By Beth Rush
After spending days in bed, thanks to a recent flare-up, I suddenly realized how long it had been since I truly connected with someone. While this might not seem too serious at first glance, studies show that loneliness can cause both mental and physical health complications. It creeps up unexpectedly for many people, like me, suffering from a chronic illness.
If you’ve also felt alone recently due to an illness, it’s important to recognize the feeling early and take steps to improve your life where possible. I’ve found a few ways to overcome loneliness from chronic illness, and I’d like to share them with you to help you feel less isolated.
It’s well-documented that loneliness and chronic illness often go hand in hand. In addition to dealing with the constant pain, stress, and physical limitations that come with illness, we usually have limited time and energy for socializing or going out. What’s more, attending doctor appointments and undergoing treatment can take up a lot of time, often resulting in long periods spent at home alone.
While I consider myself an introvert, being alone for too long can take its toll on anyone. On top of the physical isolation, I also struggle with feeling emotionally disconnected from others. I find that some people don’t understand what it’s like to live with a chronic illness or how to react appropriately. While I understand their position, I also crave connection.
How to Combat Loneliness
Whether you’re feeling lonely from a chronic illness or your life in general, here are some strategies that helped me overcome my slump:
1. Have Self-Compassion
The first—and arguably the hardest—step is identifying and acknowledging your loneliness. It’s easy to power through and continue with daily life, but you’ll feel so much better when you show yourself compassion and realize that you’re struggling. Spend time with your feelings and figure out what’s causing them. Then, you can make an effective plan for how you’re going to overcome the loneliness and take proactive steps towards healing.
2. Spend Time Outside
When I’ve been cramped indoors for a few days, I always make an effort to go outside. Sometimes, I simply grab a blanket and sit on the lawn for 10 minutes. On days when I have more energy, I try to head out to the shops, a local cafe, or the library to interact with others and enjoy a change of scenery.
3. Try Telepsychiatry
Therapy is a powerful tool that helped me work through my feelings and thoughts. It was helpful to talk to someone who could also provide strategies for coping with my unique situation. If you aren’t comfortable going to see a therapist in person, try telepsychiatry. Telepsychiatry is a form of healthcare that uses technology to provide therapy remotely.
Over 65% of hospitals offer telemedicine services, making it easy to talk to a therapist from the comfort of your home.
4. Reach Out to Family and Friends
You may find that your loved ones are unaware of your feelings. Reaching out to explain your thoughts and clearly expressing your needs to them can make a world of difference. You can even schedule a weekly call with a family member or friend to make it easier to remember. Regular communication can help build stronger connections and make you feel better overall about your situation.
5. Join an Online Community
In the U.S. alone, nearly 129 million people live with a chronic disease. Because of this, it’s usually easy to find support groups online full of people who may understand your situation. Talking to someone with a similar experience can help make you feel less alone. You can even find a group that focuses on support for your specific illness, which can provide tailored advice and empathetic understanding.
Take the First Step
With so many ways you can help alleviate your loneliness, it makes sense to try one or two. Remember, loneliness is not a weakness, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out and do what you can to support your mental health and enrich your life.
About the Author
Beth Rush is the mindfulness editor at Body+Mind. She also shares tips for coping with c-PTSD, PCOS, and climate anxiety. Her goal is to encourage readers to live their best lives. Subscribe to the Body+Mind newsletter for more posts from Beth.
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