Life in the Hospital Lane –Overcoming Isolation Part3

Be filled with courage to foster connection - you never know - that connection may be the glimmer of light in someone else's dark day

Outdoors for perspective

Amongst most wellbeing therapies - there’s always the need for some fresh air. A change of environment, especially if it involves sunlight, can distract you and help dull the ache of loneliness. Getting out of the house or out of the hospital can remind you that you aren’t alone in the world.

Time outside can also help ease emotional distress and give your temperament a lift. Try a visit to a nearby park. Listen to birds, take in the sights, the smells. Take a walk around your neighborhood. Explore streets you’ve never visited and greet neighbors when your paths cross. Visit and support a local business. All these activities help to refocus your disposition, and getting in some walking will also improve your sleep quality at night!

Rediscover your passions

Introducing more to your social calendar as a parent of an unwell child isn’t easy. It requires finding a trusted source for respite to enable you to step away. When you feel isolated, it occupies your thoughts to the point where it’s difficult to think about anything else, including the things you usually enjoy. It’s worth rediscovering these favorite hobbies, even if for a small moment. Doing things you enjoy or that are meaningful to you - from crosswords to yoga to cooking - grounds you and helps you find inner calm. Engage in activities that ignite your passion and spark your curiosity, whether it's painting, walking the dog, or stargazing. If these activities bring you joy and leave you with a sense of fulfillment - that might challenge a prevailing mood of loneliness. By embracing your passions, you'll discover new depths of resilience

However overwhelming it feels, the feeling of isolation won’t last forever. Acknowledging that fact can sometimes bring some relief. Know also that the feeling is widespread amongst caregivers, so you’re not alone in feeling this way. If you have a prevailing feeling of loneliness that doesn’t seem to budge, reach out for professional help. Talk to the hospital staff and social workers about how to get confidential support from a trained counsellor. They’ll listen to whatever’s on your mind and help you explore strategies to find some relief. A professional counsellor will glean more insight into what might be going on and provide you with skills to manage in the moment and effectively overcome isolation in the future.

Caring for your child is a remarkable journey—it's an adventure of the heart - a quest for connection and meaning amidst the challenges it brings. By using tools and strategies, while reaching out for support you'll discover that even amid isolation, there is joy to be found. Even in the darkest moments, there is comfort. Be filled with courage to foster connection - you never know - that connection may be the glimmer of light in someone else’s dark day.