Loneliness

Diagnosis, treatment and survivorship can each bring unique challenges. Feeling alone during challenging times can be one of the most difficult parts of living with a serious illness. 

At certain points throughout your diagnosis and treatment, you may have been told that you must isolate yourself to stay safe and healthy. If your immune system is compromised, this is probably the advice you were given by your healthcare team. Since the beginning of COVID-19, isolation has become even more important. 

Isolation is difficult. Often, being told you must isolate yourself or social distance sends the message that you are all alone. It's important to stay socially connected, while remaining physically distanced. 

While isolating yourself physically is crucial at certain times, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually isolating yourself can be detrimental to your health. When human beings connect with one another, important hormones are released that help combat stress, anxiety and even depression. 

It can also be difficult during periods of transition as you start those steps towards connecting again.  This section talks about some of the emotions that can emerge and ways to cope.