Have you been feeling lonely for a long time? It can lead you to addiction

Loneliness can loom in everyone’s life at some time or the other. Not having anyone to talk to or feeling misunderstood can ruin our thoughts and make us feel bad. But when this feeling persists for a long time, it can affect us physically in more ways than we can imagine. Read this also Loneliness in winter may be more self-induced than you think; Here’s how to be more active in cold weather

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Head of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, said, “When we are alone, our brain is constantly on alert. We are in a state of feeling physically threatened, which interferes with our thinking and perception. Loneliness is related to a variety of negative mental health effects. It may be a response to a mental health problem (for example, social isolation is a typical symptom of depression), or it may be a trigger that causes a mental health disorder.

Depression:

“Loneliness is strongly linked to depression. If you are feeling socially isolated or lonely, negative self-beliefs and suicidal thoughts may increase, while life satisfaction often falls. Self-isolation is a typical sign of depressive episodes,” says Dr. Praveen Gupta explained. Read this also Loneliness isn’t ‘just a first world problem’: why and how widespread loneliness is

Worry:

Man is considered a social animal and he has someone or the other. When that sense of fellowship is taken away from them, it can affect them in many ways. “Anxiety is another common symptom and long-term loneliness can result in or worsen pre-existing social anxiety, as socialization requires practice. Having a good support system is a protective factor against anxiety, so if you don’t have one, your overall anxiety levels may increase, and you may have difficulty controlling emotions,” Dr. Praveen Gupta Said.

substance abuse:

“People who are alone or lonely for long periods of time are more likely to use alcohol or other substances to numb their suffering. Loneliness is recognized as a risk factor at all stages of alcohol addiction. It may also have an indirect effect on drug use due to increased stress,” the neurologist said. Read this also Do loneliness increase nightmares? Study finds a surprising link

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.