Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

I get really depressed when i am alone. I don't know why and I don't know what or why or if there is a trigger that sets it off or makes it worse. What can I do?

6 Answers
Last Updated: 02/23/2021 at 5:37am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jessica McDaniel, LPC, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have been practicing cognitive behavioral psychotherapy since 2007 with a diverse group of adult clients with various diagnoses, all races, and socioeconomic classes.

Top Rated Answers
Jade225
January 13th, 2018 12:24am
If you're alone, you have space to think about things and the isolation can make people feel as if they're not cared for I feel this way too and I tend to take a stroll through my mind when no one is there to distract me from it, causing me to feel more depressed I usually try to distract myself with things that I enjoy and that will not upset me, so doing something that doesn't necessarily require excess skill or effort This distracts and relaxes you and takes away the stress of being alone
Anonymous
February 23rd, 2021 5:37am
As someone who also struggles with depression, being alone forces me to deal with the negative thoughts and voices in my head. I find listening to music, watching my favorite show, or even chatting with a friend help distract me from the negativity. Also, journaling helps with putting those thoughts on paper and getting them out of my system. Depression can be a scary thing to deal with—whether you're on medication or you're not. Finding support systems and others who also struggle with depression can be a major game changer. Having someone there for you eases the burden a little bit. 7 Cups has a growth path you can check out as well.
Anonymous
January 12th, 2018 5:02pm
Being around other people often makes us feel more enlightened. We are social creatures and when we are left alone with our thoughts we may occasionally find it difficult to cope. Introverts love being alone, however there is a point where it's not that fun anymore. I really believe that we can find a balance between having time alone and loving it, and spending time with people and loving that too. Try and make a list of what you like about being alone, and what you don't like. Try and address the things you dislike about it, so that you can improve on them, say one of the reasons are: because i start overthinking, find things which prevent you from doing that... is it spending more time around people and just less time alone? be patient with yourself because it takes time to get better at it :) good luck and stay positive!
endearingLion70
May 15th, 2018 11:45pm
Some people have a hard time being alone without any specific trigger. Try to find activities that you like and can distract you from feeling depressed.
Anonymous
October 20th, 2020 5:31am
Based on how severe the anxiety is when you are alone, you may want to consult a therapist who can work with you to address any underlying fear you have that is leading to the depression. I'd recommend distracting yourself whenever you're alone to take your mind off of the fact that you're alone. Watch a movie, listen to some music, cook a new dish, or even phone someone up and talk about your day. Keeping yourself busy should mitigate your feelings of sadness to some extent. Also, try to consider what exactly about being alone makes you so upset- this can help you get a better handle of the situation and get better.
LinaViolet
February 15th, 2021 6:31am
Loneliness is an extremely hard emotion, and dealing with it without fully understanding the cause is even more difficult. Remember, though, that loneliness isn't something you have to face alone. It is more than okay not to be okay sometimes. If it's possible, talk to those who can physically support you and make you feel less alone. Surround yourself with a crowd that makes you feel your best mentally if you can! If it's loss that you're dealing with or trauma that has led you to feel this way, perhaps looking into a mentor or counselor will help you unravel the root of those feelings. Getting to the bottom of this stuff isn't easy, and progress takes time and a lot of effort. I'm sorry that you're going through this! Know that you are loved and such a valuable human being. We are all glad to have you on this earth :)