LONELINESS POSES AS MUCH HEALTH RISK AS SMOKING 15 CIGARETTES PER DAY! I KNOW it is hard to not become isolated and lonely while living in the midst of chronic illness, but you MUST for the sake of your health do everything you can to combat it! I have been medically home-bound now for about four years and here are some creative ways I have found to fight against loneliness. 1. I joined a virtual support group for my condition, which I attend weekly. (Mitochondrial disease/mitoaction.org) 2. I see a mental health counselor once per week, even when I do not have anything in particular to work on, but the weekly additional socialization is very nice to have. 3. I joined a virtual bible study group through my church, so this way I can connect with members even when I am not well enough to make it to the church in person. 4. I have begun doing ‘virtual’ movie dates with friends, we call one another through the ‘WhatsApp’ app on our phone/tablets and then choose and agreed upon movie and start it at the same time, then watch and chat and laugh together while watching! 5. I text my friends regularly to check in on them, and ask to set up phone calls when they are free to catch up. 6. I invite friends and family over for a meal whenever they are free. 7. I joined a facebook group to find pen-pals and write to my pen pals regularly, which you would be surprised how much those letters combat loneliness. I know the struggle to stay connected while you are battling with a health condition. Be creative, try new things, and don’t give up! #chronicillness #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnesswarrior #mito #mitochondrialdisease #viralspinalmeningitis
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