Loneliness is a difficult subject for me to talk about. Naturally extremely introverted due to a Depressive Personality Disorder and childhood neglect, aggravated by Anxiety and Panic Attacks triggered, in part, by the presence of other people, I crave being alone - always have.

This does not mean I am happy in my isolation, far from it. Frankly, it is embarrassing to be unable to even hold a phone conversation with a family member due to my issues.

At least now I can circumvent my issues to an extent here, having some sort of human contact I am unable to bear in the Real World. It has helped.

Dave.

Hi Lara,

Thanks again!
Excellent points!

Warmly,
DejaVu

Hi Dave,

Thanks for sharing so openly.

I also crave alone time. I do all kinds of things to make sure I get some time alone. Totally alone. Some of my craving for alone time is due to the fact that I can feel very overstimulated by various environmental factors -- noise, odors, lights, certain settings, etc.

My husband would tell you I am approached, and talked to, by all kinds of strangers whenever we are out. This happens at stores, etc. He says people "flock" to me. Many strangers also ask me if they can have a hug, once they have spoken with me. Thus people tend to think I love socializing. I enjoy it now and then; yet, am ultra-protective of my alone time. I do love people, yet need my alone time.

Dave, I am glad you have found this forum and you feel participating here helps you. Many of us truly benefit from your presence and your participation here. I know I do! I look forward to your posts always.

With Sincere Gratitude,
DejaVu

I have dealt with loneliness most of my life. Now,Because of my neuropathy I have had to quit my job(licensed child care provider) and I'm home alone feeling sick. I get out just to go to Drs and pt. I hate being alone. But, with this crazy illness, I feel alone when people are here. They cannot understand. They just can't. Thanks dejavu

Hi Kate,



I hope you were able to see/listen to John's TEDTalk.

Thanks for your willingness to share your experience with feeling lonely, both when alone and when in the presence of others. Many people feeling lonely do not feel they can talk about their sense of loneliness.

I agree with you, when we are coping with life-changing medical conditions, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, for our loved ones to fully comprehend changes in our path -- our pain, our many feelings, our needs.

I understand getting out for only medical appointments and PT. I, too, have been quite limited during many prolonged periods. I sometimes feel sad and isolated during those times. For me, the sense of isolation and associated feelings during prolonged periods of being basically housebound may further exacerbate the pain and my sense of purpose and my sense of hope.

I am sorry you spend time alone, feeling ill.
This can feel so demoralizing.

Have you been able to tell friends and/or family you are feeling lonely?
Sometimes, it helps us to voice this. Sometimes, people respond in helpful ways if/when we voice this.

I have found it very helpful to clearly voice my needs. I have found some people will respond. Some may not.

Are you able to invite people over? Many groups I spend some time with still gather at someone's home for a meal and everyone brings a dish. This approach would alleviate your getting the meal if it's too much for you.

In the worst of the summer heat, I need to stay cooler. I get more tired more quickly. Sometimes I invite friends over for table games and/or a movie. Sometimes we just relax and visit.

I hope you will find some ways to feel less lonely. Loneliness can affect our sense of well-being, mentally, physically, spiritually.

For some, of us, recognizing feelings of loneliness and finding some solutions is very important for our balance in life and in health -- as well as an important factor in our healing.

I hope membership here will help some, Kate.

As John points out in his talk, many people need more than online interactions to resolve feelings of loneliness. I hope you will find additional alternatives which work well for you.



DeajVu

Kate,

You know that we here understand your pain and feelings of isolation.

You will never be alone as long as you come here for support.

Dave.