The Loneliness Has Crushed Me

Hi, everyone…
Im new here, though I briefly used the site several years ago. I know a lot of you have a crushing weight on you, but I hope you’re holding up as okay as possible through it all.

That’s actually why I’m posting tonight. The loneliness has beaten me down so much lately. It just gets worse and worse, and I don’t have the motivation to fight it. I feel like every avenue to counteract the loneliness has a huge barrier I don’t believe I have the strength to get through.

And it’s also like, why? I surround myself with people I love and who seem to love me. People seem to support me, and I guess I’m doing pretty well at my job. So, why do I feel this way all the time? I still feel so alone in the world, even though part of me knows that’s not the case. And yes, there is definitely the romantic part of it. I just can’t accept that there’s someone out there for me, and that’s kinda the story right now of all this — my brain won’t accept a lot of the time that people can actually bear my company.

I’ve felt some variation of this for a long time. And I just don’t know what to do. I don’t see how I’m gonna get out of this pit.

At any rate, thank you for listening.

Sounds like a classic case of depression to me. Have you been diagnosed? Getting therapy? On meds? How’s your exercise regimen? How’s your diet? Many things cause and aggravate depression. You need to discover what’s the main factor and try alleviating it. I feel much of what you feel and have given up much of my hope, but I just plod along without focusing on the dread as much as I can by distraction. I’ve moved through various levels of managing my depression. At 57 I’ve accepted my fate for the most part but a little hope keeps me going, trying. Spend time with people that make you smile and laugh, and keep your heart calm.

I agree with what Okie said, but also want to add that maybe you just need to switch it up. Do something new, expose yourself to new people, volunteer, start a new hobby, join a club, anything that aligns with your interests. And stop hiding (if you are). You have people who love and support you, pick someone you trust and talk to them about how you feel.

I've been through periods of loneliness myself, and I can understand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. It's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are many things you can do to cope with loneliness and build meaningful connections with others.
Here are some suggestions :
* Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself to feel the emotions of loneliness without judgment. It's important to process these feelings in order to move on
* Reach out to your support network: Connect with friends, family members, or even acquaintances who you haven't spoken to in a while. Even a brief conversation can help you feel less alone.
* Join a club or group: Find a group that aligns with your interests, whether it's a book club, sports team, or volunteer organization. This is a great way to meet new people who share your passions.
* Engage in activities you enjoy: Do something that makes you happy, whether it's reading, painting, or playing music. Focusing on your hobbies can boost your mood and help you connect with others who share similar interests.
* Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. When you feel good about yourself, it's easier to connect with others.
* Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling to cope with loneliness on your own, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with personalized support and guidance.
Remember, loneliness is a common human experience, and there is no shame in seeking help
Best wishes for you