The Los Angeles ABILITIES EXPO is right around the corner!
We can't wait to see you there, help you out with your equipment,
and answer any questions you have!
Here's some memories from our previous years making friends at the Expo!
We don't always talk about products on our blog, but when we do, it's because they're just that good!
This week we're talking a winner of the CES 2018 INNOVATION AWARD, the Whill Model Ci!
This modern wheelchair takes independence and accessibility to a whole new level with it's exceptional indoor & outdoor maneuvering, portability, and trendy construction. And the cherry on top is your choice of 6 different colors!
But why read about it when you can see it for yourself...
Finding a living situation that accommodates the needs of someone with disabilities- or even aging parents -can be a difficult task, especially if you've never had to think about it before.
Whether you are looking to modify your own home to meet someone's unique needs, or you are helping them locate accommodations that will suit their needs better, here's checks to make sure you get the safest, most accessible home possible:
1) Doorways At Least 36" Wide
If your loved one has a wheelchair, scooter or walker- or if you think they may need one in the future- it's best to know ahead of time whether the doorways in a potential accommodation will facilitate these needs. Measure all doorways to ensure they're at least 36" wide to ensure your loved one will always get around their new home with ease.
2) Kitchen Surfaces Reachable from Seated Position
For your loved one to continue a thriving, independent life, they'll want to be able to accomplish tasks in the kitchen such as food preparation and medication management. Make sure the countertops and other important surfaces are low enough for the easy reach of someone in a seated position, so that even when they have a wheelchair, scooter, or just want to sit while they prep meals, they'll have ready access.
3) Staircase Handrails on Both Sides
Maximum support for going up or down stairs is important, so having handrails on both sides of any staircase or walk way is crucial.
4) Step-Free Entrances
One-story living arrangements with step-free entrances are best for those with a disability, or those advancing in years. Steps can be a great hurdle for those with sore and aching joints, and impossible for those with wheelchairs, so when choosing a new home for your loved one, having a step-free entrance is vital.
5) Walkways Free of Slips & Trips
Make sure all walkways are free of slippery, smooth surfaces, or curbs and rug-edges that may cause any trips or falls.
6) Doors Easy to Unlock & Open
Opening a door from a wheelchair can be a task, so make sure doors are light and their knobs or handles are easy to manage. Locks should be easy to manage as well.
7) Step-Free Shower
Bathing will become a bane if a tub or shower is difficult to climb into. Make sure the home has at least one walk-in shower without any steps. A shower with a built in seat would be even better.
8) Easy Bathroom Faucet
Twists nobs can get stiff, stuck, and hard to manage for aging loved ones with tight joints or arthritis. Choose a home with faucets that either have a motion sensor, a touch sensor, or a lever handle.
9) Grab Bars in Shower & Near Toilet
Having something to hold onto when getting into the shower or when near the toilet is very important to prevent slips and falls. If the home you're looking at doesn't have these grab-bars, ask the owner whether the walls would support having such bars installed.
10) Nonslip Mats in Shower
Make sure the shower- and any other floor that may get wet or slick -has nonslip mats to ensure your loved one is protected from falls.
11) Hot Water Set Below 120 F
Protecting your loved one from getting scalded from the shower or sink is as simple as ensuring the hot water is set below 120 degrees. Ask the landlord or owner if this is the current setting, or if it can be set at 120 to prevent any hot water accidents.
12) Smoke Detectors
Finally, if any rooms don't have a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, make sure to test to see if you can hear them from those rooms when their alarms go off. It may appear like they're close enough, but don't leave anything up to assumptions when your loved one's safety is at stake.
These steps will get you well on your way to identifying or creating the perfect new home for your loved one, and help them continue to live full and independent lives. Good luck with your search!
To those who sleep easily, insomnia or sleep apnea doesn't sound so bad.
To those who experience it, it's nothing less than excruciating.
Not only do you lie awake for hours while everyone you love enjoys rest, but during the day you lack the energy for the things you love.Then when evening rolls around again, you dread bedtime instead of look forward to it.
And the exhausting cycle is endless unless a change is made.
We carry a variety of DreamStation machines to help you get the rest your mind and body so desperately desire. Come see us at our Showroom and we'll help you choose the perfect DreamStation for your needs.
Until then, click the image above for a video showing just how the dreamstation helped a man get his life back!
This year, try talking to yourself like you'd talk to your best friend.
If it’s not advice you’d give them, don’t accept it for yourself.
If it’s a thought that is degrading, discouraging or comparing, turn it around.
Make a pact with yourself to speak with the encouragement and grace you’d give someone else.
You can learn a whole lot more from listening to someone
than you can from deciding what they’re thinking or why they’re doing something.
Listening will teach you things logic never could,
and will allow relationships to grow in a fuller, healthier direction.
You might even find people returning the favor.
So often we compare our lives to the highlight reels of everyone else,
thinking what we see on Instagram is what their minute-by-minute lives looks like.
Try tackling only 2-3 major projects in a day,
and even scheduling a whole day of rest or refreshing activities every week!
You’ll be surprised how much more you’ll be able to give to others
when you allow yourself space to breath and re-charge.
Always wanted to paint? Learn s second language? Write a book?
Take a good look at your life and see if there’s anything you can cut out
so you’ll have the time to discover yourself inside one of your long neglected desires.
Christmas is right around the corner! If you're like most of us, you're probably rushing around to check off those last gifts on your list!
Well you know that we have wheel chairs and such, but did you know we also have smaller items that might be the perfect gift for someone in your life?
Here's just a few of the items that could work for someone you love, and if you head into our store you'll get an automatic 10% Holiday Discount!
Most people look forward to getting to bed, but for many people, the evening is a time they dread because it means hours of laying awake just wishing they could get to sleep. We have a wide variety of sleep therapy items that could help them finally get the sleep they dream of, including humidifiers like the one pictured here!
Need some stocking stuffers? Why not some compression stockings?
It's a stocking in a stocking!- but the one they get to keep will help them out for days to come!
Finally, for those friends of yours who are confined to bed, a nice new over-bed table could be just the thing. Add a personalized note or drawing to it once you get it home, and they'll think of you gratefully every time they start their day!
These are just a few of the items we have that will not only make a great Christmas gift, but will truly benefit the lives of your loves ones for years to come!
Happy Holidays!
Russ works for the Triumph Foundation, but sometimes we get lucky enough to see his smiling face on our side of town! We caught him for a little interview when he was in getting the final adjustments on his new chair. Take a look!
Quite often, the need for new medical equipment comes right out of the blue.
No one was expecting their wheel chair to break, or to strain their back and need a lift chair, or to need a hospital bed installed. These events just weren’t on the calendar! So most of the time we rush to fit in this big purchase into our already packed schedule.
The problem with this scenario is many people end up making a very grave mistake in their rush to purchase the new equipment:
They don’t get an in-home assessment first!
Think about it.
If you’re getting a new power chair, it may have much different dimensions than the one you previously had, and there may be areas in your home that just aren’t prepared for it. Much better to have a professional who knows the sizes and functionality of each model come look over your home to make sure you’ll be able to still get around easily, and fit the chair into all the spaces you’re used to!
Or what if you finally decide to get your husband that comfy lift chair he’s been wanting for so long, only to discover: it won’t fit through your doorway, or around that really tight corner you have in the house!
An in-home assessment will help you not only know the perfect product for your current living situation, but also the easiest plan to get it properly installed, as well as a thorough orientation on how to use and maintain it.
Those who think they’re saving time by just eye-balling it and rushing into a sale often end up losing time when they later have to exchange it for a product that will work better for their home and daily activities.
Don’t make this mistake!
We’d love to give all our local friends an in-home assessment so you’ll have all your bases covered!
We know that the thought of getting new medical equipment customized precisely to your needs can be a vague and daunting idea. But it doesn't have to be that way!
At Sherman Oaks Medical Equipment we help you through every step to make sure you never feel rushed, pressured, unclear, or unheard in your specific requests.
And just to demystify the whole process before you even start, we've created this fun infographic to show just how simple the whole process is!
We can't wait to help you find and customize your new favorite!
See you soon!
We're so grateful to be part of such an amazing Southern California community! Here's to all of you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Many days at Sherman Oaks Medical Equipment are just like any other.
But sometimes [like when three extraordinary people bump into each other's lives] some unexpected magic happens...
This was just one of those days.
1- Do they answer your questions, or lead you in verbal circles?
For most of us, the first thing we do when we’re interested in a product is research online. Very often, the next step is making a phone call to get more clarification on whether the product is right for our individual situation, or if can be customized to become so.
Here's how you’ll be able to spot bad customer service right away:
Your clear questions are met with vague, run-around answers.
If you feel like you can’t get a straight answer, or keep getting passed from person to person, look for a better company.
If they don’t care enough to give you a straight answer, they’re only there to make a buck, not bring value to your life.
2- Do they get back to you promptly, or months later?
There’s nothing more frustrating than taking the initiative to gather information about a product or service, only to get a response.....
weeks later.
Whether it’s a live human finally calling you back after you’ve left a message or email, or a company following up on a specific question you had:
If you’re getting an answer months later, it’s clear your not a huge priority to them.
Head elsewhere.
3- Do they offer warranties or repairs for their products, or just a discount to get you out the door?
These days the most glamorous part of a product is the low price tag. Instant gratification runs the show in America, but who doesn't like to feel like they're saving money?
What businesses don't tell you is that often saving money on the front end means the product was poorly/cheaply made, and will cost you much more on the back end.
If all a business is offering is a super deal up front, they might simply be trying to get you out the door with their mediocre product:
They don't care about seeing you again or maintaining a reputation for quality and service.
The question is, will a product that you need to pay to repair constantly really be a “deal,” even for a discounted price?
If the business offers warranties and free repairs, this means they’re confident their product is well made and won’t be needing that much attention. It may need some, but not much. No one’s going to slap a warranty on something they know is going to break in a couple weeks or need consistent repairs. That’s going to cost them more as a business.
4- Do they try to work with your situation, or immediately emphasize rigid policies?
Everyone is different, so while there is a plethora of products out there, there often still needs to be some customizations. If a business isn’t willing to listen to you and try to get a product as close to what you need as possible, get out of there.
Any good business is focused on bringing value to their customers, and will do everything they can to tailor their products and services to your needs.
They may not always be able to get it perfect- there’s always limitations- but a business with good customer service will at least make an effort and do their best, instead of reading you the list of rigid policies that can’t be broken right off the bat.
5- Do they offer free consultations, or make your information-gathering visits seem intrusive?
Any good business will be eager to meet you in person, whether or not they make a sale to you that day or not.
They’ll see that answering your questions and bringing you clarity will help you either way. The fact that you may walk out the door with the information and buy from someone else doesn’t affect how much they are willing to share and the time they invest in you.
The golden rule of all great businesses:
Treat people as valuable, whether they buy your products or not.
If you ever contact a company and don’t feel they care about you as a person and bringing value to your life, find a better business to support. Yeah you may be able to get something a little cheaper upfront or an instantly automated response from a computer, but businesses that truly care about their customers are a treasure this world simply can’t do without.
For most people, the accelerated pace of the holidays only adds to the excitement.
But many fail to realize there is a huge chunk of the population that actually prefers a slower pace, and is therefore more prone to anxiety and overwhelm during the holidays.
Some simply easily become overstimulated by too much social interaction, light, noises, busyness, and the like, while other’s have to exert extra energy to engage in holiday events due to medical equipment and physical limitations.
Whether it’s a sensory sensitivity or physical challenge, everyone will be a lot happier during the holidays if we just took a moment as hosts to think of the people we will be celebrating with, and how we can accommodate everyone to have an equally enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips to do just that:
Create An Atmosphere
For those who are easily overstimulated, a holiday atmosphere can quickly become nerve-racking:
Extreme smells, glaring lights, and loud conversations from every corner of the room are daunting for them.
Be mindful of the smells that you have in your home. A few scented candles might be heaven to some, but to others with more delicate nervous systems, it can feel like a assault on the senses. The gentle scent of desserts baking or some light essential oils are a great alternative to intense artificial scents.
Lighting and music is also important to consider. Provide a part of the home with lighting that is a little less glaring and where there’s less noise. Those who need to can retreat to this spot if their eyes or head starts to ache, and will be very grateful for it.
Creating an atmosphere that is less overwhelming or has pockets for the more sensitive to escape to will help them enjoy holiday gatherings instead of dread them.
Organize Separate Gatherings
Another option is to simply plan out a couple different gatherings.
If you know you have a group of very loud friends and group of more sensitive or special needs friends, have two different gatherings!
You may even enjoy your holiday more since you won’t be running around one party trying turn up the music for one group and turn down the lights for another. You’ll be able to enjoy each group of friends individually and help them fully enjoy themselves as well.
Assess and Rearrange Furniture
For those with medical equipment like wheel chairs or mobility scooters, think ahead of how accessible your home is. It can feel awkward to have people rushing around last minute, moving things out of the way just so you can get into the house.
But if you assess your furniture’s layout and move things around before they arrive so there’s plenty of room for them to get around, they’re less likely to feel like any kind of a burden or inconvenience.
Do a Little Specific Research
If you had a diplomat from Germany coming to stay at your house, you’d probably do a little research to see what German diplomats tend to do and eat. Well this isn’t a bad idea for special holiday guests as well.
If you know your friend’s daughter has Autism, research what helps those with Autism feel more comfortable in social situations. Maybe even call up your friend and ask how you can help make their time at your gathering more enjoyable and stress free.
The same may be helpful for a friend with medical equipment to maneuver, or a special diet or meal-time needs to accommodate.
Do a little research, if only to familiarize yourself with the situation. That way you won’t be caught off guard by the things your friends and family are probably already used to about their situation.
You’ll be at ease, and everyone at the gathering will follow suit.
With these tips- or simply the perspective of thoughtfulness behind them- you're sure to be a whole new level of host for this holiday season.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
No, not that little fuzzy purple thing your daughter left in the corner with 3 Cheerios to hold it over till dinner. We’re talking about the fact that medical equipment usually doesn’t come cheap. (And if it does, it probably won’t last or work well. But that’s a whole other issue…)
It’s tough.
You have medical bills for treatments, check-ups, and tests, and now you’re also expected to purchase one of the biggest technological advancements of the modern age like a standing power chair?
It’s asking a lot.
But the truth is, unlike many other countries in the world, there are many different avenues to explore for large purchases.
Still doesn’t make it easy, but it’s not impossible.
As a business that has been around for over 20 years, we hate knowing that many of you get sent on wild goose chase with your questions about equipment costs and financing. We don’t always have an easy solution, but we are dedicated to working with you and helping you figure out an option that will work for your situation.
To start, here’s the top 5 ways many people who have come through our doors have used to get the medical equipment they need:
1 - Family Support
It’s never really comfortable to ask your family for help, but if there was ever a worthy reason, this is it. You didn’t go out to Vegas and end up with a debt collector on your tail. You didn’t spend all your cash on a new Bugatti (hopefully) and then realize you have nothing left for the equipment you need for daily life.
This isn’t something you should be ashamed of asking help for.
That’s what family is for.
They come through for you now, and you will come through for them at times as well. Whether it’s for emotional support, friendship, advice, your very presence- you have something valuable to offer them no one else can give.
You’re worth their investment.
You are.
2- Fundraisers
Round up some of your best friends and have a brainstorming session for a fundraiser to get funds.
Chances are, within your group of friends you’ll find all the key players you’ll need to come up with creative ideas, plan it out, and execute it. Some people might actually be waiting for just such an opportunity to use their planning skills!
3- Lenders
If money pooled from friends, family, and supporters still falls short, there are loan opportunities for purchasing medical equipment.
Several of our customers have gone this route when needed, and have made payments on loans for the equipment that they simple couldn’t put off purchasing.
4- CareCredit
We’re happy to say we now accept CareCredit!
This healthcare financing credit card offers a period of time with 0% interest to pay off your purchases. Depending on the business you’re purchasing from and a few other factors, they may offer you anywhere from 6-18 months with no interest on a given purchase.
This way you can get the equipment you need and make smaller payments on a monthly basis without building up interest that will come back to bite you like other credit cards.
Just make sure you keep make that monthly minimum payment!
5- Rental
Do you know some extra money is coming down the pipeline but you need the equipment now?
Why not just get a rental?
We offer quality rentals that can get you by until your funds come through from that insurance check, fundraiser, business venture, etc.
A rental might just buy you the time you need to get your finances in order for the final purchase without having to get a loan.
We hope this helps show you some of the possibilities out there, and that one of these will work for you. But if you still need help feel free to call us any time and we’ll be right beside you through the process.
When we deal with pain or injury on a daily basis, this is one thing constantly on our minds:
How do we stay as comfortable as possible throughout the day?
Whether it’s a leg injury, a strained back, or another issue, something that used to be as simple as getting up from the couch to after watching our favorite show may now be an excruciating experience.
No thanks.
Your rest, relaxation, and movie time with the family shouldn’t be hindered by pain, and a lift chair can change everything. Here’s just a few reasons a lift chair might be the next most important investment into your own wellbeing and enjoyment of life:
1 - EASE OF EXIT
First of all, what’s the worst part of sinking into a wonderfully comfortable couch or lazy-chair?
Right:
Getting out again!
Even for someone without injury and pain, with some furniture out there today, this can be a downright chore! The wonderful thing about a lift chair is with the few clicks of a button, it rises and tilts, allowing you to easily slip into it, or out of again, with little to no strain on your body.
Reading your favorite book just got comfortable again!
2 -ALTERNATE POSITIONS
No matter who we are, when we start watching a good movie or get deep into a marathon of our favorite show, our body is eventually going to want to change positions now and then. On standard furniture, this means we have to slide, and twist, and sit up, and lean, just to try to find a new position that is half as comfortable as the first one we had!
A lift chair takes away all that unnecessary movement by doing all the moving for us.
Depending on the type of chair you choose, you’ll have anywhere from 2 to 8 positions to choose from! This will also relieve pressure that often builds up in the back and spine when we sit for too long in a single position.
Here’s a chart of the different models and which positions they have so you can decide which would be best for your needs and lifestyle:
3 - INCREASED CIRCULATION
Continuing injuries or ailments that keep us in sitting positions for long periods of time can eventually catch up to our circulation and heart health- another reason why the ability to move, stretch, and get blood flowing to all the reaches of our body is so important.
If you go with the Zero gravity lift chair, your chair will be able to assume a position that raises the footrest above the head and heart. This significantly improves circulation and is a great defense against heart conditions like congestive heart failure.
Regardless of which chair you choose - from the 2-position chair all the way to outerspace (er…I mean, Zero gravity)- don’t make the mistake of investing in a lift chair without trying it out first!
Ah!
No!
Never!
Regardless of how chic and comfy it may look in an image, there is no way of knowing the right chair and fit for you without actually sitting in one and feeling it out! Each chair is made of different materials and with different density’s of cushion.
Your neighbor may rave about their super soft lift chair, but you might discover the softest chairs make your back ache, and that you would do better with firmer cushion that offers more support.
There’s no way to know till you try, and what a shame to go through all the process of ordering a chair, having it delivered, moving it into your living room...only to decide after a week it’s the wrong fit for you.
So much time wasted.
We would love to let you try our a wide variety of lift chairs at our Sherman Oaks show room, as well as answer any other questions you have about which would be the right choice for you.
See you soon!
If you didn't know, October is Down syndrome
awareness month! Now, you could just read a fact sheet aboutDown syndrome, but we'd rather read a authentic story
like Caleb's.
Approximately 50%+ of children born with Down syndrome will
have heart conditions; many will have corrective surgery. It’s helped to bring
the life expectancy for people with Ds from the mid-twenties to the 60’s &
up!
The week Caleb was born, we not only got the “potential Down
syndrome” news, but also news that he had two heart defects. I can tell you
honestly that the heart conditions, and the thought of surgery, frightened me
much more than the suspicion that he had Ds.
I still remember cradling my 5-day-old baby as we entered
the cardiologist office.
My world was spinning at that point; I was just trying to
hold on.
We were ushered back to the exam room. The ultrasound tech
scanned his heart quietly, and I eyed her to see any reaction, knowing she
couldn’t tell us much.
And she didn’t.
I tried to figure out what all the blobs on the screen
meant. We moved to the next exam room, where they hooked him up with a thousand
leads. He looked like an octopus. This part was not going over well with him
either. After much crying, especially when they were pulled off, we waited in
yet another room.
We've had Dr. Joyce as Caleb's cardiologist from the start.
That morning we were thankful that he took his time with us, & answered all
our questions.
He explained that Caleb had what was called an ASD (Atrial
Septal Defect), & a VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect). Neither was uncommon
in children with Down syndrome (we had not gotten test results back yet, but
another sign).
Basically, his heart had some holes – in the upper and lower
chambers. He was concerned about them, and we discussed the possibility of
surgery.
I was terrified.
I broke down in the parking lot.
It was a quiet ride home as we both tried to digest
everything.
Ten years later:
We still have a standing date with Dr. Joyce. Our story
turned out to be an easier one than we expected that March morning, and
certainly easier than some friends, who’ve had to hand their babies over for
heart surgery. Caleb’s ASD closed on it’s own; his VSD is still there.
Hopeful surgery never happens for this.
If you don't know us very well yet, here's one thing we feel strongly about:Being out in our community!
Simply staying within the four walls of our business is a foreign concept to us- and this goes beyond simply heading out to see our customers when they need in-home assessments or equipment repairs!
There are many great events we love to be a part of in our SoCal community, and one of our favorites is the Rancho Spinal Injury Games!
This event is a great opportunity for participants to try out all types of wheelchair sports, get to know new people in their area, find out about useful resources, and just....enjoy the California sunshine!Like any other event we attend, the best part is getting to meet these amazing people!
New faces...
Great conversations...
Fun competitions...
Man we love our community!
If we haven't met you yet, you'll be able to spot us at the 2018 Los Angeles Abilities Expo.
Or the next time you're in the Valley, just stop on by and say hey!
See you then!
Before we head out of September, we'd like to take a moment to remember it is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. There are some amazing organizations out there that support the amazing community who have been affected by SCIs.
For visitors to our page who are less familiar with Spinal Cord Injuries, here are some facts from UnitedSpinal.org to get you up to speed:
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Facts
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an injury to the spinal cord that results in temporary or permanent changes in the spinal cord’s normal motor, sensory, or autonomic function. People who sustain a spinal cord injury often have permanent and profound neurologic deficits and accompanying paralysis.
- There are approximately 285,000 people in the U.S. living with SCI in 2017.
- There are approximately 17,500 new SCI cases in the U.S. each year.
- The average age at injury has increased from 29 years during the 1970s to 42 years currently.
- Males account for about 81% of new SCI cases.
- Vehicle crashes are currently the leading cause of SCI (38.4%), followed by falls, acts of violence, and sports/recreation activities.
- About 30% of people with SCI are re-hospitalized one or more times during any given year following injury.
- SCI costs roughly $40.5 billion annually
Here are some more great organizations with information, research and programs on SCIs:
United Spinal Association
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Triumph Foundation
We are privileged to know some amazing people with an SCI who are just...amazing people.
Those of you who we haven't gotten to meet yet: we'd love to see you at our Sherman Oaks Showroom, our Pacioma repair center, or at the 2018 Abilities Expo in Los Angeles!
Some of us crave isolation.
Others avoid it like the plague.
Depending on our temperament and personality, we may get energized when we have time alone, or we get energized from being around other people. The simple classification for these two types of personalities are introvert or extrovert.
(This is a massive generalization however, because we are all so drastically unique that even within those broad categories there are infinite nuances about each person- which is what makes us each so crucial!)
And unbeknownst to some- even introverts need interaction with other people.
Regardless of where you fall in the introverted-extroverted spectrum, history has shown that complete isolation and disconnect from other humans has detrimental affects on an individual.
Navigating a spinal cord injury or other health challenges can tempt us to withdraw and isolate even more than a natural introverted personality would, so we wanted to expose the reasons drastic isolation would only hinder, not help.
Here are a couple thoughts on why we all should avoid too much isolation, especially when facing a massive life change or challenge:
1- Grieving is Healthier WITH People
Contrary to the popular belief of our current culture:
Grieving is actually a very common experience, and is healthy to process through.
Culture and imbedded-mindsets will usually pressure us to:
- numb/irgnore our emotions
- hide our tears
- remain silent about what we’re feeling
These are actually 3 perfect ingredients for NOT processing our grief correctly.
Any type of life change- from changing schools, to the death of a loved one- requires some time to process conflicting emotions (grief) regarding that change.
The best way to process these emotions:
- Talk to a trusted friend who will listen freely and validate our emotions without interjecting or offering advice
- Allow someone we care about to hold us
- Freely release our tears or emotions in the company of a friend
Culture portrays sorrow or grief as week, but everyone experiences it. Trying to simply hide it or ignore it is simply living in denial and actually allows sorrow to remain and fester years longer than necessary.
2- Interaction Exposes Commonalities
When we gather with people with similar interests, or who have gone through similar experiences or struggles, we soon discover that the thoughts, emotions and questions we've had aren’t peculiar, but common.
There is nothing more isolating that living in the sense that we're all alone in what we're feeling or thinking.
“No one else feels this.”
“No one else is having difficulty with this like I am..”
These are thoughts we're all prone to unless we engage and communicate with others.
When we get out and engage with others- whether it’s a support group, activity group, rehab group, book club, church group, etc- we'll soon discover that we are not alone in what we're feeling, and we might even find solutions that others have worked out, and offer our own solutions in return!
3- Isolation Breeds Depression
It’s a time-tested truth that too much isolation breeds depression.
Not only do we only hear our thoughts and opinions (which can get hopeless real quick, because we’re all our own worst critic!) but we also don’t have outside interactions to get our thoughts off of the "problems and issues” inside our own head...
..our own skin.
..our own room.
When we get out into the world- and better yet -into the “world” of someone else’s life, it’ll be like fresh air for our mind and perspective. If we get around people who value us more than we currently value ourselves, our perspective will start to shift, and our emotions wont remain solely informed by our own thoughts.
Sometimes it just takes exposure to different perspectives to realize what the most fulfilling perspective is.
Isolation can become a suffocating habit.
Don’t rush things to start with; don’t expect too much of yourself.
Take one simple step towards community at a time.
Maybe start with a weekly Skype call with a friend. Then in awhile...find a support group. Take steps out of isolation, and open your life to the clear-air-breathing of like engaging with other amazing people like yourself!
We need you out here with us!
