Hi there - I am so, so sorry for the way you are feeling right now. Your experience resonates with my own; I myself am and have been struggling with desolate loneliness for quite a while. It is one of the most insidious, draining and often frightening emotions I believe anyone could go through. I cannot describe in words how much I miss certain people in my life, how empty and lost I feel without them, and how ashamed I am that I cannot seem to move through grief better. Anxiety and depression (having lived with both for all of my life) magnifies these effects and often re-opens the wounds so many times that they just don't feel like they are scarring over, or are ever going to heal.

I too need human contact - person-to-person communication and physical closeness - to function well and grow as an individual. I empathize with and understand what it is to feel like you have no one to be with you, to make sure you are all right, and to support you in times of need and crisis.

I feel so strongly for you; my heart is with you, because I know what you are feeling, and no one should have to go through the horror that is loneliness - especially without anyone at all. Here's what I am trying to hold on to in these times: My true passion in life is Nature and birds. Every time a see a soaring hawk, or an energetic chickadee, or a family of quail, I remember how much and how deeply I love them, how deeply I relate to them (more than I do with most people, I admit). And even in the worst of my depression, I manage to find a little something to hold close to me - even if it just helps me make it through the day.

I want you to know that you are truly not alone; I understand this may seem like a hollow statement, and it often does to me as well. But remember this: You are a unique, beautiful person who matters. The things and the people you love, you matter to them, too. And if you ever need to talk with anyone, please feel free to message me any time. I am here for you.

Birdie

yea, I have been alone a long time. I think getting a pet is a good idea if you think you can responsibly care for him or her for the rest of their life. having something or someone to take care of takes the focus off you and your problems. I have depression and lots of trouble but I am there for my pets no matter what. so yea, I think if you can provide a long term loving home for a pet, go for it. I would go to an animal shelter and adopt. but if you can't commit to 15 plus years of caring for an animal then I would try something else. you could always volunteer at a shelter. I have ocd, depression and anxiety too. I think you'll be ok. just take it one day at a time. being in a hospital sucks. been there too. you will figure it out. you have it in you.

I have a question with your question, You can live alone?

Let your third eye guide you do not give in to society you have power in you you need to seek it and stop playing fiddle to your own brain don't let it enslave you use it to your own will.

I live with my parent. But I still feel depress, empty. I can be alone for a long time. I have to get massages. It is expansives. No one will do it for free.

I can't be alone for very long as it really messes me up. I just don't have the strength to deal with it. Right now I am trying to cope with the fact hat my husband will be gone Saturday for most of the day. And I want him to go and do things that he wants and needs to do but I am still a mess, Anyway, I too am looking in to getting a service dog for depression, etc. The info I found looks very promising

I am in a similar situation. I separated from my husband and live in a different city from my family. I do have one close friend here but she is very busy with her own family.
I don't work due to illness & spend most of my time alone. There are sure a lot of hours in the day. I am still trying to get used to my own company.
I wrote out a list of things I enjoy doing. Not everything on it involves other people. I have been trying to read more. I get out to the library to get the books so it's an outing too.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that in some ways it helps to do stuff on your own and be okay about it. I have also been a member of DS for years. I find the support here helpful.
I do have a cat that I love very much. She makes a huge difference in my life. She is the only reason I have to get out of bed sometimes.
Just a suggestion but if you do end up getting a pet try one from a shelter. They will usually let you have a trial period to make sure it's a good fit. I know I could not handle a very active pet. My cat is elderly and likes to sleep a lot. Kittens tend to destroy everything they can reach.
It's sad that with so many people in the world there is still so much loneliness.