In the large picture of things, human beings are like beans. They add value to each other when together; but when by itself, it’s practically useless. And why not? Mankind learnt how to exist together at all the stages of evolution, such that neither can the people of 2021 live in isolation and neither can they die.

And then, a huge part of the population feels that they are alone in their social, psychological, financial and physical struggles. Some would even find it a privilege to be worried about loneliness.

The center of the earth, a tiny spot on the moon, a solitary confinement in jail, in the middle of the ocean, and on an unknown island are common examples where mankind finds itself quite alone. However, isolation has been gaining attention since the pandemic, as if it’s a newfound occurrence. People have felt alone in various ways. Patients, of course, carrying a contagious disease. Doctors follow, in a high pressure result oriented environment where numbers change everything. And then, a huge part of the population feels that they are alone in their social, psychological, financial and physical struggles. Some would even find it a privilege to be worried about loneliness. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that isolation and loneliness has existed since the birth of mankind and now that the world has given us the opportunity, we must identify it better than we used to.

The Illusion of Togetherness 

The easiest of individualistic activities that provide a sense of belonging and distraction at the same time is social media use. Now the dangers of social media are widely known or at least available to our audience who might have researched the same at some point. But mocking autism, licking toilet seats to prove immunity to COVID-19, little kids imitating adult sexual objectification, getting concussions as a result of a “skull breaker” challenge, and the worst of it all, a breeding ground for paedophilia is how Tik Tok alone affected us in the past year. Thus, the illusion of being a part of something bigger does not have to come at the cost of our future generation’s mental, physical and social well-being.  

Do You Push Away Help?

Many of us find ourselves a stronger product of our past. As the years of experience have made space for strength, both mental and physical. It curbs the openness to be vulnerable. The collective suffering calls for an inspection into healthy ways to seek for help and taking the effort to recognize that you are not alone. And most importantly recognising that you cannot exist alone as an escape to being vulnerable.  

To fall ill with a contagious disease; to die in isolation. Such is sadness. And to not do anything about it might just be worse. 

Here Are a Few Things That Might Help

• Asking questions like how can I help?
• Share your pain with others in pain.
• Seek professional help or someone who can aid you get professional help. 
• Make sure to check in with yourself.
• Make a conscious effort to not promote toxicity. 
• Focus on yourself.

Books That Might Help

• Man in Isolation & Confinement by John Rasmussen
• The Anxiety Solution by Chloe Brotheridge
• Grown Ups by Marian Keys
• The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel 

To fall ill with a contagious disease; to die in isolation. Such is sadness. 

And to not do anything about it might just be worse. 

Cover: Aakansha Gupta

Edited by Sophie Kulla