Mental Illness And Loneliness

 

Mental illness and loneliness often go hand in hand. Humans have a need for closeness and interactions with others, and when those essential needs are not met, loneliness can occur.  When someone is lonely, her well-being can be affected, and some symptoms of mental illness could manifest or intensify. This can be the start of a viscous cycle, as depression, social anxiety, addictions and hoarding can be linked in some degree to loneliness.

Depression

 Depression and loneliness are often correlated.  Without friends or others to bond to, feelings of intense sadness can occur.  A recent study from the University of Chicago revealed that if someone has loneliness at the beginning of a five year period of time, that person is likely to have depression later in that five year period.  Loneliness was a predictor for the depression.

Social Anxiety

While physical isolation can cause loneliness (due to location for instance), loneliness can also be the result of being uncomfortable building relationships with people.  This feeling is known as social anxiety. Loneliness can also create the feeling that you are not worthy of being in a good relationship, or that you are unlikable.  These thoughts then cause fear and anxiety about being around people, and the loneliness intensifies.

Addiction

Studies have found that people who are lonely before taking a drug are more likely to become addicted than those who are not lonely.  In Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, author Johann Hari revealed that addictions are not just the result of chemical bonds in the brain, but are also the lack of having real connections to other people. Human connection can be crucial in avoiding and treating addictions.

Hoarding

Hoarding is an obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it can also be a result of loneliness.  When a person doesn't have meaningful relationships to fill their lives with, he or she could turn to filling the void with possessions.  The greater the loneliness, the greater amount of items it will take to fill that void.

If you are struggling with one of these conditions, or know someone who is, please consider the role that loneliness could be playing in exacerbating the symptoms.  Resolving the loneliness could lead to better mental outlook and health.

What You Should Know About Addiction Recovery

Whether you're recovering from alcohol or drug abuse or know someone who is, it can be helpful to understand the process. Addiction Recovery takes months, if not years, for full recovery. Within that time, the individual may suffer from periodic relapses or difficult times, with mood swings, irritability, and depression.

While friends and family members may expect a fast and full recovery, this is often unrealistic. The addict must make amends for physical or emotional pain caused to others. But, first he or she needs to understand why the addiction exists and how to handle the recovery process. Only when a person is on the road to recovery, can he or she begin rebuilding relationships after recovering from addiction.

When the individual is ready to make amends, the process is likely to be a slow one. First, the addict will need to recognize the pain and suffering caused to others. Then, a means of reaching out, in an honest, sincere manner is required. Often, those who have bee hurt the most will want to avoid contact at all costs. An intermediary may be helpful in reaching out to those who have been hurt by the addict's behavior or actions.

The next step is to initiate communications with an apologetic gesture. Sending a heartfelt card or making a sincere phone call will go farther than sending a message through a third party. But this will only work if the individual is at leas willing to listen.

When beginning communications with someone the addict has hurt, it's important to be patient. Trust takes time to establish and the addict may have broken a person's trust in the past. Don't expect too much at one time. Those who have been hurt are more likely to come around if they are given the time they need to process their feelings, time to see that recovery has been successful, and an opportunity to explain their own feelings. It is helpful to give the individual all the time they need to explain their feelings and ask questions about recovery. This is the time to be open and honest about past behaviors, as well as hopes for the future. Rebuilding relationships after recovering from addiction is a slow process, just like recovery.