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Chronic loneliness is a state in which an individual experiences loneliness and feels alone for an extended period of time. In most instances, this is due to a downward spiral that further escalates the feeling of loneliness.

Some common characteristics of chronic loneliness are;

• A deep feeling of separation from other people
• Feeling of burnout
• Experiencing fear of missing out
• Difficulty in having any meaningful exchanges with anyone
• Considering minor insults to be major irritants.
• Inability to focus on the task at hand
• Loss of interest in the things that entertained you in the past
• Problems with sleep patterns or tiredness after sleeping
• Loss or increase in appetite
• Repeated sets of stress or nervousness
• Willingness to take chances
• Catching up on series or movies
• Heightened or lack of self-confidence, self-acceptance, or self-regard

Naturally, boredom and restlessness set in and that is when you indulge in some social media or binge on some good television.

You desire to do nothing and lay around every weekend after an exhaustive work week. This behavior points to a pervasive desire to occupy oneself to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Can the feeling of loneliness become depression in the long run? 

Depression is a mental health disorder that hardly comes out of a single cause. The feeling of loneliness and unhappiness in one’s social setting can largely be a contributing factor.

However, being socially isolated does not mean that you are experiencing loneliness.

For instance, you might live alone and lack any social acquaintances and do not feel lonely. On the other hand many people are surrounded by people every day and still feel immense loneliness. This feeling of loneliness, if not addressed, has the risk of leading to depression and other worrying mental issues. 

But not everyone who undergoes the feeling of being alone is depressed. 

What are ways that can help you manage chronic feelings of loneliness?

Most people have experienced loneliness at some point but some individuals can suffer from persistent feelings of loneliness. If this happens to you here are suggestions to help you ease such feelings.

Work with a psychotherapist or any other medical aid specialist. Autophobia is not simply the emotional sensation of detachment from the rest of the world. It is often associated with a negative self image which has its genesis in past trauma and events. Allow someone to assist you.

Create and maintain appropriate and constructive interactions with others. It may be difficult for you but make an attempt. Activities such as volunteering, going to clubs for a particular hobby, and even joining workout classes can help boost one’s self-esteem and provide a healthy way of associating with other people.

Try to do some physical activity in the sun. Getting up and about in the sun is beneficial because it increases the levels of endorphins and serotonin in the body. These hormones within the brain will enhance your moods and help you sleep and make you happier.

Look for a group of peers especially if you think chronic numbness might be a result of some other problems in your life. This can be addiction, grief over a death, depression after a divorce or persistent illnesses such as cancer. Receiving support from people who suffer from the same conditions and who understand how you feel may reduce the effects of chronic loneliness.