Social Connections II

So...what to do if one is lacking social connections--as they seem to be such an important element of well-being and happiness?

Especially when one is an introvert, as I?

Well, I don't know if it counts, but I have recently joined an on-line discussion group re: Nobel literature laureates.  For the past two years I have been reading through the Nobel authors, with no one with whom to discuss what I'm reading.

I stumbled across this group through a Google search the first week of January, and it has given me great joy, I must admit, to get up each morning--see what others have posted, to contribute a review, to ask a question.

These people are from all over the world, so they wouldn't/couldn't be there for me in times of crisis.  It wouldn't be proper to have any sort of expectation that way.  But I do think they would notice if I was gone for few days, and they seem to appreciate and value my contribution...so that makes me feel good...and somewhat connected.  At least more connected than I was.

And then there is the treatment world.  It is really important for me not to give up on that.  To push myself to my appointments and not cancel.

I also have a mature group of dual diagnosis adults which I try to attend two to three times a week.  As much energy as this takes from me, I also get a lot of good information and support in return.  There are times when I have gone "underground" for a week or so when I'm not feeling well; but it is always good to return and have that caring understanding connection.

I recognize this is probably not enough; but it is a start.

Taking a break from family may be the right thing to do at certain times in one's life.  But it is also very important to try to make some sort of connection to the best of one's ability, and be at peace with it.