Exploring the emotional journeys of four individuals who found strength in solitude
The growing global concern for mental health, especially among youth, is a reflection of the emotional turbulence caused by constant change. Navigating loneliness during times of transition is challenging, but finding support can make a world of difference.
In collaboration with CHAT, Thriving in Transition explores how we derive meaning from our emotions and how human connection can help us through challenging times.
Can loneliness be transformative?
While loneliness is often linked to negative outcomes like mental health struggles and reduced productivity, it also has the potential to foster creativity. Many cultural expressions, from films to music, are rooted in solitude, particularly during the pandemic. As isolation grows more widespread, ironically, it is also becoming a shared experience.
Rather than dismiss loneliness as purely negative, it is worth recognizing it as a universal part of life. Whether due to grief, isolation, or simply relocating, loneliness varies in intensity but remains a natural part of human experience.
Reframing loneliness
Jack Fong, a sociologist, has focused on how loneliness can lead to growth, encouraging us to embrace solitude as a path toward self-discovery. By accepting life’s randomness and finding meaning within, we learn resilience and self-knowledge.
Internal reflection
Much like physical training, facing loneliness requires effort. Carl Jung’s concept of the “shadow self”—the aspects of ourselves we hide or reject—emphasizes the value of understanding these darker parts of our identity. By doing this work, we build the emotional strength that solitude demands.
How loneliness feels in Singapore
With the unique pressures faced in Singapore—such as prolonged pandemic restrictions—the ability to build resilience remains an open question. The journeys of four Singaporeans shed light on the diverse ways individuals have coped with loneliness and isolation.
The anxious expat mother: Alice, 29
Alice, who moved from China to Singapore, struggled with isolation during her pregnancy. Without a strong support network, she felt overwhelmed by both personal and professional worries. Her husband encouraged her to rediscover her love of art, which helped her overcome her feelings of loneliness. She eventually turned her creative expression into a children’s book and founded a nonprofit to support others experiencing prenatal depression through art.
The recent graduate who found her path: Laili, 24
Laili’s transition to working life blurred the lines between her personal and professional identities, leading to burnout. Overwhelmed by the lack of routine, she turned to her lifelong love of reading as a means to cope. Realizing her true passion lay in literature, she made the decision to leave her job and pursue further studies in the field.
The psychology dropout: Viaano, 25
Struggling with mental health issues from a young age, Viaano found himself isolated due to the stigma surrounding mental illness in Singapore. His experiences inspired him to create Huddlehumans, a platform for young Singaporeans to discuss mental health anonymously. Despite dropping out of his psychology degree, Viaano found a sense of community in moderating these conversations.
The artist who carved her own path: Natasha, 27
As an artist, Natasha struggled with a harsh inner critic and a lack of representation in Singapore’s creative industries. The pandemic gave her the space to silence her doubts and embrace her creativity. She learned to code and began selling artwork, eventually founding Archipelagirl, an online zine that provides a platform for marginalized voices in Singapore.
Life’s highs and lows
Through the experiences of these individuals, it’s clear that moments of loneliness, while painful, can also lead to growth. Creative pursuits, reflection, and community support were instrumental in helping them navigate their isolation. Solitude is not something to master, but an opportunity to deepen our understanding of ourselves.
At the heart of these stories is the lesson that growth takes time and comes in many forms. There’s always a community ready to welcome you when you reach out, even in your darkest moments.
