During these isolated times, I think it is important to reach out to someone in real life and just talk to them in real time, whether it is your family, a friend, a mental health professional, etc.. Talking to someone can be very helpful, especially when you're isolated. I think it is good for people with mood disorders. You do not have to talk about mental health issues or bipolar. Just talking to feel less isolated.

So... how often do you reach out IRL? (Not including work)

Me personally: everyday. I typically (but not always) FaceTime with my parents everyday or at least call them on the phone to chit chat. I also talk to my therapist once a week. I have no friends though, except some people online here who I can text... so I really do not talk to any friends IRL.

I don't.

the sad truth is, I don't really have anyone to reach out to so I'll come on here and talk in sted.

sometimes I'll ring the samaratans, and I know that their's also a new hotline launched in the UK to help people in isolation (which I've been trying to build myself up to calling)

for the most part though, it is online friends or nothing. I am greatful for every single one of you

Originally Posted by raging vortex

I don't.

the sad truth is, I don't really have anyone to reach out to so I'll come on here and talk in sted.

sometimes I'll ring the samaratans, and I know that their's also a new hotline launched in the UK to help people in isolation (which I've been trying to build myself up to calling)

for the most part though, it is online friends or nothing. I am greatful for every single one of you

Is there a reason you have not built yourself up to calling? Is there something wrong, or are you just nervous?

I am grateful of everyone else here too

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Is there a reason you have not built yourself up to calling? Is there something wrong, or are you just nervous?

I am grateful of everyone else here too

I honestly really dislike phone conversations. when I am on the phone I sound like a scared child and it's embarrassing and scary and I usually end up hanging up.

I have got better (I only used to talk to automated machines), but not really where I want to be still.

I don't reach out to others that frequently under normal circumstances, other than here. I have pushed myself to call my dad a bit more often since his movement in the assisted living facility is limited, and guest visits and excursions are not permitted right now.

I guess my sister and I have been communicating as often as in the past. Once or twice per week. I've heard less from my brother. He visits my sister a lot because he lives within walking distance of her. She told me she wishes he'd visit less because of social distancing. Plus, he still works around others since he's an electrician -- a necessary job.

My hubby chats with people much more often than me. He's more of an extrovert than me. Any friend of mine that would expect daily chat from me would be disappointed or angry because that's not my thing. That doesn't mean I don't care. I'm just not into such chat. It's my way. It doesn't bother me not hearing from people frequently, but when I do hear from friends or others, I like it, especially if the correspondence has some meat to it.

I was talking to my husband this morning about my time in Poland 24 years ago. I was there a little over a month. Three weeks in, the Polish director of the language and cultural exchange called me into his office and asked why I was the only teacher who hadn't called home. I remember telling him that I felt no need to, that I knew they'd call my parents if I died. That surprised him. Truth is, my parents didn't expect a call. Not because they didn't love me. They did. And I loved them. But that's just how my family was and still is, for the most part. When in Taiwan, months passed that I didn't call them. I know that may seem strange to some.

[Tucson]

I message my daughter a couple times a week. I talk to a friend two or three times a week. I am fortunate to have a part-time job that I go to four or five times a week, So I talk to many customers those days.

[Fuzzybear]

Not very often apart from papa bear.
Parents suck.... I prefer bears.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Is there a reason you have not built yourself up to calling? Is there something wrong, or are you just nervous?

I am grateful of everyone else here too

I'm grateful to people here too

[Sunflower123]

I take care of my 85 year old mom and 57 year old brother who is in poor health so I’m talking to them daily. In addition, I talk to my daughter, sister and friends just to check in every few days. I text a lot to check up on people and I FaceTime my daughter so I’m not isolated at all.

I am also grateful for people here.

[Skeezyks]

I don't...

[Blue_Bird]

I talk to my sister usually every day over the phone or via text. I also talk to my best friend every day. My other friend I will text every now and then to talk. Those are the main people in my life.

[BipolaRNurse]

I'm friends IRL with another member from here. We text almost daily, and she has become one of my favorite people. (I'm telephonophobic so I prefer texting.) We don't just talk about our illnesses, we talk about everything from home life to football to politics. She doesn't visit PC very often anymore, not because of anything someone said to her, but she has several bipolar friends and says we help her more than anything else. I love her and am glad I can provide emotional support. But it's not one-sided, she's a great listener and I know I can rely on her to help me through a rough patch.

[Moose72]

I call my mom every day. I call my dad about once a week. (They aren't married anymore.) I talk with my friend Caleb almost every day- well, at least 5 days a week. He's always busy on the weekend. But we talk about anything and everything. He's talked me down from some bad bipolar places.

[cashart10]

My mom- everyday

[bpcyclist]

Almost never.