Why do l feel so lonely at times

Mental health
1

Hi my name is Sheelagh l am 60 married to John for 43 years l work in a nursing home as a care coordinator l have suffered with agrophobia for many years but am able to work and go anywhere with someone with me l just cant go out on my own sorry that sounds really stupid l suffer with depression but l am on a low dose anti depressant which keeps me okay but l have noticed in the last couple of weeks how lonely l feel even around people does anyone have any suggestions Thank you for your time

2

I understand the problem of agoraphobia, Sheelagh,  having seen how it affects my son (he is now 47 and this has been a problem for him all his life; he is also autistic which complicates matters).

I expect you already know that you can conquer agoraphobia; so have you had any professional help to do so? If you do this then your life will change for the better almost immediately.

As for depression then maybe without you realising it the anti-de[ressant you take now may not be the best for you. There is also the question of dose. All of this you should discuss with your GP who can get you an appointment with a professional, or otherwise suggest one in the private sector, as well as your depression. Quite often it helps just to talk through these matters and if your GP does not feel he can confidently deal with your depression then seeing a specialist with different ideas is the next best step.

3

try to be sociable with whoever you meet and the loneliness may diminish. Being positive like that has always helped me.

Richard

4

Being positive is one matter I always suggest to anyone suffering from depression - hard as it is to start. However, for Sheelagh who wants to be positive (I interpret that from what she says) there is a much harder matter to deal with. Any forced attempt at normal conversation brings both attention from those being spoken to and an empty space in the brain where the next words should be coming from. Trying to be sociable can result in the very opposite. Even worse results from those around you when they try to jolly you into speaking up. And this is at the root of her feelings of loneliness.

It is so easy to feel lonely when in a room full of people. There is also a knock-on effect to self confidence. The circle this creates is one way to depression. I hope Sheelagh will seek and get the help she needs to enable her to find the road to full recovery.