I dont like weekends

[Slippers]

It can start to sneak up on you without you knowing it. During the week I am busy with work and I have structure. But come the weekend I begin to feel sad, stressed or down. I live alone (except my cat) and I experience loneliness, after a week of being surrounded by people. It is a two edge sword for me as I spend most of my weekends alone anyway. I am in my early 50’s and don’t have a girl friend or significant other, I guess because I spent too long as home and not out chasing girls that this has hurt my social skills

I find weekends depressingly hard especially Sundays as I ruminate about paying bills, I have enough to pay bills and live but I seem to spend more money than I save, I am lucky I work full time. I spend most of Saturday doing house chores or washing so I keep my mind busy so I am generally happy.

I am blessed I am allowed animals in my unit and my cat is my support system, he loves me no matter what.

My family said that I should be on anxiety medication, I don’t know about this whether I should or not. I have heard of people going on medication for anxiety and becoming almost zombies with no emotions. My family while they love me in their weird way can be a little heavy telling me what to do. I remember once getting told repeatedly that I should get my hearing fixed to the point I started to cry. Then being told I shouldn’t be that emotional

Unfortunately I haven’t taken care of my dental hygiene, to the point that four teeth have been extracted. I look at the price of dental implants and they are too expensive for me to afford

I sleep on weekends till 5am I am then up and have breakfast, after the chores are done I am more than likely to either go shopping, play computer games or sleep in front of the television.

I need to get out of this rut, it has been a life time getting this way. I have made headway in the past but it has been up and down. I feel like I am like a broken record bringing this up again. I don’t know if I am just sounding off here and I am asking for help.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Slippers,

Thank you so much for sharing. It is not easy to write it all out but I hope it makes things feel a little lighter to have shared it.

This feeling is something that many of us can likely relate to - that feeling when the rush of the week is over. It can feel like an especially lonely time. It is great that you have your cat to keep you company - pets are so special.

It can feel really overwhelming thinking of all the things we "should" get on top of and all the things we would like to change. It is perfectly okay to take one thing at a time, to have patience with yourself and know that you are doing the best that you can. You have made headway and that is something to be celebrated 🙂

If you ever feel like having a chat some more - the Beyond Blue Support Line is here for you 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. In the meantime, I hope today has something nice for you. We are glad you are here 🙂
Kind regards
Sophie M

[james1]

Hello Slippers,

Your cat sounds like an absolute gem, but I am also saddened to hear you feel quite lonely. I understand that makes your weekends, especially Sundays, quite challenging. From what you've described about your experience with family, it seems they don't fully understand the support you want.

I think I may actually recognise your username from some time ago, so it's actually nice to speak to you again and hear that you had made some progress before. The journey is certainly an up and down one, and it's certainly not a personal fault that you are bringing it up again. If anything, it's a good thing that you're reaching out and getting the support you need.

You mentioned at the ending you're asking for some help. If you have something specific you'd like our help with, please feel free to describe what it is. Otherwise, I wonder if you had any thoughts you wanted to share about what you would like to do on weekends which you think would feel more fulfilling? As an introvert, I often find it tough to balance wanting space against not being too alone, so am always curious to hear how others feel as well.

James

[Johnny_]

Hi Slippers.

I wanted to say, “me too”. I feel you. Life gets overwhelming these days as our responsibilities seam to take up all of our time leaving little time for joy or to chase a new friend or partner. I’m in the same boat.

I just thought I’d share with you what I’m doing and maybe that will help. I started journaling -yeah it’s weird at first but then it’s kinda nice and you can be creative with it(ie chat to your 10yr old self, what would he do for fun? etc) I started meditation - I found this easier outside listening to nature. I also do deep breath work - look this one up lol. I take cold showers - it’s a challenge but it def helps a lot! and I decided to prioritize an activity each day on the weekend - something basic like going to a new cafe and buy a coffee or go to a new park. It’s tuff at first but you will be rewarded…just be open and curious. 

These are the things I’m doing myself and its made a big difference in the last few months. I thank you for sharing your story with us all, it takes courage to speak up. 

I hope in some small way this helps, even if it’s knowing your not alone. Take care. 

[yggdrasil]

Hi Slippers,

Thank you so much for posting this, I related to it a lot.

I also used to find weekends difficult due to the breakdown in routine. During COVID I started going to a spiritual service on Sundays (despite not being religious at all) and this greatly helped maintain a sense of structure and avoid the Sunday blues. As someone who has been on anti-depressant meds (often the same as anti-anxiety meds) for 10+ years I can say they certainly haven't made me into an emotional zombie. I'm still a very emotional person, who does a lot of music and art etc, the meds just help me get out of bed and avoid the pits of low mood. Hope that helps somewhat 🙂 Best,

yggdrasil