We all belong here.

It’s a whale in the deep ocean with stars around it.
To me loneliness feels like the deep ocean, and the stars, they represent that you can see there is opportunity out there, but they feel so far away and you’re beneath the surface, and out of touch with everything around you?
You’re sure that others have these emotions, and you are not alone, but those possibilities feel so far away and its hard to connect with that, even though, you know they’re there.

I am currently living out on a farm kilometres away from everything, and I haven't seen many of my friends in over six months. I was supposed to start uni this year, but life happened, and I have been forced to stay home. I never see anyone other than my family, and even then, they are always out working. I've tried really hard to get a job and something to do, but I cannot find anything that will take me, a chronically ill teenager with pretty much no life experience. I just feel so isolated from everything, and so lonely. Honestly though, this isn't a new experience. I've felt like that since I started primary school. I just feel like I never fit in anywhere, and just so alone. I miss my friends, and I just want to leave my house, and do something for a change, with my friends.

Struggling with isolation due to mental health outside your control takes you to your breaking point with something as small as being left out of a conversation

This collage sees an individual (pictured in grey) going on a journey away from their known supports in pursuit of something better (as represented by the colours and the sunshine) but to get through a lonely place (represented by the grey hill). As they navigate the loneliness or isolation, they find new connections where they fit in (represented at the top right-hand corner, and the individual is now depicted in colour).

This is basically me comparing loneliness to a grapefruit. Being alone and being lonely are two different things.
In my experience, I have been the most productive and grown a lot as a person during times when I have been lonely.
However, when I feel lonely for too long, or go about being lonely in the wrong way, it’s quite harmful to my mental health.