How do I stay occupied when I'm alone so much??

[datie]

Hi. I'm new to this forum (or any forum for that matter) but I'm looking for some suggestions.

Going to school had been hard for me for almost 3 years, I hardly ever went, and it had a huge negative effect on my depression and anxiety. We tried all kinds of stuff and my GP suggested online schooling because nothing was working. I'm starting it soon and haven't been to actual school since. Being home has pros and cons - it has helped my depression SO MUCH and I'm in a better place now than I have been in a long time, but I'm alone a ton.

Me and my mum don't get on SUPER well, but we're usually alright and she works a lot. My brother just graduated high school and moved away. He use to do everything with me. All my friends from school still go to school, my older brother works and that leaved me home alone almost all day 6 out of 7 days of the week. I only have opportunities to do things after 5pm (I never feel like going out after that) and occasionally on the weekend. If I'm home too long (a week or so straight) I start feeling down again and it's hard to get back to doing anything.

I'm fine doing things by myself but writing and drawing all day everyday gets boring. What else could I do during the day? Should I get a job?

[CJames]

Hi, datie

Welcome to the world of forums, they're a super cool thing; I love them to bits. Maybe this could be a cool thing for you to explore while at home.

Firstly, I want you to know you're not alone; you're encouraged to be yourself, you're not judged.

Sorry to hear about your situation, I genuinely feel for you. I'm also currently at school, year twelve (final year, can't wait to finish and get out into the real world working) What year were you in?

Do you mind speaking about how school negatively impacted you? Did you have a few bad experiences with other kids or teachers? I'm not having the best experience with my English teacher at the moment; ultimately I'm failing Enligsh 😞

I don't have much experience with online schooling, so I can't help you there, but I wish you the best of luck.

As I mentioned to Izfish on another thread a few hours ago, anxiety and Depression can change your life, as you have seen (restricting you to your home), it regulates the way you live your life, in all honesty. Continuing to say:

You know that song, "In My Blood" by Shawn Mendes, I feel that describes anxiety so well.

I can completely relate to your situation with your mum; I too don't get along with her very well, often we argue over small things (ups/downs), leaving me alone. Don't get me wrong I seriously love her, but we don't see eye to eye most of the time.

Congratulations to your brother on his graduation, I wish him luck in the future, what's your relationship with him now like?

The situation regarding your friends is super upsetting; I couldn't imagine not being able to see them. What do they think about your situation? Are they supportive?

It's good to see you have time to get involved in things; I suggest finding a hobby, what are you interested in?

Have you ever done any volunteer work? I found that being a volunteer firefighter has expanded my friend circle, these people I work with are like my family, they seriously care, and I have full trust in them. I don't know if that would interest you, but something alike would be super valuable. If you're ever feeling down or alone, there are places such as Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or Headspace, a great place to be yourself.

I'm a huge fan of music; I love listening to Billie Ellish. Do you have any artists you like?

I think if you're up for it and have the time, sure go for a job, it could be beneficial.

Keep us up to date,

Good Luck.

C.

[lulu01]

Studying at home seems like a wayyyy better option than attending school! First of all, let me say that you have other options than staying at home. Take your work to a park, or to a friends house who is also studying. Getting out of the house may be a big step but it will help improve your confidence. I'll list some other options for you that might help:

Finding like minded people who also study online. You might be able to locate others online who are in the same situation and you can make plans with them to continue bettering your social aspect of your personality. You may want to talk to your mum about getting an at home tutor to take lessons out of the house to increase your motivation and engagement. A tutor can also act as a mentor.

I would highly recommend a job! Working somewhere as a teenager (for a few hours a week) may be sad pay but you will continue to develop your social skills and you will be thankful later for the experience. Many jobs require you to have so many years working with food or with customers etc. And without this experience finding a job at 21 (like me) can be a struggle when many places do not want older employees due to higher wages. A casual job will also mean you learn responsibilities to manage your time and your finances! And again, seems like a big step, but look online for basic resume writing templates and job openings for your local fast food restaurants or retail etc. and you will be half way there.

Thirdly, I'm assuming you're a girl? If so join a group on facebook for 'girls advice' in your country. You might have to search through a few groups for non judgemental/supportive groups, but this tip has helped me a lot with my confidence as a woman. Groups with a large number of users have members posting daily for advice and questions on all things for young women. This can boost your maturity and your confidence as it can be like having an older mentor (for those of us who aren't close to our parents) or older sister there for you when you need some help. If you have a problem and need to post on your group page but have anxiety issues, message one of the moderators to post an "anon" post for you.

Some other options include getting instrumental lessons and then joining a group (e.g singing and then a choir or drums and then a drum corp) for social interaction. Join a surf lifesaving club and learn about water safety, dance classes for fitness etc. Whatever you are interested in! Just give it your all.

[Bailey98]

I'm sorry to hear all this, loneliness is such a horrible thing. Have you tried playing some video games? There are a lot of free ones you can get on your laptop, or even console if you have one. Multiplayer ones, meaning you play with other people. If you want I could tell you about a few games and we could play together sometime 🙂