Loneliness: A Slow Poison That Success Can’t Cure
Recently, I met a remarkable woman in her early 50s, let’s call her Miss L. She was referred to me by a close contact and had been diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). Despite a psychiatrist’s recommendation for medication and therapy, Miss L chose not to continue her treatment.
When I asked why, her response was simple yet profound:
“I didn’t want to get hooked on psychiatric drugs.”
The Picture of Success
Miss L is a powerhouse in her field—a senior leader overseeing compliance and governance at a multinational conglomerate. Her career has taken her across the globe, and her financial stability is noteworthy. Yet, despite all her success, something was missing.
In our sessions, she opened up about her personal life. She had a few relationships but never married. When she was close to tying the knot, she pulled back at the last minute.
I asked her why.
Her answer: “I was scared of losing my freedom and career.”
Roots of Loneliness
Miss L’s reluctance to marry stemmed from a turbulent childhood. Her parents had a strained relationship, and she often found herself acting as her mother’s savior, growing up under a domineering father. Watching her parents’ constant conflict, she resolved early on never to marry.
When I asked if she was proud of her decision, she remained silent.
Her loneliness is palpable. Despite her thriving career, she finds herself yearning for companionship. Her professional accolades can’t fill the void left by the absence of a family or someone to come home to at the end of a long day.
A Universal Struggle
Miss L’s story isn’t unique. I’ve met individuals on both ends of the spectrum—those trapped in toxic relationships and those struggling with the emptiness of no relationship. Both extremes are challenging in their own ways.
Blessed are those who find someone they can share a meaningful life with.
My Advice
No relationship is without its challenges. If you’re lucky enough to have a partner who respects and loves you, focus on what unites you rather than what divides you. Differences can always be resolved with healthy communication and good intentions.
For those caught up in their careers, remember:
Loneliness is a slow poison. Your professional success can never replace the warmth and connection of personal relationships.
If you’re struggling to balance work and family, prioritize your loved ones. Find a job that allows you to meet both your personal and professional needs. Don’t sacrifice the present for a future where you might find yourself alone.
After all, what good is success if there’s no one to share it with?
Takeaway:
Relationships, no matter how imperfect, enrich our lives in ways that success never can. Cherish them, nurture them, and don’t let the pursuit of success rob you of the joy of meaningful connections.
If you’re alone and seeking a relationship, trust the universe and seek for a genuine connection. The universe operates as a community, guided by the principle of collective consciousness. Whatever we focus on and prioritize, the universe has its own way of bringing it into our lives.
#MentalHealthMatters #Relationships #WorkLifeBalance #EmotionalWellbeing
