When family and friends do not call me, I feel unloved. How can I change that?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am writing to you because I am helpless. I have had anxiety and depression for years and now I am fighting with anxiety. But the weird thing is that I think people do not like me. I have the feeling that they do not love me anymore when they do not call me and do not care about me. These feelings are very strong. Why am I having these feelings? Can you help me?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your situation. You have this feeling due to your depression. You may have major depressive disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for depression, and you should try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you.

1) You should do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes, like going for a walk.

2) You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, sit at one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, don't stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts; just let it be.

3) You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, avoid junk foods.

4) You must drink enough water.

5) You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you live away from your family.

6) You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, learning new skills or language or musical instruments.

7) You should take enough of sleep daily.

8) You must avoid tobacco or alcohol or any substance abuse.

9) Live your life, do not just spend it.

10) Be bold and confident.

11) You do not need someone else to help or care to live your life.

12) You do not need someone's attention for you.

13) Love yourself and respect yourself.

14) Stop overthinking about others.

15) You do not need approval to live your life.

16) If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for 4 to 6 weeks, then you need to start medications for a short duration.

17) I hope that you get your answer.

Please, let me know if you want some help.