Maintaining your social wellbeing

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Social support is an invaluable buffer against stress1

Living with a long-term condition such as cTTP can sometimes be isolating and emotionally draining.2 Having a strong social network and staying socially active can help you build resilience and act as a buffer during most challenging times.1

Going at your own pace

Building new relationships and maintaining existing ones comes more naturally to some than to others, and confiding in other people can sometimes require time and effort. It is important to go at your own pace and recognize when you need company, and when you just need time for yourself. However, building a support network can be very important to your mental health,2 so consider the following information when it comes to fostering relationships in your life.

Two women and a man sat around a table talking. The man is wearing a suit and eating a sandwich. One woman has one hand on a bowl of food and the other held out gesturing as she speaks. The other woman is looking at the first woman and holding a green fruit. In the centre of the table is some fruit on a plate.

Maintaining your social support takes work but can be worth it.

  • Try to stay connected with family and friends through regular visits, phone calls, or video chats
  • Schedule social activities you enjoy, like going to the movies and eating out
  • Keep up with any regular activities you have if you can, such as weekly community meetings or classes
  • New hobbies and volunteering can be a great way to meet people
  • Attending support groups is a great way to connect with other people who have cTTP
  • There are some apps available that can help you make friends virtually; however, it’s important to take safety measures when using the internet and social media

Further reading

Two hands held open with an orange lightbulb with a black filament above them.

Maintaining your emotional wellbeing 

Discover tools and techniques to help you manage your emotional wellbeing.

A man wearing a yellow top and sweatband around his head holds a rolled up yoga mat which is black with red edges.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle 

Learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices when living with cTTP.

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The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any concerns or questions you may have regarding your medical condition or treatment.

References

  1. Guo T, et al. Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:957382.
  2. Patient. Available at: https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-a-chronic-illness-affects-your-mental-health. Accessed August 2024.