Truly being alone

[Tarrel]

When I backpacked coast to coast across Scotland, I spent days on end not seeing anyone. Totally self-reliant. I loved it, but it does mess with your head. One day, about two thirds of the way across, I was walking along and just started sobbing like a kid. No reason why. I didn't feel bad or desperate. Wasn't in pain. It passed after a few minutes. I felt loads better afterwards.

I think you have to practise and experience being alone. It's the only way to prepare for it. if you can do that, then it's one less thing to have to come to terms with in a survival situation.