Isolation

[Charlize]

This new need to "shelter in place"  brings a memory of how isolated i felt in the closet.  I think it was simply the need to be with others as myself that gave me the push i needed to come out.  

As we follow the distancing rules remember many will feel that need to socialize.  If you are a member of a support group you might want to suggest a virtual meeting.  Be well and safe but keep reaching out.  It seems a simple human need especially when faced by stress.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[KathyLauren]

I am feeling the need for social contact.  I compensate for the lack of real-world contact by using email, forums, and social media more.  I sent my neighbour an update on my recovery that would have been TMI in normal circumstances, but it was just a response to the isolation.  Luckily, she was feeling isolated too, and took it in the spirit in which it was intended.

[Jani]

I miss the social contact of life as well, through shopping and just walking about.  I have been receiving lots of virtual contact though as friends and family check in.

[VickySGV]

As a very young child I had severe Hyper-immune issues and had to be isolated for long periods of time.  I also had eczema over large portions of my body that made touch extremely uncomfortable from someone who did not know how and where it was OK to touch me.  Two family members did know where it hurt the worst, and for their own misguided reasons went right for those places to touch always giving a hollow apology for having forgotten about it.  I have finally gotten to where hugs are no longer a general issue, but I am still happier to be given my own space and limited body contact. Hormones have helped the eczema which I am grateful for since my Trans community here is pretty huggley.    

[tracy_j]

At this time I have a bit of a dilemma as I am not supposed to visit my mum as elderly and diabetic etc, but she has no social media or email contact and even has issues getting to the phone.

 

I am taking more notice of the isolating and care in life generally so that, keeping a distance which is tricky but not insurmountable, I will probably visit her. Mentally it will be a very big help to both of us, particularly as she is prone to depression. She lives alone, only having carers going in for short periods at mealtimes.

 

Tracy

[Susan R]

11 hours ago, tracy_j said:

At this time I have a bit of a dilemma as I am not supposed to visit my mum as elderly and diabetic etc, but she has no social media or email contact and even has issues getting to the phone.

I was having a talk with my wife about this last night.  I can’t even imagine what this social distancing and isolation would have done to our society back in the 70’s, 80’s and even the 90’s before the wide spread use (if any) of mobile devices and the web/email. The landline phone would have been the only method of direct communication.  Non-streaming, non on-demand, and limited channel TV with commercials would be your main entertainment from the outside world.  In a small way, we’re lucky to have the connectivity we have these days.  We as a society would’ve adapted but it would’ve and likely has changed us.

 

Susan R?

[Denisenj]

Nice topic!!!!!!!. Yeah I lived alone for the past nine months or so. And I thought I had friends but it turns out in these times of isolation they don't even have time to call they are so busy thinking of things to do around their house they can't   Before this stay home order at least I was able to go out to the casinos, drag race my car ,malls  nail salons or spas in general ,just go out and about and to work.  some of the people I know have families with wives and some have children living with them sodor actually not that lonely Add this isolation the issue that one has with their gender identity that makes us even more susceptible two loneliness. For me to get a text or call from somebody I know and don't get me wrong it sounds like I'm complaining but actually I am. One guy lent $10,000 to when he was building his house back in the late 90s.yeah he paid me back Yes he knew I got an inheritance for my mom who died and we sold her house for $69,000. Now this guy owns a large concrete company yeah I sure shared pictures of Denise with him he seemed to take it okay but even before I did that he rarely called in the past 8 or 9 years. No I don't miss my abusive wife I rather be alone with Denise my alter ego but she needs interaction with others to make her feel better. So I'm done venting and those that live alone going through what we are going through you understand my anxiety and frustration. Have a nice day everybody

[Maddee]

Isolation is not a big change for me. 

 

And I don't have TV, computer, or any media other than the limited data on my phone.  Not for a long time.  Part of the way my dysphoria manifested itself is a need to shut out all media.  Interesting that it kept me off the internet so long, and cut me off from info that could've helped me earlier.

 

Just me my guitar and my cat for now.

Sounds rough but I'm ok with the space and peace to breathe.. 

I do hope that I get to keep living, and that the rest of my life doesn't have to as isolated as most of it has up to this point.  Keeping some space open for others in my world if we again get to do that.

 

 

[JoniSteph]

Hoping everyone is Safe, Well kept, and most of all Healthy.
Interesting topic and one I could not resist chiming in on. 

 

Living alone i rely on social media or phone to stay in touch. Losing contact with others as they try to stay busy due to Covid19 and self-isolation, trying to adapt to it.

 

My support has dwindled to "I support you but have no idea what you are going through" to "Have fun and good luck with that". Even the local support group which met monthly is now on hold until this all clears up.

 

I have a new therapist assigned to do my assessment but she had called me to put on hold any meetings until pandemic crisis is over. She will set appointment with me then. My referral to the endocrinologist has been accepted pending the receipt of my assessment. Net result is that HRT is in limbo and going nowhere for the foreseeable future.

 

Meantime, I have plenty of spare time (chuckles) to work on my voice, makeup, and try to get over this dysphoria about all this white facial hair that needs to be shaved twice a day. ((Where did that fertilizer or yeast or whatever makes it grow so fast come from.)) hehe.

 

Stay safe everyone - Keep a safe distance - and most of all - Stay healthy

Big Canadian Hug