The Importance Of Embracing Loneliness - Written by Alia Datoo Every forty seconds, someone commits suicide. According to Mother Teresa, the biggest disease was not leprosy or cancer or tuberculosis, but rather... "the feeling of being unwanted, uncared for and deserted by everybody". Everyone knows that loneliness can be devastating. Anyone who has felt alone understands how painful it can be. For some, the feeling is momentary, but for those who cannot find an escape, loneliness can be a downward spiralling trap.