Hello @Former-Member @Sophie1 @Scoo @Carlachris @Shaz51 & whoever I've missed.

Apologies for dropping off the forum for a bit, I just needed to bring lots of focus to what has been happening. My daughter had a huge setback around Christmas & it has been tough going since then. Hopefully coming into calmer waters now... I've also just started the Family Connections course & hoping to gain some more skills & useful understanding from it.

Social Wellness..... I've always been a little shy & not so comfortable in big crowds. I used to get by with the "social lubricant" of alcohol for a long time, but now I don't go out much anyway & quit drinking many years ago (thankfully). There have been many factors added to the shyness & social anxiety that have kept me rather isolated for a long time. I'm also from another country, so don't have any family (other than my children) or school friends here. I have met lots of people but only two or maybe three that I consider close & that I share with. 

So, like others have said, MI has a significant impact on the wellbeing of those close to the person who has it & that just seems to be the way it is. I don't think the current structure of our culture/society makes that any easier either. Way too much suspicion, isolation & competition..... I'd love to see more small community based projects fostered by local councils & shires to help break down the social barriers. But that might be getting a little side-tracked.

Maybe a balance for those of us caring for our loved ones doesn't have to be a huge or busy social life - perhaps quality is more important than quantity here!

Friendly thoughts & warm smiles to y'all & hope you're all finding some moments of peace & appreciation.