Hi Katherine,
Warm welcome to you as well from me! I see Paul has already sent you a friendly greeting. This forum has a lot to offer. People here are understanding, compassionate and non judgemental.
There are many parts to this forum as you may have noticed. It is great you feel comfortable to start up your own thread! Please feel free to join in with any other thread you like.
On some threads it might look like the conversation is only between a couple of people, if you have something to add, then please do so. No one is excluded here.
We also have a Social Zone. You might like to check out some of the threads there.
As for how to cope with being alone and having those thoughts come crashing in on you, do you like listening to music? I find that distracting. Or reading, doing puzzles that make you think or cross words.
Yes, clubs and groups will be shutting up soon. Do you live close to an old folks home, you could offer to help out there or find some other volunteer place you might enjoy.
I'm between jobs at present so do some voluntary work. I help with the local Country fire service, do one day a week in an Op Shop (which can be a lot of fun and plenty of people to talk to) and help out with Riding for the Disabled.
Before I started these rolls I had no idea what the CFS did and didn't know a thing about horses.
Do you have friends whom you could invite over to do craft with?
Check out your local council and see if there is a community house close by. You might be surprised what is in your neighbourhood.
All the best with exploring new opportunities!
Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools
