Loneliness

JIA_2004
JIA_2004 Member Posts: 2
edited 27. May 2025, 12:52 in Young people's community

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?

Comments

  • mollymartin
    mollymartin Member Posts: 4

    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
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,421

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Tyabc
    Tyabc Member Posts: 3

    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
    Naomi33 Moderator Posts: 561

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,389

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

    Toni x

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