Reaching out... And giving support...

@eudemonism Well I think you are brave venturing forth at all. I haven't managed to go forth and try to socialise yet only online. My pdoc wants me to start socializing with 'normal' people (easier said than done). I am just so nervous about it as I am quite shy away from the key board ... I am sure than when the time is right you will put your foot so to speak in bigger ponds and try different forms of socializing. Don't force it just let it come naturally and remember you really are a very likeable person 🙂

@eudemonism Yes I know exactly what you mean. I am not where you are at yet but will be soon. Have started with neighbours with hits and misses ... what can you do but keep trying. Sooner or later you will find the right person or people just make sure you spread yourself into all your interests if possible easier said than done aye. We are all human no one is perfect so don't beat yourself 🙂 but you can always come for a pep talk with green pea. She will always just listen if you would prefer 🙂

@eudemonism sorry to hear things are going so hard for you atm. Are there any sports or hobbies that you like doing? I know there are walking groups that are available that often advertise onlilne. Groups that dont require spending any vast amounts of money are what I have been looking at and that give me some exercise. Would you be interested in joining up with a walking group? or groups at your local community centre to get you out of the house.

@eudemonism eudemonism in a little while I will have to go but will be back on again a bit later on for a short time if you want to post anything I will definately get back to you at some stage. You are definately not alone with us all here supporting you.

Hi @eudemonism ,

I find the word "balance" as being so significant in dealing with loneliness and social contact.

Some of us, especially with mania and ADHD when we get an idea we devote ourselves 110% to the task. We might find a new volleyball club or sewing group and wham!! we are into it at warp speed only to pay a price for our overwheling commitment. The price comes when we upset others because we havent given ourselves time to settle in. Then we get hurt and this cycle is really hard to get right for us in the MI world.

So, I suggest slow pace contact. Friendship will come if you involve yourself even sparingly. As a therapist once said to me "when are you going to stop trying to save the world" He made a good point.

He also taught me realism. That is- not thinking unrealistic thoughts. This "fantasy" zone was responsible for much worry in my life. I'd make up reasons for not making an effort...in the end I was only fooling myself.

@eudemonism there is only one way to continue in this life and that is remaining positive and keep bouncing back. Allow yourself time to recover from any negative thoughts or poor experiences then rebound when you feel the time is right. You are doing well it seems by expressing yourself here.

As Oprah once said about breaking her diet..."you just get up the next day and get right back onto it"..

Tony WK

@eudemonism

Georgia O Keefe

Hello @eudemonism and all others

thanks for tagging me ...

the whole people thing is tricky..

the majority of people just want to talk about themselves...very few good listeners..

it is hard when we patiently listen to their prattle and they don't listen back..

or they go on about how hard their life is...

some are so materialistic..

most I find boring..

occasionally I have met someone intersting..intelligent and regained my faith in the human race..

I have a couple of long term friends who live s long way from me..my health has stopped catch ups..I will fix that once I am stronger..

I have found over the years my illness has caused me to back out of so many things at the last minute..

the best bit is realising that if you are doing all of the giving that is not true friendship..

be yourself...respect yourself....friendship will come along when you least expect it.....if you believe in you...that belief will emanate outwards..

dog walking ..saying hello..smiling...a good start..

keep on talking..