I feel like before the pandemic there was massive stigma around loneliness, that it was viewed as pathetic & a form of moral or social failing.

Now that almost everyone is experiencing unprecedented isolation, I hope we can destigmatize loneliness & make space to talk about it.

Stigma and shame are obstacles that prevent people from talking opening about the challenges they're facing right now and getting the support they need.

I have been in solo isolation for almost a year, under high stress. I'm a self-sufficient person with strong coping mechanisms, and I'm solitary by nature. This is still one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.

For goodness' sake, let's take care of each other as best we can. I don't know how we get through these times otherwise.

I keep hoping that the global experience of shared hardship will create an opportunity to come collectively out of the pandemic era with more compassion and understanding for each other.

If you're out there reading this and you're lonely, I hope you can take some small comfort in knowing it's not just you. We're all in this together, even if we're apart. And I really wish I could give you a hug.