When you’re living with the side effects of trauma, grief, pain, depression, anxiety, or stress, you might find yourself hiding away from loved ones, not showing up to social plans, or avoiding communication with others—ultimately, falling more and more into social isolation. A lot of trauma survivors will isolate themselves because they feel like other people in their lives don’t understand what they’re going through. Another reason is fear of rubbing off on others or being a bother to them—or because they just don’t feel they have the energy anymore to be social. But as much as it feels like it right now, you are not alone—and realizing this is a crucial part of healing. Here are a few reminders for you.