I want to Socialize my body won't let me!

Socializing is the thing I miss most of all the things I have lost due to my chronic illness! It is so painful and hard for me every single day to be living in so much isolation. My condition is so energy-limiting that at this stage of my condition the simple act of using my talking muscles in my throat and chest is so fatiguing that I can be left with increased fatigue for days and days after just one short social event.

I now have to always choose between pushing my body to go anywhere to be social and suffer the ‘pay-back’ symptoms, or to simply choose to stay in the pain of isolation, and I will admit, more times than not lately, I choose the isolation because even while it is so emotionally painful, at least I can enjoy more stability in symptoms and less physical pain.

If you are facing this same battle, have comfort knowing you are not alone, and do what you can to connect in creative ways. Here are some of the tools I have developed to help combat isolation while balancing my limited energy:

I see my mental health specialist twice per which (my insurance covers) via video chat, so I can see their face, but not have to expend the energy to get into the office.

I use the video-chat feature on my iPhone or through FB messenger as often as possible to chat with friends and family.

I set planned ‘phone-call dates’ with my friends or family.

Sometimes I watch a movie at the same time with a friend/family member over video chat.

I have a few pen-pals so I can always sit down and write them a letter if I am feeling particularly lonely. I joined a FB group called “snail-mail pals” to find other’s interested in connecting in this way.

I take part in a weekly online support group for my disease which utilizes video technology so we can all see one another and connect.

I participate in a weekly virtual disciple group with my local church, who again utilized video technology to connect everyone in the online platform.

I ask friends and family to visit me as often as possible at my home, because not having to pack things up and travel in the car to get to them saves a lot of energy and stress for me.

I hope these tips are helpful to you!