Newbie's Social Club - Come make some friends!

[Jaila]

Hi, @Ru-bee .

Doing okay but feeling a bit lonely this week.

Had my planned date cancel, had a beauticians appointment cancelled by the beautician, had a coffee date with a friend cancelled.   Joined a dating app and getting a lot of matches, but once they read my profile, I get unmatched immediately.  Very frustrating.

So, I went hiking instead.

Unfortunately, that’s the extent of my social life at the moment unless you include the interaction I have with my therapist, or work.

Been working a lot in the last week, pulling 10-12 hour shifts.

I need to get out soon because I can feel my mood starting to swing the other way now.

This week’s good news is I’ve had NO intrusive thoughts so far this week.  That is real progress for me when I’d been getting 3 or 4 a day!  And the more I get the harder it is to ignore them or distract myself.

[Ru-bee]

Good on you for taking yourself out for a hike after all of those plans falling through @Jaila 

I've been in a similar boat recently, I've had multiple catch-ups with friends be cancelled. I didn't mind so much at the time, but like you, I'm now starting to realise that if I don't get out and see some people soon my mood is probably going to take a hit. Ah, adult friendships can be tricky sometimes, hey?

So good to hear that you've gone the week without intrusive thoughts! That is real progress!

[Lostsoul26]

Hi there newbie here, just wondering how everyone copes with loneliness and isolation, any and all thoughts are appreciated 

[tyme]

Hey @Lostsoul26 ,

Welcome to the forums! 

Isolation and loneliness can really affect one's mental health. I have first hand experience myself.

Let's just say, I had a lot of people around me, but I still felt alone. I felt that no one really understood me and I didn't even understand myself.

I can't say I'm very good and socialising and getting out there amongst people. This was where I found these forums helpful. I find I am much better at expressing myself in written form. My connecting with others on the forums here, I felt much less alone.

I wonder if the connection you can develop on the forums will be helpful for you? Then, whether these skills can be transferred into the real world?

What are things you like doing?

[Ziezie]

@Lostsoul26 hi 👋,  I have been having a very hard time with feeling lonely and isolated I am looking for some tips as well, just thought I would say hi 👋 😊 

[Lostsoul26]

That's the thing I have no idea what I like doing, I'm just sick and tired of crying at the drop of a hat and feeling so desperately lonely and isolated 🤷

[tyme]

Hi @Lostsoul26 ,

I hear you. Please know this is not an uncommon experience. Have you spoken to your GP about it? 

I hear things are really confusing and tough for the time being. We are here to support you. 

It's totally okay if you don't really know what you like doing at this time. Rather, do you know what are your protective factors or things that keep you going even if you are finding things terribly tough?

Hugs my dear.

Hi there @Ziezie - great to see you around! I look forward to getting to know you a bit more.

[Ziezie]

Hi 👋 @tyme thanks for the welcome message 😊 

[tyme]

I'd be interested to learn more about you @Ziezie - only if you feel like sharing.

For example, what brought you to the forums?

[Ziezie]

@tyme there's not much to tell about me haha. I'm a 40yr old single mum with schitzoaffective disorder, I have been pretty stable with a few ups and downs but lately my mind just snapped, it snapped a few weeks ago and hasn't quite gone back to normal yet and I'm not quite sure why, I think maybe it was from stress and that's why I joined here recently. I would like to learn more about you also if you feel comfortable sharing with me.