The end-of-year celebrations are fast approaching and, for many, they are synonymous with meals with family and outings with friends. However, not everyone is lucky enough to be well surrounded: a recent report by the Fondation de France focused on the loneliness of people suffering from a disability, a chronic illness or even a long-term illness.
Conducted in France with more than 3,500 adults, this study already reveals that 32% of disabled and/or sick people feel lonely, compared to “only” 22% of the general population. In addition, 12% suffer from isolation, which means that they have contact (beyond the simple “hello” of courtesy) with their families, friends, neighbours, colleagues… at a frequency less than several times per month.
Do not “be a burden” for those around you
Why this isolation? First there are the physical explanations: pain, fatigue, mobility difficulties… 62% of people with disabilities or sick and isolated say that their disability or illness has “negative effects on their daily outings”.
In addition, 48% of isolated people with a disability or illness often have the feeling of being “a burden for their loved ones”: thus, 51% of them limit their social relations in order to “not disturb”. .
“Isolation exacerbates the negative feelings of people with a disability or chronic illness. All aspects of their daily lives are affected. They have low self-esteem, which impacts their professional life and the relationship they have with those around them. It’s a vicious circle to fight”, deciphers Axelle Davezac, director general of the Fondation de France. Message received !
Source: Fondation de France press release
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