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Emma Simpson's avatar

Well this made me cry. I feel all of this. I moved to Haslemere in the depths of grief, and like your description of your time in Bournemouth - I managed 3 years but I was so disconnected during that time. I’ve been doing a lot of research around the mental impact of chronic illness recently, and the 3 biggest factors on mental health are chronic pain, social disconnection and feeling like a burden. I feel all of these things - the support you’ve had in Ilkley to not feel this sounds wonderful. I think the feeling of being a burden is immense in chronic illness because it never stops. It can be such a lonely place. I also love the quote about writing from the scars not the open wounds - very wise indeed. You write so beautifully Harriet, this has given me much to reflect on. Thank you for sharing x

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Sue Reed's avatar

I'm really struggling with the whole 'friendship' thing at the moment. Thank you for penning this, Harriet. It's a toughie, especially when moving around the country, running away from ones past (me not you) and living in a rurally isolated location. Thank heaven for the connection we have amongst writers. My mum too put great effort into her friendships - I must learn from her example

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