Loneliness is sadness because one has no friends or company or the quality of being unfrequented and remote; isolation. After a stroke, it is normal to feel lonely after all in most cases it’s like you have lost your best friend (you).

Loneliness can usually occur when:

• We feel as though we don’t fit in.
• We don’t feel supported or have a connection with the people around us.
• We lose someone who is very important to us, such as our partner, a friend, a family member, or ourselves; we are no longer the person we once were.
• We are alone but desire the company of others.

It is not a pleasant place to be but, some good news, our old friend plasticity can help us again. Just like plasticity can rewire physical abilities, it can rewire thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, too.  So, every time you have a negative thought of any kind, change it to a positive one .. For instance, in the negative examples above, change them to:

• I will work hard at fitting in.
• I will work hard to make connections with the people around me, especially friends and family. And ask for their support.
• I will work hard to become the person I want to be.
• I will work hard at seeking out relationships with others. For example, I will join a stroke group or church group and etc.

And just like therapy exercises, this must become a habit. Repetition is required to change your thoughts also! Again, as many as possible!