Existential Loneliness and Depression

This reflection looks at the complex nature of existential depression and its relationship with concepts of loneliness, identity, and the quest for meaning.

Existential depression is a deep form of psychological distress. People sometimes believe that life lacks meaning. These feelings of meaninglessness can lead to feelings of uncertainty, meaninglessness and loneliness. When people feel this way, they are depressed. This type of depression is more than mere sadness, and sometimes it will go beyond clinical depression. It can cause people to delve into deep existential questions of identity, purpose, and the very nature of existence itself. Existential depression challenges individuals to confront fundamental concerns about themselves and their place in the world.

Differentiating Between Types of Loneliness

We have written elsewhere about loneliness. There are different forms of loneliness. We will briefly look at two types of loneliness: situational and chronic loneliness. We will compare them with existential loneliness.

Situational Loneliness

Situational loneliness occurs in specific circumstances where individuals find themselves physically or emotionally isolated due to changes in their environment or life events. This type of loneliness can emerge during periods such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or enduring the loss of a loved one. For instance, experiencing loneliness while sick and confined to bed represents a transient form of situational loneliness that is typically temporary and resolves as the situation changes. Some people experienced situational loneliness during the CIVID pandemic.

Chronic Loneliness

Chronic loneliness, also referred to as clinical loneliness, is persistent and is characterised by a sense of isolation that lacks any redeeming or positive aspects. This form of loneliness is not merely a temporary emotional state but a long-standing condition that significantly affects an individual’s mental and emotional health. Chronic loneliness can be intense, and it endures; without some type of intervention it often continues unabated. A person experiencing chronic loneliness may feel that there is no end or relief in sight. Chronic loneliness can lead to severe psychological distress, necessitating targeted therapeutic intervention.

Existential Loneliness

in contrast, existential loneliness is a profound form of loneliness that transcends the immediate lack of social contact and delves into the deeper existential questions of meaning and purpose. Unlike situational or chronic loneliness, existential loneliness involves an inherent sense of separation from the broader human experience. It is characterised by feelings of emptiness, timelessness, and a pervasive sense of disconnection that can occur even in the presence of others. This type of loneliness reflects a person’s beliefs about a fundamental aspect of the human condition, where individuals confront the limitations of existence and what appears to be their solitary journey through life.

Each type of loneliness, whether situational, chronic, or existential, presents unique challenges. Each type of loneliness requires distinct approaches to understand it and to manage it. Recognising the differences between these forms offloaded as allows for more effective support; treatment strategies can be tailored to the specific needs of those experiencing loneliness.

Defining Existential Loneliness and Depression

Foundational Concepts

Existential loneliness and depression will often emerge in individuals who confront the fundamental issues of existence, such as death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. This type of loneliness and depression often arises in persons of higher intellectual ability who are prone to deep reflection on existential themes. Such gifted people are able to envision how things might or should be and are acutely aware of the reality of how things are, resulting in a profound state of disappointment and disillusionment. They may experience a heightened sense of despair and isolation not solely due to external events but because of an intrinsic questioning of life’s meaning and purpose.

How Existential Loneliness and Depression Interrelate

Existential loneliness and depression are intricately linked. The loneliness experienced in existential depression does not merely stem from being physically alone but from a deeper, more pervasive sense of being fundamentally separate from others. This type of loneliness is described as existential loneliness—a condition where individuals feel empty, isolated, and disconnected, despite physical proximity with others or even a rich social life.

The isolation felt by people with existential loneliness and depression often arises from their intense and unique awareness of existential matters, which are not typically shared or understood by others. This can lead to a feeling of being misunderstood or separated from the rest of humanity, who may appear preoccupied with more immediate or material concerns. It goes beyond mere emotional isolation, representing a deep-seated feeling of disconnection from human experience itself.

Symptoms and Signs of Existential Loneliness

Common Emotional States

Individuals experiencing existential loneliness often confront a spectrum of intense emotional states. These feelings include a profound sense of sadness and a pervasive feeling of emptiness. They may experience feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed, which arises from the perceived inability to make meaningful change or to find satisfactory answers to existential questions. Sometimes, they may also experience thoughts of death, dying, or suicide. If that happens, help is always at hand.

Behavioural Indicators

The behaviour of individuals experiencing existential depression can vary significantly, but common patterns emerge that indicate that they are experiencing internal turmoil. One of the most noticeable behaviours is withdrawal from social interactions. Individuals may isolate themselves, engaging less with others and reducing their communication to minimal interactions. When people with existential loneliness isolate, they are not just preferring to be alone, they feel disconnected and so they actively disconnect from others.

Further, there is often a noticeable decline in the enjoyment of activities that were previously pleasurable. Activities and hobbies that once brought joy and engagement now seem pointless, contributing further to the individual’s isolation.

In more severe cases, existential loneliness may lead to self-destructive behaviours, including self-injury or substance abuse.

Approaches to Treating Existential Loneliness

Psychotherapy Methods

The treatment of existential loneliness often involves psychotherapy, with existential therapy, psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) being the most often used approaches. These therapies assist the individual in processing thoughts and experiences to reduce the fear of the unknown, to understand and accept the inherent uncertainties of life, and find personal meaning despite the uncertainties of life. CBT also addresses cognitive aspects of depression, aiding individuals in managing their thoughts and reducing the rumination that often exacerbates existential concerns.

When providing therapy, it is very important that the therapist establishes a non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their deepest existential questions without the pressure of finding definitive answers.

Self-Help Techniques

In addition to professional therapy, engaging in self-help techniques can be beneficial for those dealing with existential depression. Activities that instil a sense of purpose and contribute to societal well-being can be particularly effective. Engaging in community service, participating in local events, or pursuing hobbies (especially exercise) can provide relief from the symptoms of depression and existential loneliness.

Journalling is another powerful self-help tool, offering a private way to organise thoughts and feelings. It serves as an outlet for expressing difficult emotions and can help individuals process their experiences more coherently. For those who find traditional expression challenging, visual arts such as drawing or painting provide an alternative means to convey complex, abstract emotions.

Mindfulness practices have been identified as a pivotal tool in addressing the profound feelings associated with existential loneliness. Regular meditation has been shown to mitigate the distressing emotions tied to this form of loneliness. By fostering a routine of meditation, individuals can develop the ability to observe and accept their feelings without harsh judgment, which often leads to a reduction in the intensity of these emotions. Loving-kindness meditation, a practice that cultivates compassion towards oneself and others, is also beneficial. It not only enhances self-compassion but also bolsters the capacity to form meaningful social connections, thereby alleviating feelings of existential separation

By combining professional psychotherapeutic methods with self-help techniques, individuals can develop a multifaceted approach to managing existential loneliness. This combination helps address both the profound emotional states and the everyday impacts of this condition, paving the way for a more engaged and purposeful life despite the underlying existential challenges.

Building Resilience Against Existential Loneliness

Community and Connection

The relationship between community involvement and mental health is profound. Engaging in community service or participating in group activities can lead to increased feelings of self-worth and a decreased sense of isolation. This involvement not only provides emotional support but also helps individuals find a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, which is crucial in building resilience against existential loneliness.

Creating and nurturing a sense of community is essential in combating existential loneliness. Online platforms and support groups offer a space for individuals grappling with similar existential concerns to share their experiences and find mutual support. These groups can play a critical role in fostering a sense of belonging and understanding, making existential worries more manageable.

We have written about resilience and ways of developing it here.

Conclusion

A profound sense of loneliness can stem, not just from a lack of social interaction, but from a deeper, existential source. It is clear that the journey through existential loneliness and depression requires a multifaceted approach that combines self-reflection, professional guidance, and community support. The importance of self-care activities and creating a sense of belonging through community involvement cannot be understated. These strategies not only offer a path toward managing the deep-seated feelings associated with existential depression but also pave the way for a life enriched with purpose and connection. By embracing the strategies discussed, individuals facing existential loneliness can embark on a transformative journey toward understanding, accepting, and ultimately transcending the existential dilemmas that underpin this profound sense of disconnection.

Further information about loneliness can be found at the website of Ending Loneliness Together. If you need help, you can always contact Malcolm Choat who is experienced in providing the type of therapy that is needed in helping you.