Social fear

Rainforrest · ‎02-08-2016

Dear CommunityPlease help. I feel like I am sliding into a black hole. I am numb and withdrawn from society. I function and appear normal, I go to work smile at the customers then go home and hide. but inside I am crying out for real connection and understanding. I feel very alone. I feel embarrassed and a bit pathetic. I feel like I have lost being able to connect and converse on a normal and meaningful level. If I do go out I sit alone and feel awkward. I am drifting into oblivion and it frightens me. Where can I go to reconnect and find a place where I feel accepted and welcome and to have something to contribute without being a burden, a victim or wallowing in self pity. I have felt like this for as long as I can remember - even as a kid. I want to be vibrant and a part of something bigger than these feelings of lack.

Zeal · ‎02-08-2016

Hi Rainforrest,

Welcome to the forum!

The feelings and emotions you've described seem indicative of a depressive illness. To find out if this is the case, please see your doctor (GP) as soon as you can. If you don't have a regular doctor, use Google to find clinicians in your area, and phone the practice to book an appointment. Doing this may feel overwhelming, so talk to someone you're close to about your situation: a sibling, friend, parent, cousin (or whoever you trust). If you want to talk to someone at any time, don't hesitate to call beyond blue's 24/7 helpline on 1300 22 4636. The people answering these calls are trained, caring and patient.

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

SM

blondguy · ‎03-08-2016

Hi Rainforrest

I understand you dont feel strong but you are by posting on the forums and thankyou!

SM is spot on with her advice...The symptoms are indicative of depression....I have felt the same as you do now and its an awful place to be in..Your symptoms are more common than you know...There are kind people on the forums that can be here for you too....you deserve the support...

Even though we are here on the forums SM mentioned the number to beyond blue's 24/7 support line....if you want a caring and non judgemental voice 1300 22 4636.

Thankyou for having the courage to post and well done!

My kindest thoughts for you

Paul

Rainforrest · ‎03-08-2016

Thank you SM and Paul. You are very kind to respond. I am reluctant to go down the medical path. I don't want to take meds. But I may consider it. I don't really have anyone to talk to about it - there's not much to say really. I'm a bit paralysed by it all. I hoped maybe there was a group or something I could join that might encourage me gently to participate and come out of my wall. I'll look around in Google - I live in Darwin it's a pretty small place when it comes to this sort of thing.

Thank you both again for showing kindness to a stranger it's a beautiful forum 😌

flossie62 · ‎12-09-2016

Hi Rainforrest,

I have just recently found BB after my GP suggested the site. I understand exactly how you feel as I have the same feelings. Like you, to everyone else I appear to be functioning okay. No-one has any idea how I am feeling inside as I feel that if I open up about my depression and anxiety, I will be looked at differently. I haven't even told my family.

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I am discovering that there are so many people with the same problems and feelings, and it sort of helps to know that. It would be great to have someone to talk to without feeling like you're imposing.

I would strongly recommend that you see a GP to discuss some of your issues. I know it helped me when I felt like I had no reason for my existence. It's a good place to start, and your GP will be able to make some suggestions of what can help you and where there might be some assistance in Darwin. I think you would be quite surprised about how much support there would be.