DU bubble hug needed post haste

[BlueAJ]

53. In that boat too

Hi Soph,

I can totally relate as I have been pretty much alone for 10 months now. Not even going to the grocery stores (delivery instead). I thought I was going loose it in October as the days got short and the weather cold. Strangely the stress of the election and post-election period shocked me out of my state of loneliness. I attribute that to significant increase in watching the news, checking DU, reading twitter and texting with friends. Even though it is not the same as being with someone, it helped me to know I was not alone. Other things that helped were having sports, news, commentary, etc. on in the background (there is something about a program being live versus taped that makes a difference i think). Listening to radio stations from various places around the world. Checking in to Youtube live and webcams of places from around the world. Watching comedians, concerts, tiktok and other videos on Youtube. Rediscovering favorite old albums on Spotify. And playing interactive games with people online. Finally I started talking with a counselor and working on strategies for how to deal with the really tough times through grounding, breathing and other techniques. A warm shower or rubbing my bare feet across the carpet has taken the edge off of the moment. Best of luck to you and sending a virtual hug.

Allan