MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 LIVING ALONE AND DEPRESSION

 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 LIVING ALONE AND DEPRESSION

How Living Alone Increases the Risk of Depression: A major study raises concerns and urgency. 

(most of the early parts of today’s blog are from this article). 

A Psychology Today article wrote about living alone and being depressed:  

The article found: 

• Due to various factors, more people are socially isolated and living alone.

• New research shows that living alone, compared to living with others, increases the risk of depression by 42 percent.

• Effective and available psychological, pharmacological, and self-help interventions can reduce loneliness, social isolation, and depression

Loneliness refers to a discrepancy between desired and achieved relationships. There are two types of loneliness:

Social (e.g., failing to make friends).

Emotional (failing to have satisfying intimate relationships). [Boy, would I like to have a satisfying intimate relationship].

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Loneliness is associated with several tendencies and behaviors, including maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, greater social media use, stronger fear of missing out, overspending, and materialism.

Research shows loneliness is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes; for example, it is a risk factor for depression, increases pain sensitivity, and has been linked to premature death.

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Indeed, there are more single-person households these days than there used to be. Whether due to never having married, separation, divorce, or widowhood, nearly 1 in 3 people residing in Western countries live by themselves.

Like feelings of loneliness, physical and social isolation may be a risk factor for many conditions related to physical health problems  (e.g., cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, premature mortality) and mental health, particularly depression.

The relationship between living alone and depression may be quite complex. For example, research suggests patients with a history of—or with current—serious diseases and disabling conditions (e.g., chronic pain) are more likely to become isolated and eventually develop depression. But, depression itself is also expected to lead to or worsen patients’ quality of life and increase social isolation and feelings of loneliness.

There are a variety of potential explanations: Those who live alone, compared to those living with others, maybe in a worse financial situation, have less social contact and social support, be in poorer physical or mental health, or have worse health habits.

As for reducing loneliness and isolation, various interventions exist—from mindfulness to robotic pets. Self-help approaches, such as developing a sense of purpose or adopting a pet, may protect against loneliness and depression.

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Karen adds:

I have lived alone for 5.5 years.  It wasn’t my choice (but rarely anybody’s choice).  And I have found depression (and do take depression medication).  

I cope by “forcing” myself to get out.  I have daily activities (my bathroom calendar is full of activities and events).  

Sunday is church, and I work with my senior friend at the nursing home.  On Monday, I visited another friend in a nursing home and again spent time with my senior friend at the nursing home.  Tuesday is (at least currently) physical therapy (for balance and agility), granny basketball practice (and even though I am not playing, I keep track of scoring and time for scrimmages), and orchestra practice.  On Wednesday, I take my friend to lunch and grocery shopping, and then I have a Bible Study group in the evening.  Thursday is bridge, and then another session with my senior friend at the nursing home.  Fridays generally are open for “whatever” (like helping my friend Mary shop).  Saturdays for the next few months are usually a granny basketball tournament. 

Plus, I aim to write a blog daily and walk three miles.

But there are lonely hours, too.  I still play too many games on my phone.

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My neighbor in the apartment complex is a hermit.  My friend, whom I take for lunch on Wednesday, has a dog and thus has to get out to walk the dog (and she meets her neighbors).  

I have days where I am lonely - and wish I had a partner or spouse again.  Or where I want to interact with others.  I find I like to shop (“love” is a carefully used word, but I “love” to shop).  I say “hi” to the people at the city recreation center and the nursing home.  Most of the residents know me and are comfortable with me. 

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Recently, I’ve been thinking about more volunteering activities.  The local senior driving group needs drivers - and I could help on Monday and Friday.  (I might not get my blogs written). I met a local thrift shop coordinator, and I could help there, too.

For my readers - get out and visit a friend frequently.  (Get some colored pencils and colored pictures.)

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LOVE IS MEANT TO BE SHARED.  Living alone can cause a person’s agape love to dry up.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, ©, February 12, 2024