Need a friend who understands

[Jolene]

Hi, my name is Chelsea.  I am 23. Canadian. And don't have a lot of friends. I feel like it's so hard to make relationships and that's why my recovery has been taking so long and has been so hard. I have had depression for ten years. I am in therapy and have been working hard to get a normal life. I don't have much for close family and it's hard to make friends here for some reason. If anyone wants to chat about their experiences I would love just a person I can talk to. Other than my therapist. Would be so lovley.  Thanks, these forums are so helpful. I feel much less alone when I read them.

[white knight]

Hi Jolene and thankyou for posting on Beyond Blue forums.

I'm much older than you but the answer to your question hasnt changed over the generations.  Join sporting clubs like tennis, walking groups, badmitton and the like. The more people you meet the greater the chance of friendships. 

Be prepared however. Some people (like me) dont fit into groups very well and find themselves the target fo abuse, bullying and eventually ostracising. Depends on you really. Quiet types "seen and not heard" seem to survive much better. Sadly for some.

There are volunteer groups like lions club, rotary etc. Maybe you have a passion? I was once a clown called "yobbo" (one of my past experiences) and joined the then Moomba clown club that did volunteer work like in the Royal Childrens Hospital. I met a lot of people then.

Good luck.