Overcoming Isolation

One of the consequences of chronic illness can be isolation. Because of physical or emotional reasons we may spend a great deal of time at home alone. This can cause our world to seem smaller and our ailments to seem proportionately larger. Often we are lonely and withdrawn and can feel it takes too much effort to reach out to the world.

Fortunately there are many ways to breach that isolation. My Chronic Disease Nurse (part of Team Penny) recommended a couple of programs to me when I moved to a new town so that I would be less isolated and also have my physical needs met. One program was the Adult Day Support Program http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=1026103  . Which has helped me socialize, learn new skills, exercise, have health monitored, eat a lovely balanced lunch and go on outings to new places. The other was The Adult Day Support Modified Aquasize/Swim program. Which consists of an outing to a warmer more accessible pool in a nearby town where we have a modified aquasize lesson and have a lunch outing. I attend each program once weekly.

I have made lasting friendships with people of varying disabilities and also the program organizers and assistants. Yes, I did have to make an effort to leave my comfort zone to attend but the resulting human contact and interaction has been well worth the effort. There are times I am unable to attend because of my health but overall these programs give structure, companionship and increased health to my life.

Overcoming isolation doesn't always have to happen in a planned program. Even though that can be a great start if we have lost contact with the outside world. It can be as simple as e-mailing a friend or posting on a chatline. Getting out of the house to do simple chores can allow socializing with the bank teller or the librarian. Sometimes we need to overcome the inertia of isolation by picking up the phone to reach out to family or friends.

Solitude can be renewing but too much solitude can cut us off from society and the connectedness that makes us human.