dealing with loneliness and social isolation as carers.

I've had a rough day with my child with MI so I called my partner and he left work as I left the hospital (medical appointment for my baby) and we met up for some lunch at a cafe nearby. It was nice to eat and not have to think for a bit.

we met up for some lunch at a cafe, ohhhh @Blip this is great my friend xoxo, sending you tender hugs xxxx

Hi @KVD , @Libra , , @Frogger , , @Lotty @Lish51014 @Betty1bluey2

I have been on the merry go round with family member being listed as missing person by MH team...reaching over 40 days to being sighted, questioned and considered safe..

interesting

heard from family member his concept very different...as in corrupt..associated with ASIO...anyone who has been through this knows all of the general..

the police were brilliant and extremely caring and I thanked each of them for their caring approach of the person is not in trouble we just want them to check in at a station or doctor's surgery, to confirm that they are safe.

they stated that all that they want is for them to know that they are safe...

i dealt with two male officers and both so caring and understanding...definitely reassuring..

very important to have that sense of support..

So in response to the topic...yes I have always felt isolated with this issue..

in fact I have felt isolated with my family member's issues from since he was a little boy...he was different...I am different and went through the same and still do although now am learning to love the fact that I am different ....

this is not just about mental health though..'

this is about western society and it's media representation..

expectations in corporate and other organisations work wise...personal presentation...

I believe that western society has gone backwards...

look at all of the plastic surgery, laser surgery, eyebrow, eyes, lips,. cheeks..skin ...whatever..

what happened to seeing a natural smile.

well folks...not on here that often...and have probably said too much.,..

just not happy with the western world and it's beliefs and actions..

where does this fit in with loneliness and social isolation...

big time...comparisons...

comparisons with the attempts to alter physical appearances...

comparisons with children's achievements at young ages..

I have isolated for very long period s of time due to not knowing anyone else in a similar situation..

even joining carers...most people being cared for are at home...or living separately but medicated or counselled.

my family member does not believe unwell...and quite frankly I understand totally his feeling that way after the system has treated him as indifferent and specialists have not thought out of the square...he would definitely without a doubt be in the autism spectrum at an early age with todays understanding...

so yes I have isolated myself for my own mind struggles as well as guilt for not finding the best help for my family member...

I will never give up though

hello and hugs @Sophia1 , @Blip , @Mrsjones , @Former-Member , @Determined , @Smc

how is everyone today , hope everyone is ok

@outlander, @KVD , @Mermaid1 , @Mumtryingtohelp , @sophie6 , , @Frogger , @Lotty , @Icare20 , @Jay-e , @Former-Member , @Boo13 , @Former-Member

Thank you @Shaz51

The change in times around isolation has really made me realise how much my husband's MI has changed our social lives.

We used to be very social, go out together all the time but the last 12-18 months have drastically changed. We have not been able to commit to any social commitment because we always have to pull out the morning of.

I haven't been able to fully see this until our lives didn't really change with social distancing and isolation.

With Mr now in hospital I feel more isolated than ever.

How is everyone else going?

Agree with you on the social isolation @Mrsjones . Our lives have not changed much at all with the new social distancing measures. Biggest change is darling is missing her bunnings coffee shop outings with S3. And I am missing bike rides with my mum.

Our boys were hanging out for some boat trips over the school holidays but sadly that is also out at the moment. But all these things are with family so easily substituted.

Feeling for you not being ablento visit Mr Jones in hospital.

When my darling was in hospital I visited every day despite the 200km round trip.

I can't imagine not being able to visit 😥

How is bub coming along.

That for me was a big distraction when darling was away. She went into hospital day after his first birthday.

Hi there @Determined

No visiting it and will make it hard but the fact its completely out of our control means we dont talk about it much which I think helps.

Baby is going very well, shes 7 months now. Time goes so quick. Mr Jones is a stay at home dad so him being away makes it hard trying to find care for her whilst I need to work full time 😞

How are things for you and the family @Determined ?