The Silent Cry: Stories of the Depressed and Lonely

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. Battling loneliness and depression feels like a loosing battle.

For me, the depression comes on the curtails of the loneliness.

I’m living a lonely existence amongst three other people in a house.

Sometimes I leave the house despite the anxiety just to talk to someone, ANYONE!

I hate this loneliness. If I still had my cat, it would be a different picture.

He was my life. I miss him so much. I had a purpose when he was alive (to care for him).

This room of loneliness and depression keeps getting smaller and smaller. It’s suffocating me. This is my “Prison”, written by Wage War.

Signs of Loneliness and Depression

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. Loneliness and depression can manifest in various ways, and while they are distinct experiences, they often overlap.

Here are some common signs of each:

Signs of Loneliness:

Feeling Isolated: A sense of being disconnected from others, even in social settings.
Lack of Social Interaction: Reduced participation in social activities or avoidance of social gatherings.
Longing for Connection: A strong desire for companionship or meaningful relationships.
Increased Time Alone: Spending more time in solitude, often leading to feelings of emptiness.
Diminished Interest in Activities: Losing interest in hobbies or activities that once brought joy.
Social Anxiety: Feeling anxious or uncomfortable in social situations.
Negative Self-Talk: Engaging in critical thoughts about oneself, leading to further isolation.
Feeling Unseen or Unheard: A sense that others do not understand or acknowledge your feelings.

Signs of Depression:

Persistent Sadness: A prolonged feeling of sadness or emptiness that doesn’t seem to lift.
Loss of Interest: Disinterest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating habits.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or oversleeping, often accompanied by fatigue.
Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Feelings of Worthlessness: Intense feelings of guilt or inadequacy.
Thoughts of Self-Harm: In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide may occur.

Overlapping Signs:

Withdrawal from Friends and Family: Both loneliness and depression can lead to isolation from loved ones.
Emotional Numbness: A feeling of detachment from emotions or a sense of being emotionally flat.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical complaints.

Why am I Feeling So Sad and Lonely?

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. I’m feeling sad and lonely because I have no one to talk about my feelings, such as a therapist.

Used to, but not anymore.

I’ve isolated myself, that’s where the loneliness is coming from. I’ve done that because of the anxiety. Although there are times when I reach out, I mostly keep to myself.

It’s nothing that anyone else has done, I’ve done it to myself. Now, I’m trying to backtrack myself out and it isn’t working very well.

What I need is a fresh start to my life and living on my own is that start. You might think but won’t you be lonely then also? No, I’ll have my cats and be content.

What Happens to a Human When They Spend too Much Time Alone?

Spending too much time alone can lead to loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact mental health.

Some negative effects of spending too much time alone include:

Stress

Loneliness can cause the body to release excess stress hormones, which can lead to an increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

Reduced Antibodies

Loneliness can also reduce the number of antibodies the body produces to fight infection, which may make people more susceptible to cancer.

Health Issues

Frequently drinking to excess while alone can cause a number of health issues associated with alcoholism, including heart problems, cancer, brain and liver damage, hypertension, and mental illnesses.

Emotional and Behavioral Effects

Loneliness can negatively affect emotions and behaviors, even if someone is surrounded by friends.

Some signs of loneliness include feeling disconnected, hopeless, worthless, anxious, tired, and lacking motivation.

Self-Reflection

When people are alone without a specific task or choose a sedentary task like reading, they tend to self-reflect.

This can give people a chance to listen to their thoughts and feelings without distraction.

However, it’s important to strike a balance between spending time alone and spending time with others, as some alone time can have a restorative effect.

Why is Loneliness So Painful?

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. Loneliness is emotionally painful because you cut yourself off from humanity.

You retreat into a place trying to void out bad thoughts, but it just makes it worse.

You crawl into a hole to stop the bad thoughts, but they keep coming anyway. Then, you begin to suffocate and try to dig your way out. That’s where I’m at now.

You have more time to reflect which can be good or bad. Do too much of it though, and it can turn on you in a heartbeat.

It can be physically painful also. Too much stress can cause stress headaches. Anxiety might settle in. Shakiness might pop up.

What Does Loneliness do to You Physically?

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. Loneliness can have significant physical effects on the body, influencing overall health and well-being.

Here are some of the physical impacts of loneliness:

Weakened Immune System: Loneliness can lead to increased inflammation and a weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Increased Stress Levels: Chronic loneliness can elevate stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can contribute to various health issues, including heart disease.
Cardiovascular Problems: Studies have shown that loneliness is associated with higher blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sleep Disturbances: Feelings of loneliness can lead to insomnia or poor sleep quality, which in turn can affect physical health and mental well-being.
Pain Perception: Loneliness can amplify the perception of pain, making individuals more sensitive to discomfort and chronic pain conditions.
Weight Gain or Loss: Loneliness can lead to changes in eating habits, resulting in weight gain due to emotional eating or weight loss due to a lack of appetite.
Reduced Physical Activity: Individuals experiencing loneliness may be less likely to engage in physical exercise, which can lead to a decline in overall fitness and health.
Cognitive Decline: Loneliness has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Digestive Issues: Stress and loneliness can impact gut health, potentially leading to digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Accelerated Aging: Some research suggests that loneliness may be associated with biological markers of aging, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan.

Addressing loneliness through social connections, support networks, and mental health resources can help mitigate these physical effects and improve overall health.

What Happens When You are Alone for Too Long?

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. When your alone for too long, your mind starts palying tricks on you.

Sometimes, it will torment you. But other times it will be silent (avoidance).

You begin to blame other people for your loneliness when it is your own doing. If you can avoid it at all costs, don’t go down this path.

It’s very hard to turn around and come back to civilization. I went down this path and I’m stuck. I want out, but this feels so familiar. The unknown is very scary.

I’ve been living with loneliness and depression for a while. Don’t get me wrong, I do have good days and I revil in them when I have them, but I also have dark days.

When Does Loneliness Peak?

Loneliness can peak at different times for different individuals, but research suggests that certain age groups and life stages may experience heightened feelings of loneliness.

Here are a few key points:

Young Adults: Studies indicate that loneliness can peak in young adulthood, particularly in individuals aged 18-24. This may be due to transitions such as moving away from home, starting college, or entering the workforce.
Older Adults: Loneliness often increases in older adults, especially those who are retired, have lost a spouse, or are facing health issues. Social isolation can be a significant factor in this demographic.
Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as divorce, relocation, or the loss of a loved one, can also lead to increased feelings of loneliness across various age groups.
Seasonal Factors: Some research suggests that loneliness can peak during certain times of the year, such as the winter months or during holidays when social gatherings are common.

Ultimately, loneliness is a complex and personal experience that can vary widely among individuals.

Overcoming Loneliness and Depression

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. When your so far down in the rabbit hole overcoming loneliness and depression seem impossible.

You just have to find situations that make you happy.

And then build onto those accomplishments. So, it’s like building a ladder.

Each milestone is a rung. The more you build, the more rungs you climb up.

Eventually, you’ll see light (hopefulness) and get the courage to build more and more. Pretty soon, you’re at the entrance and it is so beautiful.

You’ve imagined all this time what it would look like because you’ve been down there a long time. It’s everything you’ve imagined and more.

Sum It All Up

The silent cry: stories of the depressed and lonely. Feeling depressed and alone, for me, isn’t day in and day out.

I have some good days where the light shines in on me. I relish those days.

They are what keep me going. I strive to climb out of that hole and be amongst peers again socially. Anxiety or no anxiety. Depression or no depression.

My new start to life is living on my own alongside of my animals. No more embracing loneliness and depression like a shield.

I will be able to take whatever life has to give me-good or bad. This is my vision of my future and no matter how long it takes, I’m going to make it come true. Until next time…

Articles About Depression And Loneliness

-I Feel Lonely8 Simple Ways to Deal with Loneliness

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/i-feel-lonely.htm

-6 Common Depression Traps to Avoid

https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/depression-traps-and-pitfalls

-Loneliness and Depression: What’s the Connection?

https://www.healthline.com/health/loneliness-and-depression

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy
“One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions”

“I’ve never been the most important thing to anybody – not even myself.”― Ranata Suzuki

“There were moments of intense pain & utter darkness that I wanted to end it all. The only thing I wanted was not to live.”― Lala Agni, I JUST WANT YOU TO REMEMBER: A Story About The Eternal Love Of Twin Flames And So Much More

“Sometimes I just want to go far, far away from where I can just scream my heart out to the wide-open ocean where no one can ever hear my loudest cry.”― Syed Qassim Acabo

“The room filled with sorrow like an invisible mist that came out of the cold walls”― Kenan Hudaverdi, Emotional Rhapsody

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