Hey! I'm chronically ill, can't work, and live in isolation too, and I just want you to know how you feel is totally valid.
It can be incredibly hard, from trying to get support, to living with the illness, to socializing, to even just daily life. Its a lot of things for one person to go through and I really wish there was more support for people like us who have to make tough choices everyday to get by.
I would also suggest trying to find online groups if you can, though I know thats harder said than done. I think Facebook is the best place for that, but if your like me, and dont use Facebook its a bit trickier. Its also hard when you have anxiety, I have anxiety too, and with the illness too, it makes it tough to meet new people, even online.
Also should suggest there are over-the-phone counseling services such as Beyond Blue (which Im sure you know), Rural Health Connect (you need a mental health plan for them but they have over-the-phone bulkbill therapy), and Lifeline (even just for a chat). And a few health lines such as Pain Link Helpline and Musculoskeletal Australia Helpline if theyre helpful. You can even use Health Direct if your worried about a health issue and need advice. And many places have Community Transport which offer cheap transport in many towns for disabled, poor and elderly people.
Apart from that I admit there is limited help for us chronically ill folk. Unless you have NDIS it can be very tough trying to get by and your tough and resilient to be doing so anyway. I struggle a lot too with how lonely and tough it is. I hope deeply there will be better supports for disabled and isolated people in future. Its very hard.
