Everyone has a feeling of emptiness, or ennui, from time to time. These are usually passing mental states when we either feel bleak or numb or both. They can often come about as a result of something unpleasant or traumatic, such as the loss of a loved one. That said, chronic feelings of emptiness are of a different order. These sensations usually belie a deeper emotional state and possible mental health problems. Psychologists will often associate chronic emptiness with being lonely. However, it is important to point out that these are feelings and may not relate to the reality of the situation. In other words, someone who has lots of friends, colleagues and family members around them can still feel as though they are lonely if they are suffering from a mental state that also makes them feel emotionally drained or empty. Such feelings are not 'wrong' in any sense, even though the sensation of loneliness may not be caused by being alone.