I feel like all my friends have disappeared. Anybody else have that experience?
Hi
unfortunately we have heard this from many of our members. One of our members wrote an article about his experience with this and how he made new connections: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/friendship-dynamics-change. I hope this is helpful for you. Jill (Team Member) Depending on the severity of your MS and your age, there are many ways to enrich your life. First of all, we live with the crazy symptoms every day and often we get tired, so on those days consider them your own. But go to the neighbor's party for an hour, bracket you times with people, join a book group, take an art class, make card group (bridge or poker), join a choir, do something to keep your brain active, a movie group where you even have a light supper together, and if you're mobile, create a walking group, But try to not let MS define who you are. I've made friends through classes, and yoga classes are great for MS because they work on the lymphatic system, and if you take Kundalini, or a stretching class, folks will be most accommodating. And there's always coffee afterwards! There are lot's of folks out there looking for friends. 😀
I returned to Second Life and found others like myself. I became involved in Virtual Ability and Whole Brain Health. When it is difficult to get out of the house and meet with people, meeting online in a virtual setting is the next best thing!
I was involved with Virtual Ability’s Mental Health Symposium this past May, conducting research and moderating a panel. It felt good to return to some of the work I once did in a way that was doable for me. I also especially enjoy the Empowering Relationships group that meets weekly at Whole Brain Health. I have met so many wonderful people through that group. I also just enjoy getting together with others to play card games or board games. For me, the social aspect is the best part, but SL enables so many people like myself to be able to do things that they are no longer able to do in real life, or have experiences they could never have in real life (after all, everyone can fly there). 
That’s awesome to hear! I love that you’ve found joy in both the social side and the opportunity to re-engage with the kind of work you love. Whenever you can bridge together purpose and connection, you are winning! I'm so glad you have them. -Latoya (Team Member)
No money friends fade.
They want what you worked for to give them🤷🏻♀️
Needy
, I'm sorry that's been the case for you. I think fickle friends might be worse than no friends at all. 🙁
Please know you can come here anytime. It's not the same as in-person support, but this community gets that living with MS is like.
Gentle Hugs, Erin, Team Member.
