I'm so sorry this is how things are for you. I certainly can relate to this in my own way. IMO a lot of the meaning we get from life comes from healthy and happy connections to others. When nobody "gets" me, I feel alone and without an inner direction. In my experience, meds help, as does talk therapy and prayer. And finding people, not many but a few, who I can be myself with and they get me and don't judge me. I hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Absolutely; I agree with Gladdmatt. Human connection is something that we all need to survive; we are social creatures, after all. In my own experience, I am struggling with a huge amount of loneliness and depression due to lack of adequate person-to-person connection and support systems. Yet, also from experience, having someone physically around you who truly cares and likes you for who you are is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. I try to hold onto the fact that those people are indeed out there in the world, and we could meet them at any given moment on our journeys through life. I myself am anxious about - despite my intense loneliness from not having had a significant other yet - the possibility of meeting someone who will light me up in a new and profound way. I feel that one of the best ways to achieve this is to work hard and diligently in your own life for what you believe in and what you love. And perhaps, I think we all hope, that amazing, wonderful person will enter our lives when we least see it coming. It is quite frustrating, but exciting, to think about, all at once.

I feel the same way. The depression is deepening. I've never been in a place like this. I keep telling God I'm done here, the struggle is just too hard. But I guess it's not my time because I wake up every day. Haven't found effective medication yet. So sad. I cry every day

My experience is that when I'm in a depressive episode I need to be understood. When I'm not, I don't give a shit. So my deduction from this is that 'needing to be understood' is a symptom of depression which, if we can simply outlast it, will go away as the episode goes away.

I have noticed from my mother, who clearly has depression and anxiety along with other issues, that she can rant for days and still not feel understood. It didn't matter how long I sat there, or what I sat through, I still got the attack at the end of not understanding. So it's pretty clear that this urge to be understood cannot be got rid of by being understood.

It's clearly a symptom of depression. And as such, just weather it. Just outlast it. Survive it. Ignore it.

This is great advice Bridgie101, and I think this happens to everyone, not just those who are depressed. This is why it's so important to be the person you want to be with. Be the person who gets you. Be the person who understands and loves you for everything you are.

We don't need others to validate us, we need ourselves to validate us, and when we don't or can't, we look to others for it and that's when depression sets in, when we aren't happy with ourselves, and it has nothing to do with others.

What worked for me, was to realize that we aren't that special, and that nobody cares about you as much as you do, so don't expect them to. If you want something from life, go get it yourself and don't rely on or expect others to lift you up. Having expectations of others, causes depression, so if you diminish your expectations, so will the depression. Hence one of my favourite sayings: when you can't carpet the world around you, wear comfortable slippers.

Wishing you well.

Oh my dear. You are here because YOU are a child of God. Perfectly made. He has a plan and a purpose specifically designed just for you. I KNOW that when in the depths of despair that is difficult to see, but it is my prayer that you allow those around you to show you all of the goodness in this world.
A great place to start is within your own community. Perhaps there is a local outreach program - your church may be affiliated with one. I truly believe that one of the best ways we can begin rise above our own despair is to serve others. This is not only a great way to meet people with whom you'll already have something in common (helping people), but it is an avenue in which you too may find your purpose. The bonus? The joy you will see in the face of another when you have made a difference in their life.

YOU are needed. You are loved. You are in my prayers.

I am so sorry your struggling, I struggled with depression on and on for years. However, having someone to talk to, and finding a support group, has helped me tremendous. Hang in there.