Don't know what's wrong

[Bru]

Hi everyone, bit hard for me to discuss this and haven't told anyone but thought I would start here.

i don't if it's depression, anxiety or loneliness but I'm 37 next week with a wife and two great kids but for some reason I'm so unhappy. I don't seem have friends, friends that call or I call, friends that I can count on and can't seem to make friends. I often think friends at my age don't exist, only acquaintances.

im on the verge of quitting my job because I hate it and I don't know what to do next as a career and often stay up till 1 to 2 am to try and sleep. Don't know what category I fit in but feel like the world hates me and I hate it.

sometimes I think I'm being over the top, but how can I feel so alone yet I'm surrounded by my wife and kids. Is that enough? I sometimes think talking to someone but feel embarrassed as I don't think my problems are no where near as bad as others but I don't know where to start.

thanks

[Neil_1]

Hi there bru

Firstly, welcome to B.B. and thank you for coming here and providing your post.  Might I also say that good on you for doing this and with that, you’ve already created a “start”, simply by coming here and opening up a little.

One thing on this site is that we aim for no comparisons between people;  when someone says that they feel their problems aren’t as bad as others, I’m sorry but that’s wrong.  The problems you experience are huge and they are yours.  Others are here unloading, sharing, seeking possible answers, advice, etc etc and now you’re here and likewise, we’ll do our best to try and support you too.

You know, I understand a hell of a lot of what you say;  I’m 14 years on from yourself, but have two fantastic kids and a partner and a job;  but for me the job is, well it’s a job – but it’s now what you’d call stimulating, etc.  But if I can do just one thing in this response, it would be for you not to quit your job;  not until you’ve secured a replacement one.  I think having a job that you’d like to quit is better than having no job at all.

Friends?  That is always an interesting topic.  I think for me, my 3 best friends are my 3 family members;  my partner, my son and my daughter;  yes, family-related, but we’re friends, we’re mates as well.  Having other friends can be good I guess and a lot of people have them;  some a lot more than others, but I think it relates down to “if you have friends, will this make you happier?”

Unloading here is a good start for you and also typing/writing thoughts down can be another good option;  but to take the next step might be going to see a doctor, if you think that might be an option.  Just a suggestion from myself.

I hope I’ve said something here that might be helpful.

Neil