Introducing myself

[C_the_hermit]

Hi there,

I'm not really sure how to start this, or what to bring up. I know what I want to say, but can't think of an order and I don't want it all to just spill out at once. Ever since I left university 7 years ago from feeling homesick, I've gone deeper and deeper into a shell. No career, no experience, no friends to see, scared of everything even just talking. I spend most of my days in my room, feeling like a burden for my parents who look after me even though they have their jobs.

What's worse is feeling guilty for all of it. The regret of not doing what I should have when younger. To be so far inside my own head that escape seems impossible. That now I'm in my 30's and have achieved absolutely nothing in life except consuming time and media.

It's hard trying to contain it all, and that's what I have to do because any sort of change puts me on edge. Not being able to get the help I need because of limitations of resources is the cherry on top of the pain sundae I eat everyday. But I know I'm not the only one who feels this, so maybe that's why I'm crying while writing this.

I've never been able to follow things as is, so if anyone has any tips I'd be appreciative.

I don't want to give up on this, but it's getting increasingly more difficult finding my identity and worth, and not wanting to be a burden anymore.

[mom26]

Your not alone I relate to this 100%

[Sophie_M]

Dear C the hermit,     

Firstly, welcome to the forums we are so glad that you found your way to this supportive and welcoming community.    

We’re sorry to hear that you have been struggling for so long, and we want you to know that you’re not alone, we’re here to support you.    

You mentioned that you have not been able to get the support you need, but rest assured there are services and mental health professionals available. A good place to start is to chat with our counsellors who can discuss available services in your local area. Our wonderful counsellors are available 24/7 and can be reached on 1300 22 4636, or jump onto a webchat here.

Thank you again for sharing with our supportive community members.    

Warm regards,

Sophie M

[Petal22]

Hi Catherine hermit,

Wellcome to our forums.

Im sorry that you are feeling this way.

I understand your feeling guilty about your past…. Your not defined by your past you really can move forward from where you are.

I understand you spend time in your bedroom let’s start to try to break that routine set new goals…

It all starts with you….. building a brand new version of you.

Yes it takes work and practice but it’s well worth it.

I understand that change puts you on edge I understand this, but what puts you on edge is the exact thing that you need to embrace because it will bring you growth.

Take the plunge because underneath all of this there is YOU.

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear C the hermit...

A very warm and caring welcome to the forums...

I am sorry that your feeling that way...

Please...don’t ever give on anything at all to do with you...

I had a period not that long ago that I was so scared of everything and talking to people was incredible hard for me...that I would avoid them as much as possible, by staying inside my home for weeks, even months at a time...

With the help of my Dr...who got me a mental health care plan with a psychologist , my life started getting a little easier...It took over a year of therapy before I was well enough to be able to go out on my own without my support worker, (who my Dr, organised for me)....I still cannot go to many specialist appointments on my own....but I’m getting their slowly....

I started volunteering at our local charity shop...working out back sorting the donations...Not speaking to the other workers..out of fear..that went on for a few months until I started trusting them enough to talk to....A few years on and now I’m working in the shop serving customers...I still get afraid at times...but I’m doing really well...I mentioned this, because maybe an appointment to your GP....or maybe a volunteer job..to help you to get outside of your room and it might help knowing that your helping your community and the less fortunate...It could be a start to help you to start to interact with people, plus volunteer work looks good on any resume..

Its hard not to look back with regrets and guilt...but the thing is, we cannot change that as much as we want to..,the best thing is to learn from past mistakes and move forward the best you can....Their are many Taffe courses that are available, maybe you might discover one that holds your interest..if not for former employment then for something that interests you...

Have you had a heart to heart talk to your beautiful parents..to tell them how you’re feeling and thinking?..Your parent love you and I’m sure want to see you happy and well..

We are all here for you dear C the hermit..if you feel up to talking,,,

My kindest thoughts with my care..

Grandy..