The next element of wellness we are going to move through is Social Wellness.

Let’s be real, living with cystic fibrosis can make staying socially connected feel… complicated. As human beings, we need connection. Friendship, laughter, having someone to vent to or share a random meme with, it’s all part of what keeps us going. For people with CF, especially with all the infection control rules, finding and maintaining those relationships can be tough.

It’s not just about being careful, it’s about walking that fine line between protecting your physical health and taking care of your emotional well-being. Sometimes that line feels pretty thin.

Here’s the thing: connection isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s essential for our mental and emotional health. Whether you’re going through a rough patch, stuck in a hospital room, or just feeling physically drained, having support makes a huge difference. It reminds you that you’re more than just your diagnosis.

We can’t ignore the reality: CF infection control guidelines (like keeping distance from other people with CF) are there for a reason. They’re about safety. That said, while these rules might limit in-person connections, they don’t have to stop you from building real, meaningful friendships. You just might have to get a little creative. Think about the last time someone made you smile or you felt grateful for support. Who were you with? What were you doing? How can you structure more of that person and that activity into your life? And how can you get creative in scaling it according to your fluctuating energy? For example, maybe you had a great meal with a friend and you both laughed a lot. If you’re in the middle of a CF exacerbation, you may not be able to or up for going to a restaurant, but you could still text or have a phone call with the person who lights you up.

Find what fills your cup—and build more of that into your life, in ways that work for you.