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Importance of friends

By Caria CommunityPublished 29 August 20201 min read

I’ve had a really difficult perimenopause experience, that never seems to end. I know how isolating it can sometimes feel and that’s why I wanted to comment on how important my friends have been in helping me get through this challenging time. I really do consider myself blessed to have not one, but two amazing women I can reliably confide in, complain to, and laugh with. We each hit peri at different times, but have supported one another without question. This has been the greatest gift. So I just want to say thank you to my two friends in real life, as well as everyone on this app. Continue to support one another ladies, because it truly makes a difference!– Jackie, Portland

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Community comments

22

Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.

  • Heidi6 years ago

    I agree Jackie. My friends make me feel normal, human and then I find my symptoms easier to deal with, even if it’s just for a short time.

  • Marg6 years ago

    If you have no friends then what ?

    • Michelle D6 years ago

      I feel you. I journal a lot and that helps somewhat, but I still feel a void here.

    • RCreplying to Michelle D6 years ago

      ? There are other people who do understand. ?

    • Sam6 years ago

      Marg, I don’t have any close friends going through menopause who understand. That’s why I find support groups like this so helpful. Even though I don’t know anyone personally, I feel so much less alone. Hope you find support here too.

    • GinaGreplying to Sam6 years ago

      I feel the same and at times feel quite alone. I lost my best friend to cancer almost two years ago and another because of their selfish ego and backstabbing. Now we’re in this Covid crisis and working from home it’s even harder. My husband doesn’t really understand and to be honest I’m the stronger one in our marriage as he can’t handle stress and doesn’t know what to say in a situation or if I’m having a moment. It usually ends in an upset or a row. I’m sorry to vent and seem like I’m selfish but I’m so glad I found this group and knowing others are going through similar or same menopausal symptoms

    • RCreplying to GinaG6 years ago

      You weren’t venting that much really but I think it’s fine to vent. If you have no one else apart from this group, where can you do it? You need to be able to express what you’re going through somewhere, so let it be here. ?

    • GinaGreplying to RC6 years ago

      Thank you. I’m usually ok but think my moments are where my hormones might dip and now my periods are erratic it’s sinking in that I’m on my menopause journey. I really appreciate your kind words and support xx ?

    • RC6 years ago

      It’s hard, I can’t pretend and say it isn’t, but we’re here to support you. ?

    • GinaGreplying to RC6 years ago

      Thank you xx

  • Nicole6 years ago

    Hi Jackie, It truly does help to have friends to confide in. I don’t think some people really understand how we are affected mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s like a never ending rollercoaster of emotions and it help to have friends that can support, encourage, listen and have shoulder to lean on. It makes it a little easier to cope. Thank God for my sister in law and my cousin. Also, thank you to the women in the Caria community. I appreciate the support and honesty in sharing each other’s personal stories. We are walking this journey together. Let’s continue to lift each other up?

  • Lisa - United States6 years ago

    Jackie - Thank you for your post. As I sit here dealing with issues that my OB/GYN thinks are totally unrelated to my endometriosis/beginnings of menopause, it is comforting to me to read these posts and know that I am not alone. I am scheduled for an endoscopy this coming week and I am also seeing a national endo specialist the following week. I have been in pain since last November and it has not only been a physical roller coaster ride, but an emotional one as well. I am fairly new to this site, but it has been a comfort to me.

  • Tonia6 years ago

    I second that! Thank all of you

  • Sunny6 years ago

    Yes, sadly you have to have gone through a similar thing to understand. The menopause can be a cruel divider, some friends have just not got it as they didn’t get any symptoms. Sailed through, lucky them. I could see their glazed look of complete lack of understanding. That is very hard to deal with. The awkward laughter when you mention your having a horrible hot flush. Or endless jokes about it. I couldn’t even join in a giggle about it after a while. Luckily, I made new friends through a yoga class who did get it. They absolutely helped me through it and understood that I was not being some sort of attention seeking drama queen. Thank you to all on this platform!

    • RC6 years ago

      Attention seeking drama queen?! ??‍♀️ I so wish people could be just a little bit more understanding, especially people who say they’re your friends. We’re all so different and just need some support and TLC sometimes. It can be a very lonely place going through something all on your own.

  • Angie6 years ago

    Hello, I am new to this blog, I am in my perimenopause, it is difficult not to have anyone to talk to because many try to hide it and make you feel that you are alone in this process I want to learn more I like to take natural things and try as much as possible to stay healthy and I meditate a lot on the word of God and it has helped me a lot to keep my fears and my worries in check for the faith I have in Him Thank you for sharing your difficulties as I can identify with them

  • Jill Elliott5 years ago

    Awwwww, that is so awesome. I don’t really have any girlfriends that I could lean on but I do have four sisters. Unfortunately, we all live in different states so we don’t get to see each other but we talk a lot and they are my support. But, I’m glad I’ve found extra support with this app and the women on it, so thank you!

  • Becky5 years ago

    I don’t have any friends.

  • Cori5 years ago

    That’s great that you have friends and still take the time to share with us. I live abroad and speaking in a foreign language has been a hurdle for me to have relationships beyond business (I just don’t feel warm and cuddly in German ?) To fill the void, I come here. I’m lucky to have friends in London and family in the US, but the distance means rare visits. Thanks for being here!

  • EvaBea5 years ago

    I don’t really have many friends and my family is just my husband. I truly wish I had a best friend. It’s really hard for me to trust people. I started menopause at 37 due to my hysterectomy and haven’t felt “normal” since. ?

  • Emma4 years ago

    What a great post I feel very isolated and lonely at the moment and am at the perimenopause stage I think hopeInwill Find some people alike to help as humour is always a great way to help us through

  • Gala1 year ago

    Thank you! 🌹

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