Loneliness

I can remember having my picture taken for a tee ball team photo when I was probably around 7 years old. My parents had just divorced, my father leaving on my 7th birthday. I suppose it was a lot to process, along with many other adverse childhood experiences I had already had. I do not know where that photo is now, probably buried in a cardboard box in a basement somewhere. What I do remember is how I looked. The image of myself in that photo, sitting on the back row, is like that of a soldier with a 2000 yard stare. And I remember feeling lonely. Surrounded by teammates, I could not even name a single one of them today.

I've dealt with loneliness and mental illness for as long as I can remember. In and out of therapy when I can afford it, sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. I find that connecting, writing down my thoughts, journaling, and sharing often is one of the most therapeutic things to do. Sometimes it is enough to just jot down the thoughts and emotions that are swirling around my head or making my heart feel heavy.

I go to YouTube a lot for advice from others who have also had to deal with these social/emotional issues. Last night I found this clip which I will share with you on Matt D'Avella's channel of an interview with author Johann Hari who wrote: LOST CONNECTIONS - Uncovering The Real Causes of Depression- And The Unexpected Solutions.

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected/dp/163286830X

I hope to give it a read someday soon, hopefully over the summer when I have some free time.

In the meantime, please enjoy Matt's interview and check out his contact info for more interesting and helpful content:

Be good.

Jamie