With a chronic or serious illness, chances are that you may be missing school or, at times, feeling like normal teenage life is going on without you. Loneliness is a common feeling during these tough moments, and when combined with issues like bullying, it can intensify. If people around you don’t seem to understand, it can deepen that sense of isolation. But remember, you are not alone in feeling alone. Loneliness can lead to sadness or even depression, which is why it’s important to understand what it is and learn how to cope with it.
What Is Loneliness?
Loneliness is more than just being alone. It’s a complex emotional state where you feel disconnected from others, even in a crowded room. Loneliness during illness may stem from feeling different, misunderstood, or isolated due to your situation. Understanding that loneliness is a shared human experience can help you realize that many others feel the same way—even when it doesn’t seem like it.
How to Approach Conversations When Feeling Alone
If you find people are hesitant to start a conversation with you, it’s natural to feel rejected. But maybe it’s not that they don’t care; perhaps they don’t know what to say. Facing someone who’s going through a health challenge can make people uncomfortable. They may fear saying the wrong thing, so instead, they say nothing at all. That silence or awkwardness can feel like rejection, but often it’s just uncertainty on their part.
To help bridge this gap, you might need to be the one to start the conversation. Letting people know how you’re feeling—whether it’s loneliness, frustration, or a need for support—can open up the lines of communication. When you’re honest about what’s going on, people may surprise you with their empathy and understanding.
Strategies to Combat Loneliness
If you’re dealing with loneliness, there are several ways to take control and improve your situation. Here are some strategies to try when loneliness starts to set in:
Join a Supportive Community: Whether online or in-person, connecting with others who are facing similar challenges can be empowering. If you’re a player of Shadow’s Edge, you can share your experiences through the game’s graffiti feature, or you might explore other online forums and support groups. Talking to others who truly understand what you're going through can help ease feelings of isolation.
Be Proactive with Friends and Family: Don’t wait for others to reach out—take the initiative. Think about what you want to do and invite someone to join you. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being the one to start the interaction.
Identify Your Support Network: Make a list of people who listen to you and understand you. Knowing you have someone to turn to in tough moments can provide a sense of comfort. When loneliness creeps in, reach out to someone from that list for a chat.
Express Yourself Creatively: Channeling your feelings through creative outlets can be therapeutic. Whether you enjoy journaling, painting, or gaming, expressing your emotions in a safe way can help ease the burden of loneliness.
Find and Share Your Passion: When you’re engaged in something you love, loneliness tends to fade into the background. Whether it's a hobby, a skill, or a passion project, sharing it with others can strengthen bonds and lessen feelings of isolation.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Loneliness is invisible, but it’s something we all experience at different times. By reaching out, expressing yourself, and connecting with others, you can combat the feelings of isolation that often accompany chronic illness. If you’ve tried other strategies that have helped you stay connected while managing your illness, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. You are not alone—let’s fight loneliness together.