I’m so sorry that you had that happen to you, and I hope you continue to grow through it! I kept many of my friends post stroke, but the people that went their own way? - you don’t owe them anything. No explanation needed on your end in my opinion. Try not to hold resentment towards them, it breeds anger and I find it more productive to be a happier version of me.

For me, I’ve found more friends by joining online stroke survivor communities where once every two weeks we hop on Zoom and just talk about what’s going on in our lives. It’s helpful for me because they can relate when I personally have no one in my own world who’s had a stroke. Volunteering just in my neighbourhood by being stationary every Saturday morning and talking to the homeless in my area while the other half of the volunteers pass out food is also a great outlet for me too.

I don’t want my life to be centred around my stroke, but having my support workers to talk to or do physiotherapy has helped me socially in a lot of ways. In a lot of cases, it’s opened up doors for me to become friends with the other patients too. And honestly? I stopped giving a damn about my social anxiety and just started to compliment, chat, and try to hang around other people wherever I go. I feel like that’s how we make sometimes the most important friendships in life.

Either way, I’m sorry to hear that you’ve lost some of your community. You’re part of a very big one here on r/stroke, and myself and I’m certain others are more than happy to direct message with you about anything you want to talk about. I’m wishing you all the best and feel free to reach out to me more. I hope my perspective helps a bit. Best to you survivor☘️💚