Feeling Lonely? How do I manage it?

Send Cathy a text:)Have you said one of these statements?  “I feel so alone and isolated.”“I miss my friends.”“I miss my spouse.”“I would give anything to step back in time and enjoy the past.”“I feel so disconnected from everyone and everything.”“ I am lonely and sad.”For caregivers, feelings isolated and lonely is a common complaint I hear and what I experienced quite often myself and a lot during the holidays.  You feel isolated and withdrawn from your family, friends and your daily routines.   You most likely had to replace time with caregiving duties or you stay behind from activities since your spouse can’t go.  In a recent June 2020, National Center for Health article. 43.7%, of caregivers reported moderate loneliness (almost half)17.7% reported severe loneliness. Overall 50% of caregivers were being diagnosed for depression. This can lead to a withdrawal from social activities and relationships that you previously enjoyed. You may also find that you’re literally facing isolation.I am sure lonely feels are present for you too.  So let’s talk about how to reduce those feelings and talk through some tips.    I have a 4 question process  - four questions to ask yourself.  It’s best if you grab a pen and notebook and journal these questions.  You’ll be able to look back on these and gain insights.  1.  Why am I lonely?  Be honest with yourself List the truths and facts2.  What am I missing?Family?  Friends?Routines? Habits?Relationships?Work? Gym ?3.  How do I feel?Depressed, sadAngry, resentmentDisengagedGrief, lossTired Once you have a clear picture of the facts and your feelings, you can then move into ways to improve your situation.  4.  How do I manage and improve your loneliness?It starts with you figuring out what works for you.  It may take some time to find your loneliness cure.  Here’s a few ideas I brainstormed.  What activities can you do?  (by yourself & with other ppl) Make a list of your “go to” ppl you can connect with when lonely - text, facetime, callMake an effort to reach out even when you don’t want to.  Try giving back - volunteer time - mom and I rang bellsMove your body - walking, dancing, Seek therapyTake a social media break Get some sunshineHobbiesBakingMusicJoin a groupI know what you are saying.  I can’t do these things. I am stuck and my spouse needs me.  I don’t have timeI feel guilty if I go and do somethingBut if you don’t….29% increase in heart disease and a 32% increase in stroke. Weight gainRelationship issues Fear sets in Isolation paralysisYou start feeling comfortable lonelyDepression“My caregiver mantra is to remember: the only control you have is over the changes you choose to make.”– Nancy L. Kriseman#chooseyourjoy  #chooseyourattiude #chooseyourwayI hope you enjoyed today’s episode.   Caregiving can be very overwhelming but when you break it down and focus on yourself first, YOU CAN manage this.  Support the show