Isolated

Many people with a long term chronic illness become isolated.

There could be a combination of reasons for this. Perhaps you can identify with any or all of the below

• you lose contact with family and friends who don't understand your illness or who don't know what to say or do.
• you may become bed bound or house bound and are no longer able to leave the house.
• you are unable to work.
• you are no longer able to socialize.  
• you are too ill to spend long on the phone, if at all
• you may be too ill to write letters 
• you may not have access to a computer
• you may be too ill to spend a lot of time on the internet
• you may live in an isolated place and are unable to drive or use public transport
• you live alone

Recently I have felt more isolated than normal.

Why? Simply because I had computer problems and for nearly two weeks I was without one. I lost contact with my friends and family. I lost all the help, friendship and support I find on a daily basis through my computer. Most of it is on face book where I have built up over many years a wonderful network of friends who make all the difference to my life. Without it I felt totally lost, had withdrawal symptoms, felt lonely and started to feel depressed. I had other things I could do and took to writing more poems. But I missed that contact. 

Thankfully I have now resolved my computer problems but it has made me think and realise how my life has changed and how I am dependant on my computer and this virtual world I have created. 

I have written a poem about being isolated 

Isolated

From all I know

From all I love

Fills me with woe 

Isolated

From family

Don`t understand

Or visit me 

Isolated

As friends I lose

Living alone

Now a recluse 

Isolated

Now friends `online`

Virtual world

Eases my time 

Isolated

Sick and in pain

My life now changed

Nothing the same 

Isolated

And so lonely

I cry some tears

Thinking “If only” 

Isolated

Each endless day

In these four walls

I have to stay 

Isolated

I hope and pray

I can escape

And get away 

Isolated

Watching outside

Through my window

Life that`s not mine 

Isolated

Behind a veil

Trapped inside

Just like a jail

 

So what can you do to avoid isolation? 

Of course without recovery to full and normal health it's hard not to feel isolated and there is only so much we can do.

Here's my list of suggestions that may help you to feel less isolated and lonely

• sign up to face book or any other online forums relating to your illness as it helps so much to find others who suffer the same
• find and join a local support group in your area
• when you feel well enough arrange to have a chat with a friend or a member of your family who understands and is sympathetic, as even five minutes can lift your spirits
• write a short letter if you are able and maybe you will receive one in return
• if you feel well enough go out but plan and make sure you have rests before and afterwards
• if you feel well enough arrange for a friend or family to visit for a short while but don't be afraid to ask them to leave
• I find listening to the radio or the tv helps me

 

Maybe you have other suggestions. I would love to hear from you.

Meanwhile, as in the photo above, this caterpillar has found her wings and can fly away from isolation. 

A bientot from the French Femme

xxx