Yes, isolation/loneliness definitely fuels depression. Hang in there. Just about a couple more weeks until both Christmas AND New Year's are behind us.

hey heretic I am here sometimes feel free to chat me up again...as I did you anytime you find me here...hugs bill

yep..this is the worst time of the year for some us. I think once you really start forgiving yourself and have compassion for yourself youll start being ok alone. I know its hard...i suffer from it too. Any guilts that you have for what was done or said to others should be looked at as a result of being bipolar. Its an illness....you are exempt from eternal punishment.

I hear you. I also wish I would like being alone all the time. I agree with #! iolation fuels the depression. For me isolation, depression then pulls in panic spells and anxiety. It can be a vicious circle.
Glad you posted. Feel free to chat w/me anytime.

I find comfort in isolation....but that fuels lonliness and depression. I wish I was more outgoing and willing to meet new people. I actually enjoy my OWN company....only too much though. I NEED interaction with more people.

"Wanting or needing anyone else," huh, that's an interesting way of looking at it. I think most people want and need others. I know I do! I figure it's a part of not being lonely...you want and need other people to connect with, to relate to. I think it's a good thing to want and need others. It would only be bad if you wanted or needed a particular person who was not available. I've felt that way, and yeah that does suck.

EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY at some point in their lives. That is how God created us. Even those who enjoy being alone HAVE TO interact with others; by choice or chance. Isolation doesn't necessary cause loneliness. Many ppl enjoy being alone for long periods of time either because of a hobby or their work. However, ppl who isolate themselves & enjoy the company of others will eventually get lonely & depress. Unfortunately, if u r lonely, the holidays can heighten this feeling. Force urself 2 b around others even if u don't know them. At least ur mind will be ouccupied. Wishing u peace & happiness during this season.

I have found that you can have people around and still feel lonely. I truly do believe in that you have to be happy with yourself before you can be happy around others or make others happy. Now, I have not come to that point, even at 49. I am getting use to doing things alone, like shopping and eating at restaurants, but the depression makes it rough.

I have given up on how to be successful at doing this, I just kind of roll with the flow. I thank God that I can do things alone, even though it is not that much fun, because we all come to a point in our lives where we will be alone. I use to do elderly care, and watched how each one faced being alone when they lost a loved one. Some did good and others it tore them apart. People always commenting, can't wait to retire. Oh yes, that marks the end of a busy life to wishing you could go back to work, in other words, too much time on your hands.

I agree loneliness is rough, battle it everyday. However, when I was with my abuser, it was like somebody being there, but I was so miserable and lonely, craving something that never would be. Hugs to all

Well just today I reached out to people after abt a 1 1/2 years of isolating myself due to the shame of my relapse and my stint in jail. I was so ashamed about what I did that I felt wouldn't be able to handle what they might say so I hid. But I made a couple of calls today which went well, and do fill a little better atm. So I know how you fill and I wish you all the best.

Hugs metamorph! It's okay to stumble as long as you get back up. No shame, no blame!

Yes loneliness sucks! I seem to be lonely whether or not im on my own or with people and that leads to anxiety and panick and emotional eating which just makes it worse. Im here if you ever want to chat:)

I feel your pain. I have been lonely since my husband passed away. This is my 3rd holiday season without him and it doesn't get any easier. Its hard to except that the one person who truely loved you is gone. I know everyone has different reasons for being lonely but my heart goes out to you and everyone else that experiences this.

Cant wait for the holidays to be over too and i agree loneliness and isolation do fuel depression. I cant wait for these holidays to be over with. I hope there is Sun out tomorrow.

@Wendy sorry for the late reply and thanks, and much love to everyone :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIjkW6iyXNo&feature=related

bill, are you flirting with someone else on this site??!! That's it, it's over!! lol Only gaggin'.

Yes, I thought I had somehow dodged this bullet this year but it's taking me over. I have Bipolar and when I plunge into my Bipolar depression (which ARE appearing less frequently) I plunge into suiciadlity - that part hasn't changed, it's just as intense.

I'm a naturally gregerious person, not a loner who is always comfortable by themselves, although I am a lot of the time. Just now it feels sad and uncomfortable all the time.