For those single, how are you dealing with the loneliness?

[[OD...]]

The hardest part of this journey for me, as a single person, has been the lack of human contact. It's been just about two years now, I still can't handle public places, and while I've begun to drive around the neighborhood, I still can't manage driving much further away, so trying to date or go out is simply not possible yet.

I don't so much mind not feeling well, I can deal with that, but not connecting with anyone, specifically in a romantic way, is really doing a number on my mental health. Truthfully, I've even considered hiring an escort, I was a very social person before this and having no human touch for two years is a lot to deal with. I'm not really sure I want to carry the stigma of that, but another year or two of this (or more) and I feel like eventually something has to give, I'm only human.

 

[[Cr...]]

Where are you at in your recovery currently?

People have different emotional needs while in recovery. While I was lucky to have someone by my side, I also dislike having someone there witnessing me suffering. Like i felt the need to pace but with my girlfriend there I resisted it because I didnt want to do it in front of her. Also dealing with the stress of disappointing her when I can't commit to any social excursions due to the unpredictable nature of withdrawal was mentally tough. So in a way I didn't want to be around others when I was recovering but did when I was in a window and healed.

You should focus on your recovery and only concern yourself with romantic relationships once you feel you have improved enough to take on the emotional investment that requires. Trying to start a relationship when you are not yet yourself could lead to disappointing outcomes for both involved.

[[Go...]]

On 30/05/2024 at 00:58, [[O...] said:

The hardest part of this journey for me, as a single person, has been the lack of human contact. It's been just about two years now, I still can't handle public places, and while I've begun to drive around the neighborhood, I still can't manage driving much further away, so trying to date or go out is simply not possible yet.

I don't so much mind not feeling well, I can deal with that, but not connecting with anyone, specifically in a romantic way, is really doing a number on my mental health. Truthfully, I've even considered hiring an escort, I was a very social person before this and having no human touch for two years is a lot to deal with. I'm not really sure I want to carry the stigma of that, but another year or two of this (or more) and I feel like eventually something has to give, I'm only human.

Thank you for this! I’m at 16 months, and reading your post was like reading a journal entry of myself.   Hope someone will be able to tell us if this was a time frame they experienced as well??

[[OD...]]

I agree I'm not in a place to handle a relationship. I think the part that mostly affects my mental health is that it's not a question of if I should or shouldn't attempt to date, but that I literally can't, I can't even drive a few blocks from my house yet.

I definitely notice the isolation has done a number on me, in terms of my personality being quite different and almost blunted/overly stoic.... I do chat with some people on apps, as friends, to maintain some form of friendship/relationship, and I do see my old, much more fun, charming, talkative personality come out at least a bit in those interactions... so the good news is the old me is still there, but now I get what they mean when they say isolation is very psychologically unhealthy.

[[He...]]

I am absolutely agree with Crono. I am married and my husband was very supportive at the beginning of my journey before 4 years. Unfortunately I had many setbacks because of different things and I notice that my husband isn’t very supportive now. He thinks that I will get better like every time. He doesn’t realise how tired I am because of this condition. Sometimes I wish to be lonely because I can’t be the wife who he needs. Now we will have a journey at the end of the month and I just don’t want to go because I am not feeling well. I know that he will feel disappointed because of my decision. He thinks that it’s just not real thing and not real condition. Also my look changes with each setback - I am loosing my weight, my hair, my skin is looking awful. I just think that he doesn’t like me. So because of all these things sometimes I think it is better to be alone especially when your partner doesn’t understand you. I have read about so many people that lost their partners through the process. So my advice is to think that it is advantage to be without a partner.

[[Th...]]

I’ve left a relationship during withdrawal and moved into my own house. The isolation is so hard but also can be a relief at times. I occasionally feel like some company but the social anxiety usually kills that thought dead. Some days I can go into public places no problem and that can help, brief conversations with people i don’t know can be ok but I really struggle to be around people I know or care about. Including my kids. I just get massive panic. If you work out how to navigate this topic let me know!

[[On...]]

It's excruciating feeling so lost and alone.

I cope by:

Music,

Spotify/amazon podcasts.

Colouring

Books (spiritual, self help).

Local library app has books, audiibooks and magazines lol so agoraphobia is catered for. 

Cleaning, aromatherapy, self care though hard, 

Yes it goes fast. 

Oh and amazon is making some money.

Have had to utilise helplines when overwhelmed. 

But here is a godsend. 

🙏 ❤️