Depression reflects how you feel, period.” People living entrepreneurial, high-achieving lives struggle to find common ground with others and so struggle with intimate personal relationships and so struggle with loneliness more than most.
It's a lonely journey.
This happens because the lives of most successful people are different from those of the masses. Instead of spending the night partying with friends, sometimes you might want to work on an important project all by yourself.
A lot of people think that because successful people are doing well for themselves, they must be happy. In reality, this isn't always the case. Successful people can feel lonely too—and it's OK. Remember: happiness is subjective and a deeply personal experience.
Now, a new study published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics has revealed that the three ages at which loneliness seems to peak are roughly your late-20s, your mid-50s, and and your late-80s.
Published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, a study found that people's expectations from interpersonal relationships undergo considerable changes as they age — resulting in them often feeling lonelier as they grow older, even if they're not alone.
People between the ages of 16 and 24, part of the group typically referred to as Generation Z, are the loneliest generation, according to new research.
The upshot is that while alone time has many physical, emotional and spiritual benefits when enjoyed in moderation, spending too much time alone can damage the mind and body. We function best when there's a balance, when we spend healthy time alone, and at the same time nurture our close relationships.
Many successful professionals struggle to enjoy their accomplishments. For example, one study found that 72% of successful entrepreneurs suffer from depression or other mental health concerns. And CEOs may be depressed at more than double the rate of the public at large.
Successful people push themselves to step outside their comfort zone. They are comfortable taking risks and even view their failures with a positive frame of mind. They want to explore opportunities to grow and advance their careers.
The connection between success and happiness
Work hard, earn good grades, get a raise, and you'll feel satisfied. But recent research suggests that it's actually the other way around. Setting career goals can lead to stress and disappointment, while focusing on being happy first can help you succeed.
Set Achievable Goals
Successful people know that they need to start by having attainable goals to achieve. These goals are not necessarily easy to reach, but by having something to aim for, you will be better able to move forward and overcome obstacles.
Why is it Lonely at the top? Almost every leader, at some point in their career, has made a similar observation to Einstein. The higher you climb on a corporate ladder, the more sparse the trusted relationships. Sometimes loneliness is the result of responsibility weighing on your shoulders.
There's also the perception — and sometimes reality — of constant competition and failure doesn't seem to be an option. Grueling hours, constant criticism from others, including strangers, and a loss of the identity you once possessed can open the door to mental health conditions such as depression.
You can have depression regardless of how much money you have or make. Although money makes some aspects of life easier, there are other factors that play into mental health and well-being. The wealthy can get depressed the same way people living in poverty can experience depression.
There is usually an underlying issue if you cannot feel happy for others' accomplishments or happiness; this underlying issue is usually depression or anxiety.
When someone feels lonely they are more likely to try to distract themselves with the other things in their lives. So if your colleague is always talking about their stamp collection, or always flying away on exotic solo city breaks rather than spending weekends at home, they might be feeling alone.
"Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits," Valtorta says. "In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety."
Millennials, members of the generation born between 1981 and 1996, have been dubbed the “unluckiest generation” regarding financial timing. They are coming of age during economic instability and macro environment changes that have drastically affected their opportunities.
e' Gen Z Workers, are actually the Happiest and Hardest Working Generation, say Researchers.
Successful people often believe in themselves even when no one else does. It isn't about self-delusion, it's about a deep, unshakable belief that they will succeed. Look on the positive side. Interestingly, successful people also tend to be positive people.