Apparently, loneliness and depression are the new smoking. In fact, recent studies show that loneliness and depression are more dangerous to your life than obesity or using tobacco products. That’s a scary discovery, as more than 40 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with depression. Meanwhile, the number of people coping (or trying to cope) with loneliness is unknown, and feeling all alone is depressing in itself.
To get through a rough time, whether you are just lonely or are depressed and lonely, you first have to admit to yourself how you are feeling. Denial is common, because for the most part, no one wants to admit that they are feeling down. However, holding all that pain in can create physical problems as well. People who are depressed usually find it difficult to exercise, keep a balanced diet or take good care of themselves.
If you are feeling depressed, getting a proper diagnosis is very important. You have to know what you’re dealing with. This is true whether the cause of your depression is biochemical or situational, such as being associated with the loss of a loved one. Your doctor and therapist (yes, you will need both) should work together to create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
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Many people are afraid to see a medical or mental health professional and are also afraid of taking antidepressants. It’s important to note that not all depressed people respond to drug therapy, and a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and personal work (like keeping a feelings journal) can often be helpful. Some doctors recommend using supplements like fish oil. Others do prescribe medication to help people deal with their inner turmoil. Every case is different, and I always recommend getting at least two opinions.
When you are slogging through a difficult time, you need to be able to trust those helping you. If you don’t like your doctor, try another. If you have a bad reaction to a medication, say so immediately. The best psychiatrists prescribe what they believe is the best drug available for their patients, but if the first medication doesn’t work well, then they will try another option and proceed until they find the best fit. This process can make you feel like a guinea pig. The truth is that there are only a handful of medications available, all with different results and side effects.
No one knows your symptoms as well as you do, so get on the internet, talk with your practitioners, and take good care of yourself. If you’re on medication, know that your emotions may also be distorting your feelings, so you need to take this into consideration when evaluating how well therapy or medication is working. And don’t isolate yourself. Having friends around could do more for you than almost anything else.
Remember that knowledge is power, and unless you have gotten used to being depressed, you will want to do something about it. Think about the times in your life when you were happy, and compare what’s happening now with what was going on then. What’s different? We are all constantly changing. Maybe you’ve experienced a trauma or a negative experience, and you need time to heal. Whatever the cause, nothing will change for the better until you take the steps necessary to help yourself.
