Loneliness

JIA_2004

Hi all, I was diagnosed with JIA aged 1, and I’m now 22. I have since been diagnosed with a further 4 autoimmune diseases and I have been feeling extremely isolated as none of my peers can relate to some of the things I have experienced or continue to experience in my daily life. I was wondering if anyone else feels like this or if it’s just me?

mollymartin

hi I was 18 when I was diagnosed with RA, im now 19 at uni, and I completely understand what you mean, nobody else around me seems to have issues, while theyre all dancing in bars, im sitting in the corner alone, it has ruined plenty of nights out and made me feel like I could never have friends with this condition, with my newest friends I even lied to them and only told them what I had when we were going out for the first time. Its hard to be young and have this as many of us just feel different and unable to do as much as others

noddingtonpete

Hello @mollymartin you might find the following article of interest

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/august/my-first-year-at-university-felt-like-the-worst-time-to-be-living-with-arthritis/

Best wishes

Peter

Tyabc

Hey I get it. I was recently diagnosed at age 17. My problem comes from my friends talking about simple things like going to the gym or on runs around me. They don't mean to be insensitive but it is hard to connect to the people around you when you are physically incapable of enjoying the same things as them. It would be lovely to feel more normal around peers

Naomi33

Morning @Tyabc

Sorry to hear you feeling low.

I find as I look normal and was always active everyone seems to think I am ok but as you talking about normal things to them gets to me sometimes and I have to have a talk to myself.

I decided last year to join a new circle of friends joining RA groups which really helped me and connecting with people in the same position or even worse than me.

Hope this helps and believe you me you are not alone ❤️

Best wishes @Naomi33

frogmorton

@mollymartin I wonder whether you've seen this post from @Tyabc ?

Toni x

johnask

Thank you for sharing that—it really means a lot. It’s so true that looking “normal” on the outside can make people overlook what’s really going on inside. I completely get what you’re saying about needing to talk to yourself sometimes—those moments can be tough.Joining an RA group and finding people who truly understand sounds like a powerful step, and I’m really glad it’s been helpful for you. It’s amazing how much strength comes from simply knowing we’re not alone in what we’re going through.Your message is comforting and encouraging—thank you again. ❤️

Poppyjane

Welcome @johnask to the community

We are a friendly group offering support to each other. It is great to hear from you and for your first post to be so supportive of another member. We hope to hear from you all again soon.

Best wishes

Poppyjane