Editor,

RE: "Do not alienate yourself” (The New Times, April 19). I agree with the author — it is said that no man is an island. Self-isolation by some individuals could lead to a variety of psychological and mental issues. This especially occurs when one has had a problem. For instance, if one loses his job, there is high tendency of self-seclusion.

We sometimes tend to concentrate on what we might have lost so much as such thoughts preoccupy our minds leading to hopelessness and negativity. Stress and frustrations are the next long time companions we might welcome yet these are destroyers of the mind and general well-being of an individual.

Although it is important to have time alone particularly for meditation, being alone with intentions of worrying could lead to self-destruction.

It is, therefore, important for one, first, to acknowledge a problem as another challenge, then move on with life connecting with friends.

I must add though that not all friends are nice people. Some friends may care less while others may be a great source of inspiration once we make ourselves available and frank with them. Friends mend broken hearts and fractured minds. They are the water that cools an engine that would have otherwise heated up and possibly caused an engine knock.

During trials and tribulations, we need a shoulder to lean on to get rejuvenated and energised. Speak to a friend. The Baganda say, "Knowledge is fire; when it gets finished from you, fetch it from your neighbour”.

Patrick Ochwo