Spending less time amongst people
Do you find that you’re socialising less often than you’d actually like to? Perhaps you’re cancelling appointments more often, prefer to stay at home, or find it takes a lot of energy to go anywhere. Sometimes this happens gradually. First, you skip a busy birthday party. Then you see fewer and fewer people. Before you know it, your world has become smaller. You may feel that you are not properly understood. In that case, staying at home seems easier. Yet connecting with others can actually help you feel stronger, calmer and more connected.
What have you noticed?
Reduced contact with others can manifest itself in various ways. Sometimes you miss people, but find it difficult to take the first step.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you cancel social engagements more often;
- you dread crowds or conversations;
- you are worried that others will not understand your symptoms;
- you get tired more quickly after being in contact with others;
- you go out less often;
- if you feel lonely or isolated;
- you take less initiative to ring someone;
- you’d rather stay at home because it feels safer;
- you find social situations nerve-wracking.
You might tell yourself that it’s not as bad as it seems. But if your contact with others is gradually diminishing, this can affect your mood and self-confidence.
