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Anime dealing with loneliness/depression in a main character

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Sep 2, 2012 2:50 AM
#1

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Jan 2011
14
Preferably I'd like it to be a girl but any is fine.

And it should be a rather realistic down to earth show, so no extreme settings or magical elements, but I can make exceptions if its done well.

If its romance, comedy or drama it doesnt matter. And it shouldnt just be a shy person, I want it to be a realistic look at loneliness, isolation, and (hopefully some kind of resolution) how she feels rather than one that is brushed aside in the first few eps as soon as she accidentally meets that cliche true love or something.
Sep 2, 2012 2:58 AM
#2
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Mar 2012
1816
Hmm, the current only one I can think of is the opposite of what you wanted in meaning of no magical elements or a girl, it is Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu, it is done very well. http://myanimelist.net/anime/8086/Densetsu_no_Yuusha_no_Densetsu

Maybe Mushishi and Natsume Yuujinchou, these have the main character as a lone wolf.

http://myanimelist.net/anime/457/Mushishi
http://myanimelist.net/anime/4081/Natsume_Yuujinchou

Chäos;head if you don't mind the supernatural, somewhat superpower part:
http://myanimelist.net/anime/4975/Ch%C3%A4oS;HEAd

If you don't mind the comedy than watch: http://myanimelist.net/anime/2605/Sayonara_Zetsubou_Sensei

KarpmanSep 2, 2012 3:12 AM
Sep 2, 2012 2:58 AM
#3

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Feb 2012
739
Welcome to NHK!
Sep 2, 2012 3:00 AM
#4
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Aug 2012
1845
http://myanimelist.net/anime/1210/Welcome_to_the_NHK!

Pretty much how you described it. Starts of as a slice of life comedy about an antisocial 'game developer', and then as time goes by he gives in to his ways and tries to break free of depression.

Amazingly ordinary, no magic, supernatural or anything. Highly recommended.
Sep 2, 2012 5:54 AM
#5

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Apr 2009
5194
Ano Hana - it's more down-to-earth than most anime, but there is still a host involved.
Himitsu:: Top Secret - slight sci-fi, but it's not out-there. Hard to explain.
Last half of Haibane Renmei

I can only think of one anime that deals with it realistically with no supernatural elements, and that's Welcome to the NHK!
Sep 2, 2012 6:22 AM
#6

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Dec 2011
961
Thirding Welcome to the NHK.

Sep 2, 2012 6:48 PM
#7

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Jan 2011
14
Ok I'll definitely check out NHK then.

I'm not too picky on having it absolutely realistic, but as long as spells arnt being fired every few minutes or something.

Wow, I actually was going to try Natsume Yuujinchou at one time as it looked like something I would enjoy from seeing it on the front page once but somehow forgot all about it.
Sep 2, 2012 7:42 PM
#8
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May 2011
30
You will love NHK. Trust us! :D
Sep 6, 2012 5:44 AM
#9
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Jul 2018
561864
seconding Mushishi
Sep 6, 2012 5:47 AM

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Jul 2011
3827
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Sep 6, 2012 6:11 AM

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Aug 2012
659
code geass
neon genesis evangelion
guilty crown
Sep 6, 2012 7:28 AM

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Dec 2008
97
try Usagi Drop also
Sep 6, 2012 8:17 AM

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Jun 2012
30
it is a bit diffirent from other animes but u should look at Serial Experiment Lain.. and also, Chäos;head...



Sep 6, 2012 5:51 PM

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Sep 2011
113
i too recommend welcome to the NHK

maybe you should tr voices of a distant start, it's not exactly what your asking for but it did put tears in my eyes.
Sep 6, 2012 6:06 PM

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Jun 2012
149
I also recommend Welcome to the NHK!

I envy the people who get to watch it for the first time.. T_T
Sep 6, 2012 7:40 PM

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Jul 2012
210
In a sense Haibane Renmei, it's not an easy show to get into but it's definitely worth a watch.
Sep 7, 2012 7:16 AM

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Jan 2012
339
It talks about depression but I'm not sure if this is actually what you're looking for: Myself; Yourself. Might want to give it a shot anyway.
My apologies, children, for I am afraid I cannot save you all.
Sep 7, 2012 9:49 AM

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Jan 2011
14
Well I saw quite a bit of NHK now and its pretty amazing. It is quite unique.

Think I'll try Mushishi or Natsume Yuujinchou next
Sep 7, 2012 9:54 AM
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Oct 2010
2269
Don't ignore the serial experiments lain recommendation, either. Loneliness plays a major role there. Also try Angel's Egg for an atmosphere of excruciating loneliness. Neither are down to earth in any way, though.

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