Have you ever felt like you’re the only one struggling?
Don’t worry… all of us have at some point in our lives.
It’s easy to feel isolated when we are dealing with problems, whether it’s depression, anxiety, or another emotional illness. We often think we can’t handle things and that we’re alone in this.
I think this feeling is part of the human experience. I see this every day in my practice and have personally felt it when I have gone through my periods of depression.
But but even though we feel like we are all alone, here’s the reality:
⚫ Everyone is just trying to figure it out, not just you. ⚫
Why do we feel so isolated? It’s a psychological tendency. When we’re in pain, our world view narrows, and it feels like no one else could possibly understand.
I remember feeling horribly when I was severely depressed. And though my family was all around me – supporting me – it felt that I was falling further and further into a bubble of depression. It felt like I was unreachable. I felt like I was the only one in that bubble and the rest of the world was just carrying on as if nothing was wrong at all.
This is how distorted our thoughts can get when we are not feeling well.
So what can we do when we are feeling that isolated?
Here are three tips to help you escape this feeling:
1️⃣ Reach Out:
Talk to someone you trust. It might be a loved one, a trusted friend or a therapist. Sharing your feelings can lighten the load and offer new perspectives.
2️⃣ Join a Community:
Whether online or offline, being part of a group with similar experiences can be incredibly validating and comforting. A shared experience can be highly motivating and quite emotionally relieving.
3️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion:
Be kind to yourself. Recognize that everyone has struggles, and it’s okay to feel this way. Take the time to reflect on this, whether it is in journaling or meditation.
Remember, we’re all in this together.
You are not alone.
You will get better.
You will.
Peter Zafirides, MD
Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine
PSYCHIATRY
COLUMBUS, OHIO
If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression do not take these symptoms lightly. The earlier you get help, the quicker you can find healing, because your symptoms truly can get better. Working with our psychiatrists is a proven path for dealing with such concerns. Contact us to talk about getting you the help you need and deserve.
