[yellow_fleurs]

I notice this is a problem for me sometimes, and if nothing else mental illness can be very isolating. Anyone else have this problem? I saw this video on loneliness and I thought it was interesting how it can affect us.

What a great video, yellow_fleurs! Thank you so much for sharing it. I could relate to a lot in it and agree that in my case therapy may help me with this. The video's encouragement ideas in other respects sound like good ones. The whole topic certainly helps in realizing how widely spread loneliness is, some of the reasons, and some of the barriers we inadvertently create ourselves that exacerbate loneliness, and yet it was not at all presented as blaming the lonely.

P. S. I just called my dad, based on an encouragement in the video. I'm glad I did. My dad had been doing poorly for a while, but luckily is doing better. The last time I saw him, he asked me to stay longer than usual because he said he was "lonely". I was good for both of us. And this past week my therapist suggested I try to see him at least once per week. That's one of my therapy suggestions she offered. I think it's a good one. I've also wanted to take a French class, but an in person one. That's something that will be a real push for myself. I hope it works out. I had hoped it would be during the day, when I most need people, but unfortunately it is in the evening. I just need to work on this issue. I pretty much only allow my husband in my life in a very close way.

[Scooter9]

Thanks for sharing this nice video!

I feel lonely and isolated a lot even though I live with my wife and son, and have a job.

I already do some of the things mentioned in the video like reaching out. I think the lonliness is related to my sister's passing and this depressive episode I'm in.

Participating in this forum helps a little but I miss the deep connections I used to have when I was younger.

[Under*Over]

Yes. Very much so

Thanks for sharing this video! Very informative. I don't feel lonely very often (is my brain defective in that way???), but I think I'll text an old friend because of this.

[MickeyCheeky]

Thank you so much for sharing this, yellow_fleur! I'm sure it will be inspiring and encouraging to many other people, especially here on PC. Thank you so much for your kindness! I feel very lonely as well, and I can't help but feel that it's my fault for this. I'll try to work on it as much as I can. I'm so sorry you're all struggling with loneliness. I hope you'll all be able to find love and peace. You all deserve to be happy and to be loved. You all deserve to have someone near you who cares about you. I hope things will get better soon for all of you. You're all wonderful people. Keep fighting! You're all awesome! You're all strong! You're all warriors! Sending many hugs to everyone

[yellow_fleurs]

I am so glad this was useful to others! I found that it helped me to start thinking of it as something just like hunger I have to pay attention to. Being introverted, I kind of convinced myself I was fine being alone, but it really affects my mental health. It can also be a downward spiral for me, like they said in the video and I even feel like people don't like me if I isolate too long.

BirdDancer that is great you called your dad! I am sure it meant a lot to him. I am thankful for everyone here who has been a source of support to me and eachother. We do need community.