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Don't have many friends. I barely get through my days and have little time for others. Do you feel this way? What do you do about it?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Utah
March 23
 · 
Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Hi Kristin, so many of us are in the same boat. I have few friends I can rely on and understand my condition. We still get together and make the best of our gathering. I have a loving husband and spoiled pet. But meeting the folks on this forum has been a positive experience. If you reach out to us, we'll reach back to you. Looking forward to hearing from you.

March 23
myRAteam

How can you manage social connections when RA fatigue leaves little energy for friendships?

Many people with RA experience exactly what you're describing. The exhaustion can be overwhelming, making it hard to maintain friendships when you're just trying to get through each day.

A myRAteam member shared a similar Show Full Answer

How can you manage social connections when RA fatigue leaves little energy for friendships?

Many people with RA experience exactly what you're describing. The exhaustion can be overwhelming, making it hard to maintain friendships when you're just trying to get through each day.

A myRAteam member shared a similar experience: coming home from work or school, eating dinner, and falling asleep by 9 o'clock. They described barely being able to stay awake during the week, and on weekends, only managing homework without even getting out of pajamas.

Here are some approaches that may help:

- Connect with others who understand RA - Finding people who truly get what you're going through can reduce feelings of loneliness without requiring as much explanation or energy

- Let loved ones know about your fatigue - Being honest about your energy limitations helps friends and family understand why you might not be as available, and they may offer support in ways that work better for you

- Prioritize your well-being first - Schedule activities when you have the most energy, and don't feel guilty about resting when you need to

- Consider counseling or therapy - A therapist can provide tools for managing stress and communicating with others, and research shows cognitive behavioral therapy may even help with fatigue itself

Remember, managing RA fatigue isn't about pushing through—it's about finding sustainable ways to care for yourself while maintaining the connections that matter most.

March 23
A myRAteam Member

Completely understand. It’s difficult for healthy people to understand how draining RA and other chronic health issues can be. I don’t have the energy to do the things I used to do. Between the pain, fatigue, brain fog, etc., it’s just easier to stay home. It’s very lonely and isolating.

March 24
A myRAteam Member

Hi Kristin,
I know exactly how you feel. I have isolated myself over the last few years as I am just to exhausted and sore after my daily chores. I don't even work even anymore. I can't attend social gatherings as I am just to tired or sore.
I much rather get into my bed and rest. Friends don't understand this. They don't know how chronic pain and fatigue makes you feel. They don't know how to deal with us. We don't want to complain so we rather stay silent and stay away.
I have just 2 good friends left, and I educated them on RA and Fibromyalgia. We have short visits and they understand "no i can not today".
That's the best I could do, and I am happy with that. Choose wisely and set boundaries.

March 24
A myRAteam Member

I don't have many friends and don't have energy for doing a lot of things when I used to have a lot and did a lot of fun things. I feel it's just one more thing my illness has stolen from me. Now I might get together with my friends twice a year and that's about it. I'm not married and my son is an adult. I poor myself into my sewing hobby now and am a member of an online quilt guild.

March 24

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