01/07/2025
A man in Bombay locked himself to the world after he lost 3 family members in quick succession. He disappeared into his home and no one noticed. I write this because I am grappling with how lonely the world is becoming even though we live under the illusion of connection. Humans need humans, we need touch, we need connection and we need a sense of belonging.
We are creating a world where we seem connected, get on virtual calls, order swiggy, get everything on blink it - but is this truly connection. Are we seen, heard, understood, do we have people for small talk, office bitching or water cooler discussions? As we become lonelier it’s important to ask if in the garb of convenience what we are really buying is loneliness.
As a therapist, I am heartbroken we live in a world where neighbors don’t notice, where someone is so depressed but instead of finding connection he falls into the depth of isolation because no one asked how are you? Are you ok? He went through acute grief and was not immediately surrounded by community like in older times.
Are we saying we are connecting but really just so isolated that human connection, our basic human need is lost?
