Loneliness can have a big impact on the mental wellbeing of those with mobility challenges.
However, these difficulties can often be minimised. Read on as we explore some of the key ways you can cope with loneliness and spend more time interacting with others.
Attend Local and Online Clubs
There are lots of regular clubs and activities that you can get to, even if mobility only allows for limited attendance, to socialise with other people of a similar age. For example, in Irvine and surrounding areas, the Council puts on events for people, and there are also some great community led events for over 50s.
If you’ll struggle to get out of the house, you can also join something online as joining a club has never been easier on the internet. Whether it be a book club, bingo group, or a trivia night, there are a multitude of online clubs that enable you to socialise and bond with others over a mutual passion while remaining at home. It also provides you with a wider support network on top of your pre-existing group of family and friends so that you can have more things to do during the week.
Invest in Mobility Vehicles
Mobility challenges can make it difficult to get out and about to visit family and friends. However, they don’t categorically mean that you aren’t able to remain independent and mix socially.
Here at Thistle Help, we stock everything from scooters to wheelchairs to powerchairs. All of these mobility vehicles help people to regain independence, and encourage them to keep doing the things they enjoy. This massively helps the battle against loneliness, allowing those with mobility challenges to spend more time with the people they care about.
Use FaceTime to Connect
The recent advancements in technology have made it easier and easier for people to connect and communicate with each other without having to meet face-to-face.
By using apps like FaceTime or WhatsApp’s video calling option, you can join singular and group calls straight from the comfort of your own home. This is particularly beneficial if you have family members who live at the other end of the country or overseas.
While meeting loved ones in person may feel like the ideal scenario, regular calls can be a great way to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation and provide a means of face-to-face interaction that is more fulfilling than texting or emailing.
Pets & Therapy Animals
Pets can offer great companionship that alleviate symptoms of loneliness.
Dogs are affectionate, playful, and help provide emotional support. Trained dogs can do the above, and also help with tasks such as picking up items off the floor and even alerting others in the event of an emergency. Looking after cats is easier, they help limit loneliness while typically being easier to manage than dogs.
If having a full-time pet isn’t a viable option, therapy pet visits are another great way of interacting with animals, without having to take care of them 24/7.
Keep a Journal
Maintaining an active journal can keep you occupied, while also helping you release your emotions onto a piece of paper without bottling them up. Releasing them into your journal can help you destress and while not a person, a journal provides a safe space for you to express how you feel.
By having a record of your emotions, you can go back to the past and see how you were feeling at a certain time, to see how you have come along since you started using the journal. It also offers a means for jotting down ideas, trying your hand at poetry, or planning out a routine.
Conclusion
We understand that mobility challenges can make people feel isolated. However, they should never make someone feel as though they can’t still interact and spend time with people.
Coping with loneliness is key. By using the tips listed above, you can regain independence, communicate with family, spend time with animals, and create new friendships with people who you share mutual interests with.
Thistle Help is here to support you. If you would like any further advice, please reach out to us.
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