Loneliness is a constant presence in the lives of many people with bipolar disorder. Sometimes it comes as a direct consequence of our actions, impulsive decisions made during manic episodes that end up pushing others away. Then comes the shame, the guilt, the uncertainty of how to face the judgment of those who witnessed those moments. It feels easier to hide, to avoid, to distance yourself until what was temporary becomes permanent.

Other times, loneliness runs deeper, almost inevitable. It’s the isolation brought by the schizosocial aspect of the disorder, that disconnection that makes relationships difficult, that builds invisible walls between you and the rest of the world. It’s feeling misunderstood, different, as if words and gestures never quite align. Loneliness isn’t always a choice, but you learn to live with it. Because in the end, even in those moments, we’re still here, trying to find a little peace in the silence.