am I always going to feel like this?

[sconee]

I’m from a small country town. this year I was living pretty much alone in my family’s rental house in the city to finish year 12. it was pretty lonely all year and I didn’t have a lot of friends. I did basically everything outside of school alone and never felt like I made any real connections or that anyone ever wanted to hang out with me. I got homesick a lot and often wished I could just move home because I was convinced it would be better. I graduated a few weeks ago and have since moved home again, and I was excited because I thought I would be super happy and things would be way different. I pictured hanging out with friends and doing heaps of fun stuff, but now I’ve been here for about two weeks and I’m feeling miserable. my job hasn’t started so I have nothing to do all day, and my few friends are either away or too busy for me. I’m just sick of doing everything alone. I know I can and I know there’s nothing wrong with it but I just want friends to do stuff with.  I’ve been crying all morning and I just feel so lonely and so disappointed that being home isn’t how I thought it was going to be. am I just being a sook? what can I do to keep myself busy and feel better? I don’t even know where to find more friends but I really want them. I think it’ll be better when my job finally starts but until then am I just going to feel miserable all day? how can I make the most of this time so I don’t look back and judge myself for how I was feeling and acting? is it just a period of feeling bad or am I always going to feel like this?

[ABC01]

Dear sconee,

When we don't have things to fill our days, we do feel bad or blue.

Starting your job may consume your time and energy and expose yourself to social situations.

Until your job starts, can you do some exercise or craft/art at specific times during the day to fill your day?

Are you able to hang out with your family members as well?

Can you lock in times to see your friends and keep them?

A lot of people are lonely. But we have control on what we do with our time.

I understand being down and crying. It can release pent up stress and anxiety.

Try your best and that is enough.

ABC01