Dating, Loneliness and Depression

Dating, Loneliness and Depression

In today’s day and age many people feel lonely, but unlike times of yore when one had to rely on meeting through friends, acquaintances or at social gatherings, the World Wide Web presents yet another option for the lonely hearts. Dating Websites and social networking platforms are a great asset to those suffering from loneliness or simply wishing to meet that someone special, or someone new. After all, everybody needs friendship, companionship and romance. However, many Websites while professing to be relationship oriented are simply hook-ups, where users try and get as many dates as possible to satisfy carnal needs, and not even engage into a short-term relationship.

End of party. A social venue, a party, is a great way to meet people, romantically or platonically. Image: Megan Jorgensen (Elena).

Interestingly, psychologists differentiate loneliness from solitude. Solitude defines a sense of contentment with one’s aloneness, while loneliness does not. Indeed, depression is often accompanied by feelings of loneliness and disconnection from one’s social surrounding, pushing the person further into the abyss of despair. Conversely, clinical psychologists advise to reconnect with one’s social contacts and one’s peer group to counter some of the isolation felt in depression. Likewise, from clinical psychology one knows that depression is a time to be the kindest, most compassionate and gentlest self to yourself.

Depression

What is Depression?:

Depression is a mood disorder. It is when a person feels very sad. Depression can change the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. It is not the same as feeling “blue”. It is not a sign of personal weakness or something that can be wished away. When a depressed mood stays for a long time or gets in the way of everyday living, it may be a sign of a serious depression that needs professional help.

What causes depression?:

There is no one reason why someone develops Depression. Family history, brain chemistry and stress play a big role in producing the illness.

Sometimes Depression is caused by one or a few of the following factors:

• The death of a loved one
• Money problems
• Family troubles
• Difficulties with others
• Problems at work

Signs and Symptoms

Not everyone who is depressed has every symptom and the symptoms may change over time.

- Feeling sad – crying for no obvious reason
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Low energy or feeling tired
- Difficulty thinking or remembering things
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Eating less or more than usual
- Thoughts of suicide

What are the treatments?:

Depression can respond well to treatment. There are different types of treatment. The most common and successful approach is combining psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Support from family, friends and self-help groups can also be very helpful.

Depression can respond well to treatment. Photo: Megan Jorgensen.