Loneliness, social isolation can push you into depression
Research has shown that these factors are related to the risk of depression, but do not necessarily cause depression:
1) Medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer
2) Genes — people who have a family history of depression may be at higher risk
3) Stress, including caregiver stress
4) Sleep problems
5) Social isolation and loneliness
6) Lack of exercise or physical activity
7) Functional limitations that make engaging in activities of daily living difficult
8) Addiction and/or alcoholism — included in substance-induced depressive disorder
Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression.
Source: WHO