Isolation is a "cancer" for the recovering person's soul.
Isolation is an option-No matter how bad you feel!
It is also a death knell for caregivers of chronic illness, too.
Sounds dramatic to be sure but true never the less. I just left lunch with a group of friends and realize this adage is as important to clinically observe in clients and it is important to recognize for ourselves.
In fact, all of my work might be in service of addiction and caregivers alike but in speaking to a new friend I just met today from The Hanley Center, we both thought we were speaking about business but the discussion evolved how important it is to be caregivers of our own souls in both worlds. We both were close to the same age and talked about our healing paths as "boomer." Thank you Jack for the connection. It sparked me to write this blog tonight. When problems and challenges hit our lives we tend to go inside and become myopic and self absorbed. I know I do. Each time I reach out and connect whether it is to a therapist, a friend, a group or a higher power, I feel less alone. Support groups, spiritual retreats, a best friend accompanying you to a movie; all of these are connections and tools on your toolbox.
I will be speaking in 6 cities in the next 6 weeks and though the talks will be on addictions, caregiving and compassion fatigue, isolation is the always the bottom line. Isolation is the frame for the painting we call depression. Losses of any kind facilitate the depression further.
Be on guard. Become our best friend this weekend.
There is no need to suffer from depression in 2010. Connecting with a loved one is vital but connecting with a therapist or psychiatrist is like chicken soup, “it can never hurt.”
If you are suffering from any addiction at all, do not hesitate to go to www.intherooms.com If you have a best friend call her and him out. Best friends understand, even when we believe they do not. Ask a friend, a recovering person, a caregiver you may know for a referral to a therapist and/or a psychiatrist.
Call Alcoholics Anonymous and know they will direct you to a non judgemental group of people who will hug you, speak to you and no doubt have coffee with you. They will get you to any 12 step program.
Isolation is the darkness. Connection is the light. No one can work harder than you for your own mind, body or soul. Life in the Recovery room thrives on connecting. It’s Friday and the weekend is around the corner. Iron Man 2 will take your mind out of the symbolic blanket you feel you are under. Find a meeting.
Write me back when you act on this. I cannot wait to be inspired by you, so I am inspired not to isolate either. Remember, though I facilitate healing, we are all works in progress.
See the darkness and welcome the light, It is a choice that you can make for yourself. When rain comes, reach out because there will be a rainbow soon.
Tell me all about it and I will pass your story along to the many I speak with over the next month. Make sure your Recovery Room is filled with people this weekend.
Carpe Diem!
