University Essay: Analyzing Depression, Loneliness, and Common Good

This essay delves into the global issues of depression and loneliness, examining their impact on individual well-being and the common good. It defines the common good as a state achieved through collective efforts to improve societal well-being, emphasizing the balance between individual rights and the needs of the disadvantaged. The essay highlights the interconnectedness of human dignity and the common good, arguing that the achievement of the latter is essential for the former. It presents loneliness and depression as significant public health challenges, analyzing their cyclical relationship and detrimental effects on peace and harmony. Proposed solutions include fostering real-world communication, seeking support from friends and family, prioritizing adequate sleep, considering professional help, and adopting realistic standards. Furthermore, the essay suggests the benefits of pet ownership, focusing on relationships, meditation, and exploring therapy to combat feelings of isolation and suicidal thoughts.

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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Critique of the global issue
The common good is achieved when individuals work together for the improvement of the
wellbeing of the people in society and the wider context of the world. The right regarding the
individual towards the personal possessions and the resources of the community need to be
balanced with the requirements of the disadvantaged (Choosing the Common Good – 2010). The
context of common good as the foundation principle is intertwined with the human dignity
leading to solidarity. The principle of the common good needs to be related to each and every
aspect of the social life for the effective attainment of the fullest meaning, unity, dignity and the
opportunity for equality among all the people throughout the world.
Human dignity is the major key is the key for the achievement of the justice to the people
residing in the societies. Achievement of the common good which is beneficial for the entire
society is thus related to the dignity of the individual of the society since dignity can be achieved
by the successful attainment of common good (Glendon, 1997).
The global issue that will be highlighted in the assignment is depression and loneliness.
Loneliness is one of the serious public health challenges that threatens the global good of peace
and harmony (Kilburn et al., 2018). These common good are being challenged in case of the
global crisis and issues of the depression and loneliness thus affecting human health and the right
towards a peaceful living in the planet.
According to Annas (2015) loneliness and depression are the two words that has been spreading
recently. In the simplest form, loneliness or the feeling of alone includes physical loneliness and
also mental loneliness in the current world were each and every individual are immense in the
platform of social media. With the majority of the globe inclining towards a individualist

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lifestyle and home, the factor of loneliness has been inevitable in nature (Haroz et al., 2017).
Man being the social animal have now limited their act of socialization in mindless
conversations, private parties and with temporary companies. Individual in the current world has
become more lonely which has eventually contributed to the disease of depression that has taken
over the lives of many of the adults and even the children. There lies a vicious cycle among
loneliness and depression. As per the analysis by Clark (2014) the more lonely one feel, the more
that person tends to get in depression . Similarly, while in depression individuals tend to pull
away themselves from others worsening the feeling of loneliness. This cycle affects the global
common good of peace and harmony which is required for the sustainability and humanity
Proposed ways for addressing the challenge
Within the event of the context of depression that is being caused by the factor of loneliness, one
generally goes through the test regrading the life. It is to be noted that suicide is actually not an
option since for this the humanity will be losing the essential elements. There lies some of the
proposed plans and ways for addressing of the challenges which can be highlighted as below.
Some of the easiest and the effective ways for addressing the challenges of the loneliness and
depression is to catch the cycle before it event starts. Making real communication apart from the
communication in the virtual world is one of the major steps that needs to be taken for the
protection of the common good. Having real friends and companion will help to get reached to in
case of loneliness and depression, These types and the categories of the connection needs to be
worked on and build for ensuring support from them in bad times and phases like the tendency of
withdrawal, suicide and more. Picking up call and dialing to reach for help is another major
factor that needs to be highlighted. In case of struggle with loneliness and depression , taking

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help from some of the good connection are real help. This is to be remembered that for breaking
the cycle of the loneliness and depression it is essential for individuals to take some of the rapid
actions and talk with some of their families or loved ones who care about them. According to the
study by Byron (1999) there lies something regrading hearing and console of another’s voice
specially if they are loved ones that tends to life mood in case of depression. Next factor is the
necessity of sound sleep. Often it has been found that individuals suffering from depression and
loneliness gets sleepless nights or take supplements for sleeping which eventually does not fulfill
the rest or the peace of mind that is required. Consulting a doctor and using some of the essential
oils as home remedies should be some of the major step in case of fighting insomnia due to
depression and loneliness. Also talking to councilor and taking some of the professional help
also improves the mood and fight for loneliness and depression. As per the research by () owning
a pet also triggers the factors of fulfillment, happiness and peace and vanishes the feeling of
loneliness and depression.
Depression and loneliness is a mismatch among the ideals and actual having. Reflection
regrading unrealistic standards influences the loneliness and its feelings. Thus it is essential to
have some of the realistic standards to prevent and fight depression. According to () depression
tends to make individual self focused and thus it is essential to think beyond oneself to reach the
harmony and peace. Making time for relationships amongst the busy schedule is also one of the
biggest factor that needs to be taken care of since relationships does not wait hence they are need
to be build until one gets in depression and loneliness. Finally factors such as meditation and
exploration of therapy also help in shaking the feelings of isolation, depression, suicidal thought
that arises mostly from depression.

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Reference
Annas, J. (2015). Book Forum on Intelligent Virtue, Oxford University Press, 2014 by Julia
Annas. The Journal of Value Inquiry, 49(1-2), 281-288.
Byron, W. J. (1999). Framing the principles of Catholic social thought. Catholic Education: A
Journal of Inquiry and Practice, 3(1).
Choosing the Common Good - 2010 / Publications / CBCEW Home / CBCEW - The Conference
of Catholic Bishops for England and Wales. (2010). Retrieved from
http://www.cbcew.org.uk/CBCEW-Home/Publications/Choosing-the-Common-Good-
2010/(language)/eng-GB
Clark, M. J. (2014). The vision of Catholic social thought: The virtue of solidarity and the praxis
of human rights. Fortress Press.
Glendon, M. A. (1997). Knowing the universal declaration of human rights. Notre Dame L.
Rev., 73, 1153.
Haroz, E. E., Ritchey, M., Bass, J. K., Kohrt, B. A., Augustinavicius, J., Michalopoulos, L., ... &
Bolton, P. (2017). How is depression experienced around the world? A systematic review
of qualitative literature. Social Science & Medicine, 183, 151-162.
Kilburn, K., Prencipe, L., Hjelm, L., Peterman, A., Handa, S., & Palermo, T. (2018).
Examination of performance of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
Short Form 10 among African youth in poor, rural households. BMC psychiatry, 18(1),
201.

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Maes, M., Van den Noortgate, W., Vanhalst, J., Beyers, W., & Goossens, L. (2017). The
Children’s Loneliness Scale: Factor structure and construct validity in Belgian
children. Assessment, 24(2), 244-251.