How can I be open and comfortable with those around me

[jusrob10]

Hi Everyone,

I have found myself in a bit if a situation which I am not looking forward to or having in positive thoughts about how I can deal with it. I have suffered from mental illness for years now, and at the beginning of 2015 I met my current girlfriend and threw away my life and some friendships to live overseas. Due to visa issues, I am returning back home, and I am worried about the level of support available to me.

I have never felt like I have people around me that understand what I am dealing with, or at least accept that sometimes I can't do things. It seems contradictory, but I moved away for a fresh start because of the lack of support and pain that I was feeling, but now as I am about to return, I don't want to return to the same situation.

Can anyone offer suggestions or advice on how I can make friends that are understanding of my illness, who have the same passion to fight it, or that are just great people? I have always struggled making friends, communicating, all those things that matter in a social life, and I am worried if I can't find a solution, that i'll fall back into that rut I was in before I left.

[SeanM92]

Hey there,

Welcome to the forum. 

Bit of a tough situation i see your in there.
It's important to stay positive and keep in mind yeah life has its ups and downs but it usually levels out in the end.

You mentioned that you have suffered with mental illness for years, i have to ask, have you ever thought about going to see a counselor or therapist about it? Its also a good way to meet like minded people, especially if you can find a therapist that offers group therapy. 

I would say give that a try or even try an contact your old friends.

aside from that, just try and stay positive, not only will it help you but it also attracts positive people.

take care

[jusrob10]

Hi Sean,

I have found myself in a pickle for sure.

I have sought after professional help, and even was admitted into hospital. But they didn't work for me, whether it was what they were trying to do or that I wasn't open enough to treatment, it still didn't make a huge impact on me. So trying to stay positive is becoming a difficult task for me, and it is often hard to find people that I feel positive around.