Dear Eric >> I am a 47-year-old woman and was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness three years ago after several years of investigations. I have a rough time frame of six to 10 years. I have no family and no close friends. The only person I see is my neighbor who is also my cleaner, but that’s the only time I see her. I am totally alone, lonely and desperate and don’t know where to go or what to do.

— Need Company

Dear Company >> I’m so sorry. The isolation you’re feeling and the illness you’re navigating likely make it very hard to feel hope. I’m glad you reached out.

Even though your illness is rare, you’re not alone in what you’re feeling, and it will help to share some of your emotional journey — the difficult and the good — with others who understand.

Please look into support groups for people navigating life-threatening and terminal illnesses. Groups like these can also help foster friendships and help you feel less alone.

But your life is more than your illness, all-encompassing as it may be. Think about what you like to do — hobbies, causes you support, things you’ve always wanted to learn — and commit to exploring one or more of them. This might look like volunteering; it might look like taking a class online or in-person, if possible. It’s important to affirm for yourself that what you care about or are curious about matters. And, by doing so, you’ll also come in contact with other people who share your interests and can help alleviate your sense of isolation.

I know this is an incredibly difficult time for you. So many of us struggle to overcome social isolation even without the added pain of a terminal illness. But this moment is not the end of the road for you. Please try one small option at a time — searching for a group, signing up for a class. Even the act of trying can help ignite a spark of hope.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com