Can going through a phase of loneliness / being lonely make you into a stronger person or a weaker one?

Due to a number of reasons I have gone from having a rich social life to leading a mostly lonely life. I can go weeks or even months without seeing a familiar face or receiving a call from anyone, including family. I am trying to look on the bright side of things but I’m not sure there is one. Can going through a phase of loneliness make you into a stronger person or a weaker one? Why?