• Texting or instant messaging is a good way to keep in touch, but don’t overdo it. You are using mental energy when using social media.
• Try to stick to a set amount of time to meet / be in touch with a friend(s). You may find it helpful to set an alarm to remind you to ‘switch off’.
• Catch up on news and gossip at regular times rather than spending hours online.
• Social media can be a good way to stay in touch for a short amount of time each day, however, depending on the content being viewed it may not be as helpful for recovery. Stick to contact with friends/family first.
• If you feel comfortable, you could explain to friends that on particularly bad days you may reply to messages slower, if at all. This lets them know that you are not ignoring them.

Start seeing one friend at a time

• Start by having one friend over for an agreed amount of time.
• Choose a day that isn’t before a day at school or other significant activity.
• It may be helpful to ask your mum or dad to let your friend know when they need to go so you won’t feel embarrassed telling your friends that their time is up!
• It can be easier to meet a friend out or at their house so you can control the time you spend together.
• Once you can manage an hour or two at home you could try visiting a friend at their home or a local park or similar.
• Try to meet friends in places that aren’t too over-stimulating/noisy as this can make socialising even more difficult and tiring for some people.

Awkward Questions

Are you worried that your friends will ask awkward questions about why you have been off school and when you will be back?

• Prepare a simple, straightforward explanation and practice saying this aloud. Maybe a parent or another family member could help.
• It may be helpful to say: ‘My doctors / physio don’t know yet’, ‘We’re planning things one step at a time’, ‘That depends on how I go with this part of the plan’
• Change the subject by asking your friend a question about their life when you feel you have given enough information.

Use similar strategies for building up social activity to those used for building up physical and mental activity.