feeling so socially isolated at the moment

[Delphinium]

Hi all

 Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping.

Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water since. Also studying full time at uni and not doing as well this year as the previous one which is really frustrating me. Only really have my mum to talk to and nobody else and she can only do so much. My self-esteem has plummeted since the separation and I am realising I have elements of social anxiety which I need to deal with. The lack of a decent social network and studying mostly at home is making me feel so alone and I feel like the walls are closing in sometimes. Also gained a lot of weight over past few years which is now making me feel really unhappy with myself and tired all the time. Just starting to wonder when life will pick up again as it seems like a never-ending series of challenges and no fun at all. Finding it hard to get motivated and do anything positive for myself.

 Thanks for reading and hope to get to know some of you on here.

[Stormy]

Hi Delphinium,

Welcome to Beyond Blue. I will start by saying that you are not alone. You have made the first step by posting here. We are all here because we have a common link, a bond. Take the time to read the many posts and resources. When you feel up to it, you might like to start your own thread or contribute to other forum postings.

In my case there is nothing better than writing about it. I am not able to open up to people in my life face to face. I have a positive persona that I project to those around me, the reality is completely different,every day is a struggle for me, the loneliness, the exhaustion, it's all too real. I do try and find something positive in each and every day. It can be the smallest of things,like, the dance of a butterfly, or the smell of cut grass. 

I see that you have your Mum to talk too, Beyond Blue can give you another outlet also. There is a live chat feature and hot line to call if you need it.

You have a lot going on at the moment and that is enough to test anyone. You are still pushing ahead with your studies and that can act as a bit of a distraction. It is hard to function normally though.

Have you spoken to your GP or a health professional ? If not, when you are feeling up to it, it may be something you can consider. 

Getting motivated is extremely hard when you are down. Try small steps to break the cycle, just to break away from the overwhelming routine.

I look forward to reading any posts from you when you are feeling up to it,no rush, in your own time. Welcome again to Beyond Blue.

[Delphinium]

Thanks Stormy. You are right, none of us are alone in these struggles despite it feeling that way as we go about our lives. That's good that you have writing as an outlet.

I have sought professional help many times with varied results. I've generally found lifestyle changes the most helpful, especially exercising, so I guess I will just have to try to get back into some of those healthier habits. You are right, small steps are best when things feel overwhelming. Even if I just walk around the block it's better than nothing I guess.

Thanks for the welcome and I wish you and everyone else here the best in dealing with these issues.

[geoff]

dear Delphinium, hello and I'm so pleased that you have reached out for help, because to join a site like BB could be frightening, but please it's not, because there are so many people struggling with their own thoughts, and each person would love to get support, and that's what happens here.

I too have and had depression, OCD, and anxiety for many years in my life, but I still have OCD after 56 years and I know what you are trying to cope with.

Please believe me that it's so hard to cope with either work, studying at uni or trying to socialise, when you have all these illness's, we all know this, and accept how you are feeling.

I realise that you have sought professional help, and sometimes their help maybe beneficial, but sometimes you can't understand or follow what they are trying to say, so it could leave you in the lurk, that is, not really knowing what to do, but please understand that this quite common, but it doesn't solve your problem.

So can I suggest a couple of things to do, firstly, I would like you to click onto 'Resources' at the top of this page and 'order all the printed material' from BB, it's all free, but it's very good and says a lot, and then either ring the BB phone number, again at the top, and tell them of your situation and they will direct you to to someone who is qualified and experienced in especially OCD, or alternatively click onto 'Get Support', again at the top where you can find a doctor who handles your conditions, and please these doctors are aligned with BB and deal with any type of depression, and pleas e anxiety and OCD are both related.

We would love to hear back from. Geoff. x

[Delphinium]

Thanks so much Geoff for the kind words and support, OCD is a real challenge even at the best of times isn't it?

I will take your suggestions on board and look into those things you listed. It is definitely useful to talk to people experienced in particular mental conditions. I've talked to some great doctors who understood OCD and some who weren't so experienced so it is really important to find the right one.

 Thanks again and good luck with your journey, you are strong to have dealt with this for so long.