[CliveWild]

I have been isolating myself more and more lately. This is not new and I have coped quite well. I maintained some sense of hope. I don't really know what "hope" is or where it comes from. I feel like my "hope" has become illusive. I find myself trying to get through the days. I distract myself with any daytime TV that is bearable. I watch lots of news programs even though they are repetetive. I don't watch programs closely. They just provide background noise.

Sorry to sound so negative. It's just how I feel at the moment.

[sundog]

(((((((((((Clive))))))))))))) I'm really sorry you are isolating Do you have any plans for Christmas at all? I know this can be an incredibly lonely and difficult time of year.

Obviously this is way easier said than done, but I think it's really important to try and take some small steps out of the isolation and towards interaction with others. I know you have a couple of support groups you attend regularly. Are those groups meeting over the Holidays?

Do you have any particular hobbies you enjoy? You have posted some beautiful photographs so I'm guessing you like photography?? Perhaps you could try and get out and take some more photos? Or maybe there is another hobby? Or some place you enjoy going? An art gallery or a historical building? Or even just out to the cinema? Just something to give you a reason to get out of the house (and hopefully something that you enjoy).

I'm thinking of you and hoping very much that you feel better soon ((((((Clive)))))

[CliveWild]

Thanks {{{{{sundog}}}}}. I appreciate your support and suggestions. I am not new to this isolation. I have just taken it to a new level. I am spending some of Christmas with my brother and his wife. They live in the same town.

I know I have to get out more. At the moment, it's very much self preservation. I feel very "out of sorts". Probably some sort of general anxiety. I seem to be frozen and that's is not just due to the outside temperature.

I appreciate your thoughts. It is good to know someone is out there.

[BNLsMOM]

I have been feeling much the same way lately, Clive. I have had a couple of "forced"outings because of the time of year it is, and I must say that I am feeling a little better when I go out. I do, however still isolate a lot during the week.

[blueoctober]

CliveWild, It's really hard when you're feeling like this to get out and do something, but that would probably help. Even if it's just for a walk.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

[PT52]

Hi Clive...ditto what they said. How about baby steps? Get your outdoor gear on and walk to the corner and back. You can do that, right? No big activities, not a lot of preparation - just a short walk. Baby steps.

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by CliveWild

I have been isolating myself more and more lately. This is not new and I have coped quite well. I maintained some sense of hope. I don't really know what "hope" is or where it comes from. I feel like my "hope" has become illusive. I find myself trying to get through the days. I distract myself with any daytime TV that is bearable. I watch lots of news programs even though they are repetetive. I don't watch programs closely. They just provide background noise.

Sorry to sound so negative. It's just how I feel at the moment.

Yeah Iam the same way I enjoy being by myself also cause being around some people too long they ask you all these questions how are you doing are you longly uggh its get on my nerves .And I function better by myself like watching tv along and being on the computer

[sundog]

Originally Posted by CliveWild

I feel very "out of sorts". Probably some sort of general anxiety.

I can really relate to this. I feel very out of sorts a lot of the time too. With me it's quite physical (as in, I feel physically not very well). It definitely seems to be anxiety/stress related. I know how hard it is to try and force yourself to do things when you feel like that. But the upside is that if you can do something that distracts you, then it can make you feel better. With me I find that a lot of the time I am way too focused on how I'm feeling and by hyper-focusing on it, it just seems to get worse. But if I can do something where I "forget myself" for a bit, then it can make me feel better.

I'm glad you're spending some of the Holidays with your brother and his wife

[Ryask]

Sending happy soothing thoughts and a hug for you Clive I know you can make it past this, it will pass...and until it does let us be your cheerleaders, when you can't be your own, because you really deserve them!