Hello

[Revil]

Hi there. I'm new here.

I guess I should start off by saying that I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and OCD since I was very young. I've also recently learned that I may have autism.

Lately, I've felt incredibly lonely. About a month or so ago, my mother kicked me out of home. The only person who was willing to take me in was my best friend's family, who lived 3 hours away. I had to uproot my entire life and quit my job just so I wouldn't end up sleeping out of my car. My best friend and I no longer get along, and apart from her, I have no other friends. I just want to reach out for help. And hopefully, offer help to those who need it in return.

Thanks to anyone willing to listen to a lonely woman's rambling. 🙂

[Starwolf]

Welcome to the forums, Revil.

I'm sorry you are going through such a difficult transition. I too have had to leave familiarity behind a few times so I can understand the distress involved. Unfortunately, mental conditions and social isolation often go together.

Mingling with people is the only way connections can be established. Do you have a hobby ? Any activities available in your area that you would be tempted to join in ? Something new you would like to learn ? Keeping away only serves to isolate us further and confirm the false belief that we are unlovable.

Your willingness to help others shows you have a big heart. Have you thought of volunteering ? Those who do usually have more compassion than average so are usually more tolerant and easier to get along with. Perhaps your local Community Center could point you in the right direction.

Are you undergoing counseling or therapy in your new surroundings ? Being able to talk through your thoughts and concerns can make a big difference. Sorry about the questions. The more we know about you and your circumstances, the more adequately we can offer support.

Please feel free to navigate these forums and continue to post as much and as often as you feel comfortable with. We'd love to get to know you a little better. It is a terrific place to connect, share and let steam off. Your space. Here you will be heard and your contribution will be much appreciated.

[startingnew]

hello and welcome to the forums 🙂

starwolf here has given some great advice

id love to get to know you some more too 🙂

[Revil]

Hi there 🙂 its good to ask questions, I'll answer them as best as I can 🙂

I do have a few hobbies, I've actually just recently taken up exercising (which has been benefiting my mental health, thankfully). Sadly, as I live on an isolated farm, there aren't communitt activities or things like that that I am able to participate in, as much as I would love to. I try not to isolate myself deliberately, I do socialise as often as I get the chance. I do no currently go to therapy or anything like that, mainly due to financial issues.

Thank you for responding to my post, it's great to see such a kind community. 🙂

[Stormy1]

I can certainly relate to being isolated. I am remote and there is nothing here to become part of, the nearest city is 2 hours away, the closest town is an hour away. So, I am pretty much on my own, like you feel.

Hobbies do help and I only recently found out about services that are available to the rural/remote areas for free! I am just starting with them and it has given a bit of hope. I hope that being here can help you and all of us and can get to know you better.

[Starwolf]

Thank you for sharing more insight into your circumstances.

I too live in a remote area, 1 .5 hour away from the nearest small town. It has a Community Center and a Country Women Association. Socializing and participating in activities -even "local"- necessitate long hours on the road. It is of course a financial drain if repeated too often. When I was sole carer for my disabled daughter, spare time and money were in short supply so I used the weekly shopping day in town to fit in as much as possible around her school hours. For example, I started visiting the local nursing home. Quite a few residents were lonely as their families also lived far away so they looked forward to even a brief visit.

I found gardening good therapy. Do you have a garden ? I agree that exercise is a good way to keep body, mind and soul in good nick (bushwalking with my dogs is a daily activity). Well done for being proactive about starting up something new. The rewards are well worth the effort, aren't they ?

Due to your history of depression and anxiety, a GP could put you on a mental health plan which includes subsidized sessions with a counselor or therapist. It may be worth checking.

Hi Stormy, always good to meet new members. Thank you for visiting and introducing yourself. I hope to see more of you around the forums too.