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Friends, families and carers

dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

Shaz51Senior Contributor

dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers. an extra special welcome to those members who wanted a reminder of tonight's event @Sophie1 👋👋👋

It’s a no brainer that being a carer can sometimes feel very emotionally isolating. Sometimes we have a bit to navigate through in supporting those with complex mental health issues, at times it feels as though time itself does not allow for extra curricular events, hobbies or meet ups.

Tonight we will be focusing on strategies and discussions around how to empower ourselves again, caring for ourselves and fulfilling our own desires whilst also supporting our loved ones ❤️

we are followring from lat night topic tuesday

hello @Former-Member , @Determined , @outlander , @Smc @KVD @Mermaid1 @Blip Hi @Mumtryingtohelp Hi @sophie6

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In response to: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

DeterminedSenior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

And of course. Being able to share here on the forum has helped me to navigate a very dark chapter for our family.

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

SmcSenior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

@Determined, I've commented to Hubby that I should wear a badge that says:


"Don't ask "How's the family" or "What's your line of work".
Religion and politics are safe topics as long as you keep it respectful!"

The former two questions... they're the standard social chit-chat, but such a minefield when one (or more) of the kids are definitely not doing OK, and being a carer means than any career pathway plans have gone totally out the window.

The people who really understand what's happening, so that you can be open with them, are absolute treasures. We had that very much illustrated during the past week. One family connection we heard back about who was very upset/angry that we weren't up there to spend time with Mum sooner, and why haven't we sold their house yet? contrasted with another long time family friend whose son has struggled with serious MI, and she was so supportive. 🙂

Am hoping we can talk it through with the former lady. She's also a very caring person, but she doesn't know what we're dealing with behind the scenes.

In response to: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

Sophia1Senior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

apologies for not being able to join in..
I read every response and resonated with so many even though my situation is so different again..
I love that you have started this thread Shaz51..
the bigger circle applies to so many..thank you

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

DeterminedSenior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

@Smc I hate being asked what I do for work. Uni has been a good cover but that is starting to raise more questions because I have been at it for so long. K8nd of hard to not feel inferior.

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

SmcSenior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

@Determined, I tend to avoid exhibitions, particularly ones that include ceramics. We used to go out to lots of those, kids in tow and all. But it hurts seeing people I've been in classes with, or people I've previously exhibited with, moving ahead and developing their work when my workspace is gathering dust because I haven't even had the time and mental energy to pack up the area properly. One of those bits of background grief that can be so hard to explain. Makes it worse when well meaning people tell me I should just go ahead and get back into it if I miss it so much... yeah, nah. Not possible. 😞

So... the grief of life's plans put indefinitely on hold, and the loss of workplace and related social settings are other isolating factors. And just the plain old grief.

Sorry... feeling a bit flat tonight.

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

DeterminedSenior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

Hearing you there @Smc

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

Unknown userMember

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

One strategy I find useful is

saying something like:

"life took an unexpected turn which . ..

... resulted in things being put on hold

. .. necessitated a change in direction

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

hello and tender hugs @Blip , @Sophia1 , @Smc , @Determined , @Former-Member , @Former-Member , @Mrsjones , @Jay-e , @Former-Member , @Boo13 , @outlander , @Former-Member

what have you done today towards caring for yourself

ammmmmm that is a good question

@Mermaid1

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

MrsjonesSenior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

@Shaz51

Thank you for asking.

Today I took myself to a cafe near work, just sat alone had a coffee and a salad wrap. I would not normally do that and it felt great. Just reading the paper.

In response to: Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

that sounds sooo nice @Mrsjones

i will have to do that one day xxxxx

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