Lonelyness...

scottishtom

Any advice on combatting loneliness, currently housebound as my prosthetic is not finished

Rosie_Scope

That sounds tough @scottishtom, it's not nice feeling separated from the world by things you don't have much control over. Have they told you how long you've got to wait for your prosthetic?

I know it's not always possible, but do you have any friends or family nearby that could come and hang out with you at home when you're feeling alone?

The charity Limbless Association occasionally run some online community events on zoom for amputees if that's something you'd be interested in.

Getting involved with chats on here or on other online groups might be worth a look too. If you use Facebook or social media, there are often groups for hobbies or interests that you could try joining in with.

For days where you can't find much social connection, sometimes I find it helps to keep yourself deeply distracted with a consuming hobby of some kind. Painting things, playing video games, or making models can be quite good for this. The kind of video games you can play online with others might be a good shout if you have a console of some kind. I know that doesn't solve the whole problem, but it just puts it off for a while if you need a break from your thoughts.

And of course, we're also here if you need to chat ☺️ I'm sure some other members will have some tips too.

Hope you're not waiting too long for your prosthetic to be finished.

kitsmum

I am at home on my own a lot of the time and often can't get out of bed due to fatigue (I have multiple energy limiting illnesses) and do get lonely. I do have the bonus of having a husband and offspring in the evenings and weekends (unless they are off doing things that I can no longer do or don't have the energy for - like now) I have friends who I keep in contact with on whatsapp or sometimes I can video call. I listen to music or podcasts or watch a series on my tablet. Keeping my mind busy does help to combat the loneliness but doesn't totally dispel it so I journal my thoughts to get rid of them /keep them at bay.

Having visitors seems like a good idea if you can manage that? Also trying to cut the day into portions rather than looking at a whole day helps me to manage the loneliness because it seems to help me see things as not looking quite so bleak.

Hope you get your prosthetic soon and can get out and about.

I am available to chat with on here if that helps.

scottishtom

Thank you so much, for your excellent advice, and yes it would be very nice to chat, and discuss whats going on in the world etc

scoopy

I’m sorry you are feeling lonely.

I have a soft toy that helps with that. I used to have cats but don’t currently, so the soft toy is a good fill in.

Also I have some online community things going on via zoom three times a week which helps to break things up. Something to look forward to.

The radio phone ins can help, like Nicky Campbell in the morning. Nothing too much, he is pretty liberal minded.

Just some ideas. Do you have anything you do that helps?

All the best :)

scottishtom

I read a lot, listen to radio, sometimes chat on line

All the bedt

scottishtom

I mean best lol, im a rubbish typist

Holly_Scope

I was just about to suggest a bit of reading. That always helps me pass the time but it's important to have some social connection too. I like @scoopy's idea of zoom catch up's with online communities. And of course, you've got us here on the forum, too. I hope you're able to find something that works for you. 😊

scottishtom

Thank you

Rolaliton228

I'm sorry to hear you're stuck at home right now. Being housebound can definitely make everything feel a bit heavier. Have you tried looking into online hobby groups or community forums like this one? Sometimes joining a live stream or a book club can help bridge the gap while you wait for your prosthetic