The Link Between Loneliness and Depression

This study sought to investigate the mediating roles of generalised pathological internet use (GPIU), social network use, and internet gaming disorder on the relationship between loneliness and depression. A total of 2211 junior high school students responded to questionnaires on depression, social network use, GPIU, loneliness, and internet gaming disorder (aged 10–16 years).

A structural equation model's findings showed that: (a) loneliness had a significantly positive path coefficient to depression; (b) loneliness could not predict depression directly through GPIU; however, (c) loneliness could predict depression indirectly through internet gaming disorder to GPIU; (d) loneliness could predict depression indirectly through social network use to GPIU; and (e) loneliness could not predict depression indirectly through internet gaming disorder to social network use to GP. These findings had important ramifications for Chinese junior high school students in terms of depression prevention and treatment.

Loneliness and Depression

Clinical studies and related statistics have shown that loneliness is a prevalent problem for people in the modern world (Huang, 2000; Naama et al., 2019). Feelings of loneliness are more sensitive during adolescence, which has a substantial impact on adolescent health and quality of life (Carvajal-Carrasca and Caro-Castillo, 2009; Danneel et al., 2019). According to Peplau and Perlman (1979), loneliness happens when a person's social network doesn't provide them with the satisfaction they were hoping for.

According to some writers, when social quality falls, one's initial network of relationships (loss or loss of loved ones, relocation, or a lack of social skills due to personality traits) or lack of social abilities (social skills issues) may cause intense loneliness (Vazquez and Garcia, 1997; Teunisse et al., 1999; Tijhuis et al., 1999; Huang, 2000; Van et al., 2017). Hence, according to Liu (1995), loneliness is a subjective experience of unpleasant suffering brought on by social flaws, and prolonged or extreme loneliness can lead to specific emotional diseases and worsen mental health (Naama et al., 2019).

The main difference

The main difference between loneliness and depression is that the former is a mental health issue, whilst the latter is a generalised emotion that tends to drag you down just as much as depression does.

Although it may not feel pleasant, loneliness is a temporary emotional experience that is directly related to your needs for belonging and connection. You'll most likely experience less loneliness after those demands are met.

The urge for connection isn't the only factor in depression, though. Depression symptoms can last for years without treatment from a qualified mental health practitioner and deteriorate into more serious conditions.

What’s more, if you have depression, social interaction might temporarily distract you, but it won’t always help. Even when spending time with your partner or best friend, you might continue feeling listless, empty, and unable to engage.

Can loneliness eventually become depression?

A complicated mental health disease called depression frequently results from the interaction of various different variables. Yet, feelings of social isolation or relationship discontent might definitely be factors.

Yet, social isolation does not always equate to loneliness.

Some people who live alone and don't frequently interact with others may not even feel lonely. Some, meanwhile, might interact with others frequently but still feel utterly alone. If these loneliness sensations aren't addressed, they may eventually trigger depression and other mental health issues. Still, not everyone who experiences loneliness goes on to develop depression, so what gives? Why does loneliness only sometimes contribute to depression?

The role of self-image

Perhaps you haven't seen your buddies in a while or when you do, they appear uninterested. You start hunting for explanations since you're feeling isolated and possibly a little vulnerable. Self-disgust then materializes as a convenient scapegoat.

Self-disgust might include negative emotions or harsh judgments towards certain activities or yourself as a whole. Self-disgust is frequently related to low self-worth. This may manifest as questions like, "Why would anyone want to date me? I haven't changed my clothes in three days... that's terrible," or "I'm so ugly."

You can behave in a way that supports your view that you don't deserve love or friendship if you become fixated on these thoughts.

Coping with loneliness

True, these steps certainly help increase your chances for meaningful connections. But remember: Being alone doesn’t have to result in loneliness.

To address loneliness effectively, you’ll typically need to dig a little deeper to uncover the underlying causes. Doing so can guide you toward a deeper understanding of what’s missing in your relationships, allowing you to build more fulfilling connections.

When (and how) to reach out

Although sadness might be of greater immediate concern, loneliness can also have a negative impact on one's health. Both difficulties raise risk for both physical and mental health issues as well as suicidal thoughts.

It’s always wise to seek professional support if symptoms:

don’t improve after a week or two

persist even when you try to manage them alone

affect your ability to function or take care of daily tasks

cause problems in your relationships

leave you feeling hopeless or worthless

Therapy offers a safe space to get to the bottom of your symptoms, identify potential causes, and get some guidance and support on depression treatment in Bangalore and productive coping strategies, such as emotion regulation.