I have been caring for my husband for 11 years. I feel isolated from friends and suffer emotional distress from a lack of communication with other people. What can I do?

I think the care giver was a great idea. Maybe for now, you should just sleep, get caught up. As far as outdoors, why does it have to mean you have to GO somewhere? Why can't you just take a walk, or sit on the porch or backyard? Now if it's snowing where you live, then maybe not outside and sit in the snow, but can't you bundle up and still take a walk? I think baby steps are in order here. You've become a hermit of sorts for 11 years, just do the baby step thing for awhile. Get your 'sea legs' so to speak. And after you've gotten used to being 'outdoors' again, pick up the phone and reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a long time. It'll be fine, you can do this. After what you've been through for 11 years, this getting out of the house should be a 'walk in the park'. (pun intended) :)

Naheaton is right, you need to heal yourself, but it won't happen overnight. I recently lost my mom after several years of caregiving, and I know how having time on your hands can leave you feeling adrift. I've been doing the baby steps. Walks really help. You would be amazed at how activity can lift you out of the doldrums. I don't know your eating habits but mine had gone to heck in a handbasket. I've been working on eating healthier foods on somewhat of a schedule, taking vitamins, and I am feeling physically better. And when you start feeling physically better, your mental state picks up too. It's like an upward spiral! You may be a wee bit depressed (?), so activity will help there, and from what I've been reading, meditation helps tremendously.
Hang in there, you will be able to get your life back, and you need to start with healing yourself. We're here for you.

Delsberry:

During those 11 years you practically stopped living, and the thought of reconnecting again with yourself and the world at large is quite daunting. Also, sleeping your life away is a sign of depression. So it's time to get back on that horse and live again. The moment you start socializing and re-discovering both yourself and the things you used to enjoy you'll definitely feel better. We'll be here to tickle you every now and then, so keep us posted.

-- ED

Start going to the library and see if you could voleenteer maybe 1 hr. a week so you have something planned to go to at a certain time to start with and come back to this site you have a lot of insight that you can share with others go easy on yourself I try to have a plan for my days the first hr. I am up in the morning I do bills I also set the timer for an amount time and do work for that time then take a short break then set the timer for more work around the house you will be surprised how much you can get done by the end of the day.

As a home care provider that was going to be my first advice. The advice I am reading is good BUT one thing I haven't read yet is to Give it to God. It's great to go to church and be with other Christians, have them come to the house to be with you, or why your caregiver is there get away and simply talk to God. He'll listen you know. Nothing is a surprise to him or to hard! If you have internet connection listen to the podcast from http://www.new-song-church.com/ It's my church and a great one!

I also agree the above suggestions are wonderful. Get back into a routine of doing some form of exercise; walking, dancing around the house, or with your vacuum cleaner. Get yourself on a schedule. It will be difficult to start but, you owe it to yourself to get started. Find a church near you. There are many Christians who would love to be your friend. Your best friend should be Jesus. He has your answers. Trust him, seek him.

You might contact a local hospice. Having your husband evaluated would not cost you a thing. If he should go into the program, there will be volunteers to come keep him -- AND you-- company and other paid workers coming & going, which might be a real bright spot in your days. You would also get a chance to get out of the house -- go to the library & read magazines, visit the senior citizen's center, stroll through the mall, visit a museum.
If his doctor says therapy is necessary, home health workers' visits (paid by Medicare) could provide you some time to yourself to just get outside and shift your perspective. Check with local hospitals & in the newspaper to see if a stroke support group is organized in your area. You & your husband would be welcomed into such a group.
Opening yourself to new possibilities will not be easy. You are going to have to push yourself. An anti-depressant for you might help some, too, even taken temporarily. Has your family stopped coming around because you are so despondent and negative on life?

Awesome! Think I'll try all of the above. Best wishes, and know you're not alone. We're here to cheer you on!!!

Do you have a garden? If not why not start one. It's so peaceful and rewarding and since I've taken over my mom's garden for her I find myself singing a lot more, guess since I sing in the garden, I've carried it over.

I also agree with an anti-depressant may be in order.

About church, girl If you don't know God now's the time to get to know him. He will guide you through any storm!

i have always been active n church, opened and ran a library, was a stephen minister, communion distributer and also reader. i have actively read the bible and other religious books. i wouldn't haved survived the 11 years without Gods help all along. but as for my church it like many people i have known have forgotten me because they don't see me anymore. the priest was changed in my parish and the new one doesn't know dicke or i except as a couple he sees occassionally at mass. since thanksgiving i have been unable to attend mass and have been unable to get church to haved any one bring me communion. still having trouble typing with large bandaged finger sorry. thanks again for all your uplifting comments. but i really feel abandoned by my church right now. not God just my church. i can't garden its 22 degreesa here in mn and i live in condo without a garden . in fact i'm lucky if i get the energy to dress and bathe. the inertia i feel is overwhelming.