Hi

[Sienna96]

I've never posted on something like this - Im 28, f and work as a primary teacher. I guess i'm writing this because i've been feeling pretty low for a while now. I'm a pretty social person at heart, and because of my job i'm constantly talking to people during the day... but i've never felt more lonely. 

I was in a relationship for years, but since that ended (3 years ago), I havn't even hooked up with anyone - let alone been in an actual relationship. Sometimes I just really wish there was someone to give me a cuddle after a long day. I've got good friends ... not many, but the ones I do have are great. I've been getting more stressed out with work lately as well. It sort of feels like I shouldn't complain because my life isn't that bad... but I can't help this weird anxious/ empty feeling I keep getting. Not sure what to do about it.

I'm into music (collect vinyl records), watching tv series and movies and playing games on the switch (pretty solitary activities). I've not built up the confidence yet to try meeting people on apps or groups.. so i guess nothings gonna change? Makes me feel really frustrated with myself.

Anyways... not really sure what to do with myself. Starting to wonder how bad this feeling is going to get ... I'm worried if it gets much worse i'm gonna have a complete breakdown.

[Weaponsofmassdisstortion]

From what I've heard and seen, teaching in primary school is an extremely tough proffesion.  Quite a lot of people get burnt out and leave, because it is just so stressful.  For one thing, you can't even discipline the kids these days. I thought me and my friend group gave some of the teachers a hard time growing up.  But My God, We got nothing on these kids.  Then there's the parent of said children, who somehow think the reason their kids are in trouble is your fault.  Persoally, I would start thinking about a career change. Get out now while you are still sane.  Maybe go into a speciallised teaching role? I don't even the teachers of the past would last very long in the proffession these days. Anyways, those are just my thoughts. 

[Eagle Ray]

Dear Sienna96,

I just want to say that you sound like a really nice person, so please don't give up on yourself. At 28 you are actually still young and there is time for you to connect and build meaningful relationships with others. It sounds like it would be great for you to meet future friends and a potential future partner who is similar to you in terms of your interests, such as collecting vinyl records, watching TV series and movies and playing games. There will be others like you out there.

I know stepping out there into the world to meet new people can be quite scary as I am like that myself where it takes a lot to reach out into the world. I think the best way is just small steps at a time. You could set a small goal, such as attending maybe an event relating to one of your interests or a Meetup group for people with those interests. I have seen in the past that there are Meetup groups for people who identify as introverts, or being on the shy side. I am sure there are many people just like you who would like to connect but don't feel super confident reaching out. It's great that you have reached out here and expressed how you are feeling. Sometimes just getting down how you feel in words can help. Talking to someone else can often help too and there is always the option of chatting on the Beyond Blue helpline.

We are here to chat if you would like to talk more. Take good care,

Eagle Ray

[smallwolf]

hello and welcome.

 just want to say thank you for sharing your story...it takes a lot of courage to open up, especially when you’re feeling low and unsure about what to do next.

I hope you don't mind if I just reply to one part of your post here (and I hope we might chat more) ...

Please don’t feel like you’re not “allowed” to feel low because others might have it worse. Your feelings are real and valid. You deserve care and support too. I've had similar thoughts to you and expressed these on the forum before. Someone replied to my post, and showed me, that it does not matter what makes you feel the way you do, the fact that you are feeling low... well, you are desaerve care and support.

With that said, I wonder if there is someone you feel you trust you can talk to about this? And if seems too much and find the loneliness or stress becoming too much, then chatting with your GP or therapist migth be a good starting point? That's not because something is “wrong” with you. Chatting with therapist (/counsellor) can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to unpack everything can help lighten the load.

Listening ...