What do you do to avoid isolating yourself?

DX'd - Other
41

Go down to your local volunteer centre
Or look online for volunteer work

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42

Your welcome, Noise :smiley:

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43

I have no friends and don’t associate with people other than my mother and father. I don’t want to have stuff to do with people.

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44

I found support groups to be the best place to start out from isolation. This way your around others in the same situation. Kind of a safe place to practice socializing and there is a chance to make a friend or more.

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45

I have a job that forces me to constantly interact with people.

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46

I don’t go to the clubhouse anymore. I’m getting my driving practice in again.

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47

Well I’ve been looking into support groups but I’m scared to go. Cause I don’t really know what to expect. What did you do in support groups?

48

I kind of miss having a job :frowning_face: i used to be able to deal with people but now I get panicked too easy…

49

Why did you stop going?

50

It wasn’t that great. We played bingo a lot and cleaned. When I was there, I mostly just read.

51

I made two friends I’m really close to at support group. There’s parties and potlucks and people tend to be more high functioning and talkative than at clubhouses. I really recommend it. Our director offers all kinds of casual work and everyone goes out of their way to help you advocate for yourself. I made friends who are also doing work or school and encourage me to not take it easy. It is with their support that I am starting part time work instead of caving in to anxiety and “taking it slow.” Idk… Try out different things and find what works for you. If you are able to get out of the house and not lie on the bed all day, life is more fun and interesting.

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52

They sound like good things and good ways to get out of the house. I’m just so worried about it though. Mainly I’m worried that they’ll find out about my med issue and rip me to shreds among other things. Plus idk how big the groups are and I know it’s probably way less scary than I’m thinking but oh my god I’m so scared. Sorry I’m ranting I don’t mean to go on I just I’m trying to overcome my doubts but it’s hard.

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53

I stay in my assisted living facility instead of moving into a regular apartment where the rent is a LOT cheaper.

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54

In the support groups I’ve gone to we took turns sharing about our lives and issues. There was a counselor there who lead one and he was funny which was great. I didn’t have to talk until I was ready. At first I was really nervous but after awhile I relaxed some and eventually looked forward to group and started giving some people rides there and such. It was helpful and eventually even enjoyable.

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55

@Skinnyme1. How do you like assisted living? The pros and cons of it? I’m considering that option for myself.

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56

I love assisted living life. But, it takes a LOT, LOT of money. It’s very expensive. If you don’t have the money, I’m afraid you’re out.

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57

Thank you for sharing! Im probably going to try it eventually but I need to think it over.

58

I don’t fight it, an isolated life in my mother’s basement is my natural state. I don’t go out, have friends, have social media etc due to my fear of being ostracized ridiculed or rejected. My childhood attempts at making friends have been invariably tragic.

Basically, don’t fight it, just let it be. If that is your natural state accept it and keep living.

59

I don’t want to accept it though I’ll never achieve anything if I just settle.

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60

I used to isolate a lot. And I mean a lot.

The thing to pushing yourself, is to just do it.

Once you get past that first step, everything else is easy. Well for me at least.

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