Get a Social Life! (really, it’ll do you good)
We live in a day where isolation is a norm. In our world of screens and social media, individuals are reporting high levels of feelings of loneliness. The research has shown that staying in our own little worlds is harmful.
Interacting in person, face to face, is an innate human thirst. We are wired for interpersonal communication. And we can’t get it from the interface of a website or gaming app.
It’ll behoove us to get off the screen and pay attention to those who are physically around us.
Here are a few reminders to keep us all from going crazy, getting depressed, and feeling anxious while we are living our lives in a world of interpersonal retardation.
- limit screen time
- use technology to get involved physically in person
- go for a walk and meet your neighbors
- talk to a friend in person you haven’t seen in a while
- write a letter to a relative, or far away friend
- write an email and invite to meet in person
- call someone on the phone and ask to meet in person
- introduce yourself to someone in a public setting, whether it’s church, school, a community center, or childrens’ youth league, and start a dialogue.
- invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance to church with you
- invest in the good friendships you already have and get to know them even more
- ask quality questions of your spouse and family members, and actively listen to their responses
- genuinely care
Follow these simple suggestions, and I think we’ll be off to a good start and continue to self-care for ourselves in our struggles with socializing. The best way to breakthrough and change is to practice, and do it a different way (so we aren’t getting the same results). After all, the last thing we want to do is go crazy from our isolation.
Stay brave and bold,
Katie
5 Comments
BeckiesMentalMess.wordpress.com
The timing in reading this post is quite a coincidence to me. After 5 years of not dating and learning to first love myself after my diagnosis with mental illness, I am just realizing how much I want to meet someone.
It’s difficult, because of the mental illness. How would it be perceived?
Ashley of Mental Health @ Home just introduced me to a site for people who want to date, and/or something more for the future. I literally just finished the application to this site. Now that I have, I’m nervous even though I know I’m ready to be in a relationship again.
I guess time will only tell.
Excellent post!
Katie
Beckie, taking a step of faith to meet someone, whether or not you have a diagnosis of mental health is brave. I met my husband online 11 years ago, at the ripe age of 20 and one of the first things I mentioned to him was that I had bipolar. Vulnerable and in some ways, naive. But being on medication has helped my own journey, and we’ve always recognized the person before the problem. We are a team. I will pray you find someone committed to you, in spite of your diagnosis. Mental health is just another layer to navigate. Education is paramount. <3
BeckiesMentalMess.wordpress.com
Thank you, Katie. Congratulations on meeting your husband and the maintaining your medication.
I”m four years sober, my medication is finally stabilized, and I have done nothing but work on my overall mental well-being and learning to love myself first before I seek to find another.
That time has come. I’m ready to meet someone again.
The site that Ashley reccomended was https://www.nolongerlonely.com/ for persons that have mental illness. I applied two nights ago, and haven’t heard back from them. But, I am a patient person.
I’m not giving up on hope with regards to this matter. I have faith that whatever happens, happens for a reason.
Katie
Yes, sounds like you have thought this out! I wish you the best!
BeckiesMentalMess.wordpress.com
Thank you kindly. ?