Recently, I was reminded how people living with high-functioning depression and anxiety, substance use disorders and eating disorders can find themselves feeling profoundly lonely and alone.

So often, people living with mental illnesses of any kind can find themselves feeling alone in their sickness. People living with these illnesses often feel as though not only do they not deserve love because of their illness, they feel completely isolated and alone in their sickness. People living with mental illness and substance use disorders often feel unlovable and often tend to isolate themselves because of those feelings rather than reaching out when they need company or help managing their symptoms.

What if instead of isolating yourself and withdrawing even more into the darkness of your illness, you reached out and said to a friend or family member, “Hey, I’m not doing so good today. Do you have time to talk?” It takes more courage to seek help than it does to suffer in silence.

What if instead of trying to navigate the deep waters of loneliness all by yourself, you stepped up appointments with your therapist or counselor to help you realize there are people who care about you and want to see you happy? A therapist or counselor can help arm you with tools to help you manage your symptoms. There is no shame in seeking assistance managing your illness.

There may be times when it is difficult to connect with others, when family or friends do not have time to talk. What to do then? This is the time to practice self-care and embrace your alone time. Try to find things that you enjoy doing on your own and learn to enjoy your own company. Take yourself out to dinner. Go see a move you want to see. Go for a long run or walk. Schedule a massage or manicure. Once you learn to love your own company, fending off feelings of loneliness becomes easier.

Everyone experiences feelings of loneliness from time to time. The trick to navigating these feelings is remember that there are people who care about you just a phone call or text away. And if you find yourself with no one to communicate at the moment, try to do something just for you that will help you manage those feelings. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and making yourself feel better about your situation. If you need to, make an appointment with a therapist or counselor. We can help you remember that even when you are alone, you are worthy of love and belonging and that there always are people who care about you.