Living alone can have lots of benefits; freedom and independence being just two of them. Although, it can also have downsides. So, if you struggle with mental health issues, is it better to live alone or with others?
Getting help
Before changing your living situation and causing unnecessary upheaval, seeking help from a professional can provide you with a diagnosis, even if you’re fairly sure what your condition is. He or she will have undertaken psych np programs and be qualified in treating people with varied mental health conditions. They will be able to help and support you. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, so your treatment will be personalized to you.
Reasons for living alone
For some people, it may be beneficial to live alone. Being independent has its benefits. If you have depression, having the space to do the things that make you feel better can be helpful, without having to explain to a housemate or family member why you feel the need to paint or draw in the kitchen when they want to cook.
Or why you’ve decided to go for a run if it helps lift your depression. Also, if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, home can be a safe place to retreat away from the world and all the things which are most likely to trigger your problem.
Reasons for living with others
Alternatively, living with others can mean support if you need it, but obviously, this can only happen if you tell people what you’re going through. It means less personal space to retreat to, but this can be less isolating and lower the risk of you shying away from people completely because there will always be someone around.
Making a choice
Many people say they don’t seek help from friends and family because they don’t want to burden them, but your loved ones are usually willing to help if you tell them you need help. So, rather than change your living conditions, which might cause further problems for you, look at ways of getting the aspects you miss by either living alone or with others.
If you live alone, you might make it clear there are certain times, or during activities that help improve your mental health, when you need to be alone. In return, the people you live with might check up on you at other times.
If you live alone, enjoying the solitude, but not the parts of the day where you feel isolated and alone, make a point of having regular meetings with close friends or family members who understand the importance of your need for regular human contact, but respect your wishes to be alone sometimes, too.
Whether you live alone or with others, mental illness will always present challenges. However, by finding professional help and looking at ways to have the best of both worlds; human interaction and solitude, you can work through things in your own time, but know that people are there when you need them.
