Social Isolation

[donna0329]

Unfortunately, I don't have many friends for family to reach out to. MSAA's chat through HealthUnlocked here has provided me with much needed social connection. The MSAA help line suggested that I contact "MSFriends" so I just signed up for "MSFriends" peer support program through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and I should hear back from them in 3-4 weeks. I hope this program can provide me with much needed social support.

In the meantime, I am asking my fellow MSers here to share any tips that you may have in finding emotional support. MS can be so isolating. I'm looking forward to hearing any and all suggestions that you may have.

Thanks for sharing!

[lbenmaor]

donna,

I understand how you feel. Try My MS Team on line.

Leslie

[Elizt3 in reply to lbenmaor]

Where do you find this?

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Can you do a search for ‘ms’ support groups in your area, donna0329 ? At my last infusion, there was a card at the receptionist desk of a local self help group that meets monthly at a local church. I know that there is a search feature on Facebook that you can use to find local groups. Let us know if you are successful in your search, okay? 🤗

[mrsmike9 in reply to carolek572]

I tried a support group which was an epic fail. They started like an AA meeting; " Hi, my name is Bob", "Hi Bob!" Really turned me off. It's not an addiction. It's a Disease! Very put off by that.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to mrsmike9]

That would be very off putting, mrsmike9 ! I haven’t joined any support groups for ‘ms’. I would rather join a group for an interest or a hobby. Much better, in my opinion, because you can work at getting better at something!

[mrsmike9 in reply to carolek572]

Very true! I was early in my diagnosis and was trying to learn about it. I love this group so much better! I love how we share a lot of things, not just MS things. Much more of a friend group, really.

[Helpmeup in reply to mrsmike9]

How awful. I had some pretty uncomfortable experiences at in-person support groups too. Ugh. 🤗

[Helpmeup]

Hi donna0329. I don't have much to suggest other than what's already been posted. I just wanted to say you are one of many, and it's not just a problem for msers. I have read many articles lately about the "epidemic of loneliness" in this country. I am in a similar situation as you regarding a lack of friends and family to reach out to. And with my M.S. mostly keeping me housebound, this online forum has been a wonderful connection to the world outside! I am so grateful for this M.S. family! Wishing you the very best and hope you find some meaningful connections! 🤗

[NorasMom]

I can't offer any advice for getting support, beyond what's already been listed, but I've discovered it's equally important to limit my contact with toxic people.

[falalalala in reply to NorasMom]

You're not kidding.

[Helpmeup in reply to NorasMom]

Amen to that, NorasMom! 🤗

[kycmary]

Hi Donna my name is Mary, kycmary I understand where you are, that's why I was so glad to find this site. There are plenty of people to talk to who understand where we are. I really have to say that at my church I have a wonderful support system. It is a small church. Maddison Avenue Baptist Church. Covington Ky. We pray for each other & care about each other. My God bless you & keep you always.

[Xvettech in reply to kycmary]

hi all. To add to the wonderful ideas here if your MS has effected your ability to drive and get around like mine I suggest RCC online. It’s River Christian Church. They are based in Florida (I use to live there) but they are online and have good ideas and information for you They are also a praying church. Even though they are in Florida and I’m in Jersey I feel included. Good luck with everything you do! Ans may you find something to help.

[Xvettech in reply to Xvettech]

I also would like to add animals, they offer great companionship and amusement !

[StacyHayward]

church, and exercise class. I always say you have to put yourself out there! You can’t wait around for someone to find you!

[oudie]

My heart aches for you, donna0329. I've tried to solve this loneliness thing for decades now, too. My latest ideas have been volunteering to teach things in the library. The latest is teaching bellydance there, which I can do only by the narrowest margins. When that window closes, my next idea would be to teach young people how to write in cursive handwriting. I still mask in the library because of the risk of measles (neuro says no live vaxes) but nobody seems to mind. If the handwriting idea fails, I might try to help adults with ESL there.

[CatsandCars]

I can relate; chatting with the receptionists at various doctor appointments only gets you so far! There is a website called Meetups where people get together and go out to eat, do various activities, book clubs, etc. If you keep checking, you can probably find some opportunities there.

[Birdloverforever]

I am in the same boat. Live in big metro area but no one talk to. Family has died. Love to correspond with you. 😀

[MSFlea]

I understand how you feel. My health has been declining over the years before I was diagnosed this year, and I just didn't have the energy to go out and keep up with friends or try to make new ones. I mostly keep up with my long distance friends. Some I met online, and some are from before I moved to where I currently am. May I message you?🧡

[Birdloverforever in reply to MSFlea]

Yes.

[Birdloverforever]

Will you be my friend? 😀😀😀😀😀

[mrsmike9]

Finding friends is hard.

[Neworleanslady]

book club’?

[mhepler531]

Hi Donna. I don't post much on here, but I read everything all the time. Be encouraged that all of the people here are genuine and support each other in big ways. In the last year or two, a few of the ladies have lost their husbands. People are still checking in with them regularly just to touch base. Make this forum your home base and go from there. Everyone here will definitely have your back. ❤️