I always wondered if my loneliness contributed to the development of my illness. A few years before I got ill, I began to withdraw from the world. Eventually, I wasn't socializing at all. I thought it was depression but was reluctant to get help for it since I was previously misdiagnosed with a personality disorder.

The social exclusion came after I recovered. I have ASD so this has always been a problem. It became more obvious, because I changed. I lost interest in people and lacked motivation to do anything, even socializing.

People help for sure. I don't socialize much but I try. I also have one really good friend. He is pleasant and fun to be around. A sense of belonging definitely promotes good physical and emotional health. Class has helped me feel a lot better about myself too.