FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Feeling Alone

Gracious Gal
Community Member
Hi, I'm a newbie here. I'm struggling with anxiety which includes social anxiety. Have always had difficulty making friends, so thought I could connect with other people that can relate to that. Often feel like I don't fit in and I'm looking to change that. I also have work related stress and anxiety and feel like I'm in a job that doesn't suit "the real me". Hoping to chat with others that may be experiencing the same thing.
14 Replies 14

On The Road
Community Member

Hi Gracious Gal

I'm sorry that things have been rough for you, I am also struggling with anxiety. I'm not sure if I have social anxiety but it is extremely difficult for me to make friends and keep them. Probably because I'm too anxious and too tired of this (friendships need good intentions, energy and efforts just like any other kind of relationship). Careerwise I think I can somehow resonate with your feelings of "not being the real me", even tho I don't know the details. It is hard to keep doing something that's just not for you for years, no matter how you compensate yourself after work. and the reality for many ppl is just tough up and keep going.😔

I hope that your counsellor/ psychologist with whom you gonna share details could help you to sort things out. Feel free to share more thoughts on here. 🙂

Gracious Gal
Community Member

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all you support and understanding. It's nice to connect to people that understand and can relate to me.

HamSolo01..glad to hear you've applied for an intern role...What field is it in. I wish you the best of luck in getting it.

Hi Kat_Em... welcome to the forum I'm a newbie like you. Also like you I've just tested positive to Covid. So 7 days of ISO ahead. I'm not anxious about that but I know I will be anxious to go back to work.

On the Road...I can relate to the not being able to make friends and keep them. I feel like it always put up a wall to protect myself and only allow ppl to see part of the real me. What triggers you're anxiety? For me at the moment it's my new job. I've been there 5 weeks, so I'm still going thru a bit of a learning curve. The role is an front office/admin role which I think is ironic for my personality as I feel I'm a shy introverted person. But the only skills and work experience I have is in these types of roles. I would like to change to something I'm passionate about. But I just need to figure out what that is .

Thanks to everyone for their understanding and support.😊

Hi @Gracious Gal

Covid has certainly tested my anxiety but I feel like I am winning that battle! You just need to listen to your body and rest when you are tired. I really found Chamomile Tea and honey helped with both COVID and the anxiety.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Thank you everyone for your messages of support. I too have struggled with friends. As I am nearing 40 I have never felt more alone than ever. I guess we have all grown up and people go in different directions in life. Then there are those who will never understand how you feel and I guess I wouldn't call them friends anyway. I sometimes question what I did to these people but have realised that they are not worth anymore of my air as they are making me question myself as a human being when I know that I am good person with a heart of gold.

To make new friends I need to get out and be more social. Which means I need to get the anxiety under control which means I need to start my medication and see a psychologist. Looks like I have a big week ahead.

Sending you all support and well wishes

Hi Gracious Gal

I tend to keep to myself and even shy away when ppl asked me to be more open up. I am, as well, only allowing ppl to see part of me. My anxiety problem has been a longtime problem, I think lots of things contribute to the situation where I am now. At the moment, I'm also facing job issues, I'm in the process of looking for a new job. in my opinion, I actually don't think being intro or extroverted or in the middle would have much to do with the job roles, some ppl can find their "niches" easily. It takes time, so now I'm giving myself a bit more time to figure it out, hope you give yourself some time and space 😊 that helps alleviate stress.

Allay
Community Member

Hi Gracious Gal 👋

I’m new to the forum too. Being socially anxious is difficult. It takes so much mental and emotional energy just to show up.

I’m sorry you’re experiencing work related stress and anxiety. I hope you’ll find a comfortable niche and have enough get-up-and-go left over for socialising.

Best Wishes

Allay