Combatting Loneliness & Isolation When Struggling with Limited Mobility is Possible.
Physical Health Challenges Can Lead to Depression, Sense of Worthlessness, and Isolation
I honestly thought that I had gotten through the worst of My isolation issues; I was wrong, since 2020, they've come back full force and gotten worse. To be fair, My health conditions have increasingly gotten much worse in the past few years. Before the pandemic, I was combatting My isolation with community, travel, shopping and exploring. I had a full active life in the midst of dealing with My chronic pain from fibromyalgia and emotional dysfunction.
First, I was diagnosed with lupus in early 2020. Next came confirmation of rheumatoid arthritis, follow by My first of now many, grand mal seizures. In 2021, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I went from being on no daily medications for over 7 years, to so many daily meds that I needed one of those weekly pill holders. The daily fatigued I fought, became a heavyweight contender. The sicker I became, the less I could plan. I constantly found Myself canceling plans, missing out on events and losing friends.
Last year, in 2023, I had a near neath experience; after 5 back to back seizures, I developed a rare illness, rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdo, as they call it for short, is a breakdown of muscles or rapid muscle atrophy. I was hospitalized for the first time since I had given birth 23 years prior. Coming home from the hospital, the first thing that I noticed was that in 8 days, I had become significantly weaker. My body felt so unfamiliar; I also had a new gadget, a walker. At 42, I had a walker and could barely walk a block.
It took almost a year, ankle weights, exercise to lose the 40 lbs. I had gained while in recovery, as I was unable to be as active as I was prior to Rhabdo. In that year of healing, I felt I lost everything; I couldn't show up to events the way I had previously, I couldn't walk to the local park, or spend as much time on My feet. The illness, the isolation and loss of mobility led to Me to dark thoughts as isolation became My constant companion.
Loneliness and Isolation Affects Us Physically, Mentally and Emotionally
What I've discovered as I attempt to break free of this isolation and integrate back into the "real world", is that I'm not alone in this problem. There are others, like Myself, whose limited mobility keep them feeling depressed, isolated, left out or even invisible. There are a number of physical, mental and emotional issues that can come along with isolation. The above chart is just a small look at some of the issues that may arise when limited mobility and feelings of isolation team up.
When you feel trapped in the house due to disability, chronic illness or chronic pain, it can be harder to keep up with and participate in social engagements which limit meaningful interactions. For many, navigating different forms of technology, or various social media media platforms can be a deterrent. Even worse, so often, when needing help, we tend to feel like a burden and will suffer without.
In our last blog, we talked about the cycle of loneliness and mental health and how to break the habit of self-isolation if depression and anxiety are causing you to isolate. Check it out HERE
If your loneliness and sense of isolation is due to limited mobility, chronic pain or illness, there are some ways to build a support community and feel a part of society again. Let's look at a few options below:
Finding online support groups or social platforms where others face similar challenges (chronic illness, mobility limitations). These groups can provide a sense of community and shared understanding of what you're struggling with. I've found a few lupus groups and online communities that help Me feel not so alone.
Journaling or creative writing can be a great and low energy outlet for processing emotions and connecting with others through writing groups or online platforms. Join us in our Writing For My Sanity Workshop any Saturday.
Keeping a regular routine that includes self-care, light exercise, and scheduled virtual or phone conversations with friends and family can help housebound individuals feel more engaged. One thing that I do every day that brings joy to My life is feeding the birds and squirrels in the morning. It's a peaceful part of My daily routine that gives Me a reason to feel connected to nature. I've started having weekly accountability meetings with another homebound person out of state that I met through an online community. The stability of feeling connected, seen and heard has been incredibly beneficial.
Find ways to contribute to society remotely, such as mentoring, virtual support groups, or other remote volunteer opportunities, can give you a sense of purpose and connection to the world. When I could barely leave the house, I've enjoyed being able to continue to volunteer with NAMI Baltimore virtually. You too, can find places to show up and give back, even from home.
While it may feel you're alone, there's a whole world out there at your fingertips, waiting for you to find your place in it. Remember, if you can't find it, create it, that's what I did with Stronger Than My Struggles.
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