Lack of desire to connect with others
- I don’t want to be a bother to anyone
- I look like crap
- I don’t care about anything
- I am doing fine by myself
- I enjoy being by myself
These are a few reasons; some people may give for isolating themselves. This can come with grief, and also during this time of Covid-19 self distancing.
I mention this, so you are aware that no matter what the reason is, it can be a slippery slope. By “slippery slope” I mean it can be really easy for some people to gradually pull away from life.
When considering this on a deeper level, the definition of life and living can start to shrink. Friends, family and perhaps connecting with neighbours may not be important to an individual as it once was.
The individual may state, “No one ever calls me anymore”, not realizing or acknowledging that their self isolation and not connecting with people over a period of time may have caused this to happen.
As always, there is no judgment to be made here.
Awareness, and acknowledging that there are some people who need us to step up and connect in some way.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I use this analogy, sometimes when joking around with a client or person I know,
when they tell me they are “FINE”.
We both know they are not “FINE”.
All my best,
Barbara Gillett Saunders
Grief Counsellor/Thanatologist