Every night I stared aimlessly through the window at a glimmering street, light about a half mile from the nasty trailer I was living in. I was so lonely I could die, as the Hank Williams song goes. A recent divorce placed me in a state of despair and hopelessness. I stayed drunk most of the time, incapable of working because of my state of mind. Loneliness drove nails of despair deep into the recesses of my aching heart. I did not know which way to turn or what to do. Thank God, I did survive those days and managed with time and professional help to over come alcoholism and loneliness.

Today, I am remarried and living a productive life. Looking back on those days what I remember most is the atrocious feeling of being all alone. In addition, I realize today, I wasnt alone at all, God was right there with me. Actually, I can remember times when death loomed near and His hand reached out and saved me. In the darkest moments, He was there. I have come to the realization today that my loneliness was really loneliness for God. I had this empty hole in my heart that needed filling and nothing was working. After a year of isolation, I called out to God and He quickly moved in and began the process of healing my pain. To answer the question, can loneliness actually kill you I would say yes it can. If you have ever experience the depth of loneliness I did, I am sure you will agree.

Research today agrees that loneliness can kill. Lonely people have blood pressure readings as much as 30 points higher than non-lonely people, said the study leaders Louise Hawkley and Christopher Masi. Blood pressure differences between lonely and non-lonely people were smallest at age 50 and greatest among the oldest people tested.
About one in five Americans is lonely, a gnawing emotional state that is a patchwork of feeling unhappy, stressed out, friendless and hostile.

Ok, I am lonely what do I do about it.

1. Ask for help. If you loneliness has turned into deep depression find a counselor/doctor who is knowledgeable in this area, call them and set an appointment. If you cannot afford a counselor, call a minister or the Mental Health Department in your state. If you are suicidal, go to the emergency room. Dont wait for someone to visit you take the initiative and find help. For me I waited to long. I ended up getting help after I wrecked my truck, broke my neck, and almost died. So, please if you loneliness has driven you to point where you cannot stand it anymore seek help. You need to have your blood pressure checked. Go to a medical doctor, nurse or a clinic and have a physical examine. I know this is going to be hard but it could mean the difference between life and death.

2. Remember, if you are a Christian what the bible says. In fact Jesus said, I will never leave you or forsake you. I know in my darkest hours I could not pray. I was in such a deep depression and even hatred towards God. Yet, I managed to listen, at times to other who told me God still loved me. If you are reading this let me assure you that God still loves you and is longing to help you.

3. If you cannot get out of the house, try using the phone. Call a friend, family member or a mental health hotline. Call a minister or church member. If you can get out of the house do it now. I promise it is better in a crowd. I know the old saying, lonely in a crowd. You might be alone in a crowd but it is a step in the right direction to get around people. When I finally came out of the woods, and my trailer was deep in the woods of Mississippi, it was such a joy just to hear people talk. So, get out and go somewhere, anywhere. Well, maybe not anywhere. Bars dont help, neither does alcohol, it only makes loneliness worse.

4. Read the bible. I know that sounds so simply but it will help if you start reading the word of God.

Loneliness is a serious life, threatening situation so dont take it lightly. It is common and it is ok to admit youre lonely. Let me challenge you to take action against this menace. You can over come this situation with help from others and God. I am so thankful I dont have to live in that deep dark hole of depression, alcoholism and loneliness. If I can make it out so can you. Loneliness can kill.