​Loneliness and depression

Loneliness effects everyone at some stage in their lifetime.  Certain groups of people in society are more prone to social isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to the mental health issue depression.  It is important to identify these people and offer support and information about mental health.  Someone suffering from depression or anxiety may feel hopeless and alone.  Offering support and providing information about treatment and professional help could really help someone.

The elderly

Do know know any elderly people that are lonely and isolated? Perhaps with a low mood or showing symptoms of depression or anxiety? Unfortunately there are alot of elderly people that feel isolated from the social world.  Life can be very lonely for some people.  Poor health, frailty, lack of transport, declining eyesight and hearing and limited finances can all contribute to their social isolation.  Death of family members and friends are other factors that can contribute to their loneliness. This can effect their mental health over time. Isolation and disconnection can lead to low mood, and eventually symptoms of depression.  Elderly people with depression often fail to seek professional help. Sometimes if people with depression are left untreated it can occasionally lead to suicide. Having family support around is really important.  If you are aware of an elderly person that is isolated or lonely with a low mood, try to offer them a bit of support. Maybe give them some information about mental health and let them know that there are professionals out there that can offer effective treatment.  

People with Mental Illness

People of all ages who have mental health illness  can experience social isolation and loneliness.  Reasons for this can include lack of money or transportation.  Other people can often treat people with mental illness differently.  Sometimes the mental illness itself can cause someone to struggle in social interactions e.g. social phobias.  This can make people feel alone and have a low mood.  Eventually it can effect mental health and contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Depression is common disorder amongst people with mental health.  There are some people that fail to seek support and occasionally this can lead to suicide

Symptoms of Depression

Regardless of the cause of social isolation, we know that over time, being alone is not good for our mental health.  It can cause people to feel symptoms of depression.    Depression is a mental disorder that effects many people in our society. There are a number of common symptoms that can ben used to identify those at risk such as:

1. People may feel sadness or despair.
2. Thoughts of suicide.
3. Loss of interest in life.
4. Weight loss.
5. Neglecting personal care.
6. Difficulty sleeping.

So if you know someone that is lonely, isolated and with symptoms of depression, reach out to them. Offer them companionship and support and it might make the world of difference.