Some people turn their attention and energies inward to such a degree that they lose contact with life and the rest of humanity.
Isolation and loneliness can often be self-inflicted. If you focus on grieving or feeling sorry for yourself or if you accept the diagnosis as a death sentence, you may snip your ties to the world and live as though you already belong to the dead. When that happens—just as when isolation comes from the outside and old connections are broken by others—you have to make new connections, building new bridges to people and activities that can renew your energy and zest for living.
You may be frightened or pessimistic about taking the first steps toward making a new life. But you can change direction. The benefits of doing so make the effort more than worthwhile.
