings and emotions affect everyone differently. Loneliness is one of those feelings that can affect a person’s physical and mental health. It can also disrupt a person’s emotional well-being. These are a few of the effects that loneliness can have on overall mental and physical health:

• A change in social behavior.
• Depression.
• Inadequate decision making.
• Disrupted thought processes.
• Higher stress level.
• Substance abuse.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. – Psalm 42:11, ESV

What is depression?

Depression is much more than a feeling; it is a mood disorder. Some may describe depression as sadness and yet others may describe depression as anger. Either way, depression interferes with everyday activities of life. It is a mental health condition that is common and treatable.

The important thing to remember is that there is help. If there are feelings of deep sadness, helplessness, or self-harm, please seek the help of a local Christian counselor or Crisis Line to help with treatment.

There are times when feeling sad is normal. Grief is a normal feeling that occurs when someone loses a loved one. Divorce and job loss can also cause feelings of grief. These are not the same as the condition of depression. Depression is persistent and is connected to many other symptoms.

Causes of Depression

Because depression is considered to be a mental health condition, the causes can vary depending upon the individual. The causes can range from biological to environmental.

• Medical conditions can create a higher risk for depression. Chronic illnesses, chronic pain, cancer, heart issues, and stroke are just a few of the medical conditions that can increase the risk of depression in certain people.
• Family history can play a big part in the development of depression in certain individuals from a genetic perspective.
• A chemical imbalance of the brain that influences moods, thoughts, and behavior can also be linked to depression.
• Substance abuse can also be a contributing factor in the cause of depression.
• Some childhood traumas can have lasting effects which can lead to depression, depending on the events and the way a person’s body reacts to traumatic situations.
• Individuals who experience chronic physical pain have a high risk of developing depression.
• A fluctuation in hormone levels can also increase the risk of depression. Women who experience changes in hormones during postpartum or menopause can be greatly affected by depression.
• The activity of the Frontal Lobe of the brain can also create a risk for depression in certain individuals.

The causes of depression are not the same as the risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean the individual will develop depression. It simply signifies that there is a higher possibility.

Women are more likely to struggle with depression than men, especially those with a family history of depression. Financial problems and low social status can also be a risk factor. Additionally, certain medications can increase the probability of developing depression. It is important to know that depression can be linked to other elements of mental or medical health.

The Link Between Loneliness and Depression

Understanding that depression is a mental health issue, and loneliness is a feeling, is the first step in understanding the link between these two conditions. Depression is a mental health condition that can affect a person’s mental health state. However, loneliness, being an emotional state can also affect the mental health condition of an individual.

We were created to be social, therefore our bodies react when we have a decrease in social activity. This means that when the need for social interaction is met, the feelings of loneliness will most likely diminish. However, depression could still be present even though the person is not alone. Understanding the connection between loneliness and depression will help with developing coping strategies that can decrease feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness and depression tend to foster each other and can create cognitive distortions. These distortions in thought patterns can cause an individual to become more isolated and increase the struggle with these conditions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with reframing these thought patterns and decreasing the symptoms of depression. In the case of loneliness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help reframe thoughts that involve self-perception. This could possibly lead to an increase in the desire to interact with others.

Overcoming Loneliness and Depression

Learning to identify loneliness and depression is the first step in creating a thriving lifestyle. It may not happen overnight, but with intentional choices to feel better, it can be done. Here are a few strategies that can help overcome feeling lonely and depressed:

• Determine if it is a symptom of depression or loneliness. When one area is affected, the other area will follow.
• Learn to seek the positive before the negative.
• Allow grace for all areas of life and well-being.
• Volunteer to serve at church in an area that helps you connect.
• Find faith-based small groups with similar interests.
• Check with a local church for support groups.
• Adopt a pet.
• Connect with a Christian Counselor to create a faith-based treatment plan.

Next Steps

Being lonely does not mean that you are depressed. A desire to have some time alone is not a sign of depression. Depression is a mental health condition that will have effects on daily living.

If you would like to obtain more clarity on the feelings that you are experiencing about being lonely, contact our office to meet with a local Christian Counselor. The right treatment plan can help you get started navigating your way to a healthy and productive life.

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27, ESV