I’m phoning a relative too much—about four times a day. I don’t talk for long, just five or ten minutes. I rarely complain, or show signs of negativity. It’s just to touch base, but we both have nothing new to say. How do I stop calling so much? What do I replace it with? I’m so isolated. I tried chatting with the local distress centre, via their chat option, but most of the time the person on shift is juggling several other people, and I am left waiting for five minutes for their next response. I could phone them but it’s easier to chat than to phone someone, and I don’t want to tie up their lines.
This forum has been a good distraction, and a type of socialization, but it’s like there’s this giant hole in me that can’t even be filled by the forums I go to.
I thought about that, but I can’t afford one right now. I’ll need to make some changes to my apartment too. It’s not cat-proof (I’ve got a set of 3, staggered shelves, that go from small, medium and large). Maybe in the future, I’ll be a cat mom.
The meetups are all being done on zoom. I can’t get past my paranoia and install a webcam. Hackers could use it to watch me. I’ll join a support group once covid dies down, but that might be a while, because we’re heading toward a 4th lock down. Thanks for the suggestion though.
What about virtual NAMI meetings? You could join and explain you’re uncomfortable with being on camera. But you can turn your mic on and be involved that way
It is hard, the feeling of isolation. Maybe you could try talking to a peer support specialist? I have had one for years and she’s amazing. We don’t even necessarily talk with each other about the issues I have, mostly we exchange recipes and I enjoy her company. It’s kind of a no pressure social situation because peer support workers are people who have had their own mental health/addiction struggles. Just an idea?
Thanks for the suggestion though.