Loneliness, Depression, Suicide

Abstract

Traditionally, the phenomenon of loneliness was viewed as a painful feeling or a chronic affliction, whereas today it is seen as a signal to change behavior. There are many emotional distresses that accompany loneliness, but it is not clear whether they are a cause or a consequence of loneliness. Emotional states associated with loneliness include low self-esteem, shyness, anxiety, anger and tension, neuroticism and introversion, hypersensitivity, self-blame, and feelings of worthlessness. Loneliness is known to trigger depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Loneliness and depression are related concepts, yet they are distinct from each other. Loneliness has also been associated with suicide, with or without depression. Durkheim’s suicide theory can be a guide in understanding the relationship between loneliness and suicide. Durkheim considered suicide as a social phenomenon. In a study analyzing comparative and longitudinal studies on loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in adolescents, it was reported that it was not fully understood whether loneliness had a specific relationship with suicidal ideation and that studies gave mixed findings in this regard. As a result, loneliness is a concept associated with depression and suicide. It is possible to see this relationship in every age stage.