Living with mental illness can be a very lonely experience, mental illness can isolate us in so many ways. Stigma and self-stigma can isolate us as can the illness itself as sometimes we can prefer to be alone because we either don't want to bother someone or the want to socialise just isn't there. I have isolated myself many a time and have been socially isolated too. When I talk about loneliness it doesn't necessarily mean being on your own as some people can live happy and fulfilling lives without much socialisation, however many people will find this a very lonely experience. You can also be in a crowded room with friends or loved ones and still feel lonely. So what do I mean by feeling lonely? Loneliness is a subjective experience of isolation, it is a mentally painful experience where you do not feel connected to the people around you and your basic needs are not being met. You may feel unloved, not worthwhile, even if others don’t share these views. You...
“We need to shine the light on mental health and mental illness to help those who may be struggling to know they are not alone and to reduce the stigma which is still prevalent in our society today"