Luke,

It is essential that you get out of the house, even if you enjoy being alone and staying home.

I very much enjoy living alone but getting out allows me to better enjoy my own space without becoming detached from reality, lonely or depressed when this disease forces me to remain home.

Engaging with people in my community, with friends, co-workers and family on a regular basis ensures that I have access to their support when I need it. We help each other out as we are able. When I am well, I help others who need assistance and that enriches my life, giving purpose and pleasure to it.

Doing that also takes my mind off of my own challenges for a while and that is so important for psychological and emotional well being. I really think that we are forced to spend time thinking about our own situations because of this disease, so thinking and doing things for the benefit of others provides relief.

It is a true blessing to assist others in any way that opportunities allow because it benefits others as well as those who engage in it. Without that, it is all too easy to lock one's self away in seclusion and descend into a state of self pity and hopeless despair.

You might think about joining a support group in your area that holds regular meetings, so that you can attend them. There you might meet others with similar interests, who also understand the challenges that you face, so that you can engage in them together.

This disease should not limit our abilities to expand our consciousness, nor will it if we continue to dream, set goals and pursue them as we are able.

I wish you opportunities in abundance and the will to do just that.

With love, Erika