Feeling lonely with CP

krustytheunicorn

Hi,

Does anyone else feel lonely and isolated with CP? I have been feeling like this for many years and I would like some advice on how to handle it, and maybe some advice on how to move forward.

I am an outgoing person, but i don’t know how to meet new people and London is a big place where people live far away from each other.

Teddy

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @krustytheunicorn and a very warm welcome to the community!

How are you doing today?

I too have CP and can relate to feeling lonely and isolated at times, especially when I became a teenager.

Are you part of any CP facebook groups? These can help to be around people who will have more information.

Would you mind telling me a bit about yourself? Are at school or in work? I understand it can be hard to socialise.

Here are some links that you may find interesting:

• Being included and going out with friends

• Keeping your friends when life changes

• Talking about your impairment or condition with new people

I hope these are useful and please do let me know if there is anything else I can do

krustytheunicorn

Hi Chloe,

Im 24 and I attend classes at a local centre for literacy and numeracy.

I live with my parents and don’t have much human contact at the moment.

Thanks for the links, I’ll check the out.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @krustytheunicorn,

How are you finding your classes?

I can understand why a lack of human contact would be difficult. Are you part of any other online forums? 

On the community we talk about all sorts, and you're more than welcome to join in! We have the Coffee Lounge where people talk about films or we play certain games.

krustytheunicorn

Classes are going well, thanks.

Im not part of any other online forums, although i tried the outsiders facebook group, but my lack of confidence got in the way.

Thanks for the warm welcome 

Sam_Alumni

Hi @krustytheunicorn
Have you tried MeetUp? It's a website that advertises lots of different meetings and events based on interest and location. 

I know it can be hard especially if you feel nervous and anxious, but often everyone else in the room feels the same way!

Chloe_Alumni

That's okay

I hope you enjoy being on the community, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

April2018mom

Welcome

I am a adult without any impairments. Maybe try finding a established support group on FB? Let me know if I can provide further assistance. 
There are lots of activities for disabled people. What do you enjoy doing? Do you love swimming? Perhaps apply for a card at your local leisure centre. 
What are your hobbies? I've always loved art so I use that to help me make friends. Also you could try to look for work. Volunteering is nice on a resume (I’m American, I apologise!). https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/activities/accessible-activities
https://www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk/health-and-well-being/learning-disability/activities-for-people-with-learning-disabilities/

Richard_Scope

Hi @krustytheunicorn
Great to meet you! The community is a good place to meet people and form friendships. I joined when I became a dad. I realised that I knew almost nobody with CP in a similar position to me. Although I didn't meet any other dads with CP I met people with other impairments and found we had quite a lot in common.

redchicken43

I certainly can relate to this as CP or indeed any other disability can lead to you feeling lonely, especially when you reach your teenage years. As my CP is very mild I was able to drive a car which for me gave me a great sense of freedom and allowed me to meet other people. As others have said online communities are great and a BIG THANKS for starting such a very topical thread. You are not alone!