I am very saddened and sorry people feel "alone" or without friendship.

I do understand. I was always very athletic, very popular and chosen for many positions in all grades of school, including appointments through my college years. The same for my career.

I then became suddenly very ill with CFS/CFIDS/ME and fibromyalgia. The severity of the pain and fatigue resulted in medical disability. I could no longer keep up with my social life, it was also the mid-80s and most people treated me like they did AIDS patients then, suspecting I (and others suffering ME) truly had AIDS. Some people were afraid to shake my hand or be around me. I kept a small circle of friends.

In time, due to the extreme physical pain and fatigue, I became more isolated. Despite invites, many would not stop in to see me, still afraid I had some form of AIDS. It was a time when there was a lot of ignorance about how AIDS was transmitted. I did not have AIDS, yet was treated as if I did have it. It made me very sad for those suffering HIV or AIDS. I could identify with their isolation.

Over time, I started with profound depressions due to all of this. I also had a history of trauma, which had only just begun. MDD and PTSD became apparent for over 20 years. Then, after a TBI (head injury, as shared in another thread), I started to show more overt PTSD and also bipolar illness.

I love people very much and have a great deal of compassion for others (and myself). Many people meet me and want to be friends. Me, too!

I am in chronic severe neuropathic pain. I truly have all I can do to keep up my marriage, help my elderly mother, and pursue a few interests.

I can carry on friendships without them being demanding in nature. It takes a lot of flexibility and understanding. I have many acquaintances and a couple of closer friends.

My husband has been my very best friend through everything. I give him high priority; my marriage comes first. We love doing activities together. We ground one another, encourage one another. I often have all I can do to be Present for/with him as we participate in various common interest activities. I am often exhausted after we have gone out for the day/afternoon. We have always had so much fun together!

People I know without chronic conditions all say they feel lucky if they have 1 or 2 good friends. All things considered, we may not truly falling behind in real/true friendships. We may be falling short in the realm of "acquaintances?"

Love and Support to ALL,
WC

P.S. My family has been very dysfunctional. Lots of untreated severe alcoholism and MI. Lots of jealousies/hostilities/competitive behaviors. They have not had the ability to be supportive. I am the only family member having sought treatment -- therapy and/or meds. I love them dearly and try to stay in touch. It's a one-way street though.