Hi everyone,
I have just been reading some of the posts here and realised that we have been blessed to have such a wonderful site where we can share our feelings and gain a lot of support to help us with our illness. I was chatting the other day to one of the residents in my community and that's when I realised that there are still so many people in our communities who still feel left out, forgotten or who just cannot be bothered to go out and socialise. It is not everyone who has a chronic illness who is lonley but there are still people out there who need support. Many are isolated because of mobility problems, some because of psychological effects of the disease.
I know there are people who can manage to go out and meet with others alike , but how about those who cannot. Those who have a 15 minute slot of care from the social services that they cannot have enough time to mix with others. How about that neighbour who you have not seen some time but turn a blind eye and just say, 'I guess they are fine, they just don't want to be bothered'. It could be that they just need someone to talk to. I know it is really difficult to lend a hand when yours is in trouble but why don't we all try and reach out to that person you know they are alone and offer support or just a few words of encouragement and motivation so we can take away that feeling of loneliness from someone for just few minutes to make them feel better. There are those who cannot use the internet who do not know how to go about it when they needs support, and there are those who need someone to make them aware that there is help out there and that they don't need to be alone at all.
I think it is better to think of what to do if you feel like you are isolating yourself from others. At times it happens without realising it and it takes a toll on our health. Have a plan each day on how you want to spend your day and learn how to deal with situations when you feel lonely.
With chronic illness there are times we need that alone time, but if the alone time goes on from days to weeks and months on time then it becomes a problem. Let's be interactive and find those sources that limit social isolation amongst ourselves. Support groups, social activities, or chat, a chat with your neighbour can make a difference.
You are not alone! Let's work together to minimise isolation amongst us! Let's not make isolation take over our lives. Let's get out there or logon onto those support sites and find friends that can relate to what you are going through!
