When Overwhelm Turns into Silence: Navigating Life with POI

The Shift in My Social Life

I used to be a social butterfly. My calendar was always full—coffee dates, dinners, spontaneous catch-ups that stretched into the early hours. I thrived on connection. People gave me energy, and I loved being the person who was always up for a chat or a night out.

And then came POI.

One of the hardest, and most unexpected, shifts has been the way it changed my relationship with the world around me. Suddenly, things that once felt effortless—replying to a text, answering a phone call, even saying yes to a simple plan—became overwhelming. Some days, the thought of engaging feels like standing at the bottom of a mountain with no energy to climb.

Understanding the Weight of POI

It’s not that I don’t care. It’s not that I don’t value my friendships. It’s just that when you’re living with the constant undercurrent of fatigue, hormone changes, and emotional strain, even small interactions can feel like too much. A simple “How are you?” can feel loaded because the honest answer is complicated. So instead, I retreat.

This withdrawal is something I never saw coming. The girl who used to thrive on connection now finds comfort in silence. Whole weekends can pass with me curled up at home, not answering messages, switching the world off. On the outside, it may look like avoidance. On the inside, it’s survival.

The Invisible Burden

POI brings with it not only physical symptoms but also an invisible weight—grief, uncertainty, and a feeling of being out of sync with peers. It’s a lot to carry. Sometimes the only way to cope is to press pause, to cocoon yourself away until the world feels less overwhelming.

I often feel guilty about this change. Guilty that I’m not the friend I once was. Guilty that people might think I don’t care. But the truth is, I’m still me—I just have a different capacity now. Learning to accept that, and to forgive myself for needing space, has been part of the journey.

Embracing the New Normal

If you’ve felt this too, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay if your social energy looks different now. It’s okay to take time, to step back, to let unread messages sit until you’re ready. This isn’t weakness—it’s a form of self-preservation.

And when the energy does return, when the fog lifts even briefly, I remind myself that connection is still possible. It may look quieter, slower, or smaller than before, but it’s still there.

Finding Joy in Small Connections

I’ve learned to appreciate the little moments. A text from a friend that simply says, “Thinking of you,” can mean the world. It’s these small gestures that remind me I’m still connected, even when I’m not actively engaging.

I’ve also started to reach out in ways that feel manageable. A quick voice note instead of a long text. A brief phone call instead of a lengthy catch-up. These small adjustments help me maintain my relationships without feeling overwhelmed.

The Journey of Self-Acceptance

POI changes many things. It can shrink your world at times, but it doesn’t erase who you are. The social butterfly may rest, but she’s still inside—waiting for the moments when I feel ready to spread my wings again.

I’ve come to realise that it’s okay to redefine what connection looks like for me. It might not be the same as before, but it’s still valuable. I’m learning to embrace this new chapter, with all its ups and downs.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Navigating life with POI is a journey filled with challenges. But it’s also a path of self-discovery and acceptance. I’m learning to be kinder to myself. I’m learning that it’s okay to take a step back.

If you’re on a similar journey, remember that you’re not alone. Embrace the silence when you need it, and cherish the connections that still exist, however small they may be.

Let’s keep the conversation going. We’re all in this together.