Isolated

“Being isolated doesn’t mean you have to be alone.”

Feeling isolated isn’t uncommon for stroke survivors.

It’s not that you really want to be alone.

But dealing with things like aphasia, physical challenges, and being tired all the time can make you choose to pull away.

Sometimes it just feels easier to be alone. I’ve felt that way many times.

You want to think, breathe, and relax. But isolating yourself isn’t healthy, especially in the long run. Think about joining a local stroke survivor support group, so you have a safe place to share what you’re feeling.

I missed the “me” that was always on the go. The one who took long walks on the beach and climbed the big flights of stairs down to it with ease. I didn’t like that I had to find a beach access with no steps, so I wouldn’t have to test my balance and risk a fall. 

It was depressing, and I was angry with myself for not bouncing back from my stroke the way I always had with everything else. 

Recovery takes time and a ton of patience. And sometimes it’s in very short supply.

Getting yourself out of isolation may start with something as simple as opening the drapes and letting the sunlight in. Say hello to a neighbor when you’re taking the trash cans out to the curb.

Try to get out of your comfort zone, even just a little bit.

Every meaningful change starts with a small step.

Before you know it, you won’t be isolated anymore.