6 Ways to deal with loneliness when depression hits

Depression is one of the hardest mental conditions to deal with, because even the symptoms can destroy your determination and energy to do all the activities you used to love. The ways to deal with loneliness during depression that you read about may seem easier just to read than to do.

However, when you feel tired and trapped in solitude, this is a great time to encourage yourself to stay active doing everything that will help you calm down and get energized again. Resist the inner voice that haunts you and that says nothing can make you feel better. Remember, giving in to negative energies will only make your depression more powerful.

Here are some ways you can deal with loneliness and feelings of depression, among other things:

1. Read books, watch movies, or TV series

Sometimes, when things are difficult, reading a book, watching a movie, or TV series with content and storylines (or characters) that are familiar to you will give you the opportunity to momentarily escape from reality to another world for a few moments.

Reading or watching shows that give you all the details about your thought processes, emotions, and situations can be very comforting and relaxing. This will certainly help you overcome the loneliness that arises when depression hits.

Some of our recommended books:

• It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
• Impulse by Emily Hopkins
• Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig
• Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
• Shadows in the Sun: Healing from Depression and Finding the Light Within by Gayathri Ramprasad

Recommended movies and TV series for dealing with feelings of loneliness when hit by depression:

• Life of Pi (film)
• Lilo & Stitch (film)
• 127 Hours (film)
• It's A Wonderful Life (film)
• Parks & Recreation (series)
• Scrubs (series)
• Sherlock (series)
• Friends (series)
• Supernatural (series)

2. Play with animals

Studies show that interactions with pets may be one of the ways you try to improve the quality of your mental health and overall life, including overcoming depression.

So, play with your favorite cat or dog. If you don't have a pet, try visiting the nearest cats cafe or dogs cafe, if you have one. You can also look for the nearest animal shelter, and offer volunteer help to look after the animals that are there.

3. Anonymous online forums, blogs, or local communities

Few people are willing to talk about their mental health struggles. In fact, when they do, the effect will be felt very real to other people who listen to them. This could be one way to let them know that we are not alone and can keep fighting.

Joining online forums or local communities around where you live will help you know that many people from all over the world are experiencing what you are experiencing right now. This method can certainly help you cope and get rid of the feelings of loneliness that arise when depression.

Some of the sites and online forums that can help you are donkeydiri.net, Whisper, Yik Yak, IMAlive, Trevor Space, Healthful Chat.

4. Find a therapist

The suggestion of finding a therapist can be daunting, but having someone who understands your situation and you can talk to can help you understand more deeply about yourself and your mental health. This method can certainly overcome the loneliness you feel, so that you can rise from the depression that torments you.

5. Confide with parents or close friends

It's natural to feel burdensome or annoying other people, especially your parents and close friends. Especially if you often call or send chat for help. But remember, your ability to recognize, embrace, and talk about your condition is a huge accomplishment.

The people you love will certainly always support you through this difficult time. Talking to them when you are feeling heavy during times of depression can be a helpful way to help you deal with the loneliness and sadness you feel.

6. Call the emergency room

If you're in a pinch or just need to talk to someone, never hesitate to call for help that specializes in helping people in a variety of situations, suicide attempts, psychiatric problems, and other emergencies.

This method can help you deal with depression or even an emerging suicidal feeling.

The following is a list of hotline numbers in Indonesia:

Emergency: 112

Prevention of suicide: (021) 7256526, (021) 7257826, (021) 7221810, 500-567

Counseling on mental issues, Directorate of Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health RI: 500-454

And remember, asking for help doesn't mean you're weak.