Lara Govendo writes about the importance of having community while living with CF in her latest column. Check it out here.
Here’s an excerpt, “That’s why making friends in our communities is crucial to our overall well-being. It’s validating to see others fighting the same rare disease as me. I’ve learned we can’t walk this journey alone, nor are we meant to. And sometimes we just need the extra encouragement of knowing that if someone else can do it, so can we.”
How do you deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness? What do you do to find community?
Usually, I deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness by writing my thoughts out or just spending time with my dogs and wife. They’re the best company you can keep! Nowadays, I find community through the larger cf community online by relating to their stories and hopefully, maybe, they’ll relate to mine.
When dealing with feelings of isolation, I usually try to rewire my thinking and appreciate the quiet time to sort through my feelings, headspace, and attempt to keep busy with whatever tasks I can. However, when it becomes too lonely or difficult to endure, I talk about my feelings with those close to me, like my husband, best friends, family… and of course, my two puppies – who are the best listeners out there!