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Reintegration & Recovery >> Family & Friends
Love, Friendship, and Belonging
Most people have a real need for love and friendship, and to feel as though they belong. Having someone to talk with and to share your interests with can add much to your life. Feeling loved and having a sense of belonging with people you see every day helps you feel good - and that will help with your recovery and reintegration.
In the same way, when you care about other people and help them in their lives, it adds satisfaction to your own life. By helping others, many people find a sense of real purpose in day-to-day living.
But having a persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often makes it tougher to communicate with family, friends, and others. You may find you have a hard time expressing your thoughts, or understanding what others are saying. Getting acquainted with a new friend can be especially hard under these conditions.
Be patient with yourself. As you continue with your treatment, the symptoms that are causing these problems will likely improve. And it will then be easier for you and your family member or friend to talk with each other once again.
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