Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

24,601 Members
160,807 Posts
2 Online
Mental Health
/ Depression Support Group

Feeling Alone

CrazyCaityCat
CrazyCaityCat

Hey all, I'm new here. I've been suffering from chronic depression/anxiety since I was a teenager. However, all my life I've always felt like an outsider. I try so hard to make friends. It's not that I can't get along with other people. But I can never seem to make lasting friendships. Everything always seems so fake and superficial. I feel like I can't really talk to people. At least, to me it seems that whenever I try, peope aren't really listening or actually care. Unless people have something to gain from me, I'm not worth their time. I'm just a means to an end. There is just one exception...my boyfriend. He's absolutely amazing, and he's been a great support in my life. He's not just my soulmate, he's literally my best friend. But, sometimes it would be nice to be social with other people out there, and to not feel like I'm a third wheel, or just being annoying or a burden. I don't want people to fake how they feel, but I would like to be around people who do genuinely care. Sometimes, I just feel so alone...

rcurtis1010
rcurtis1010
welcome to Daily Strength. I think youll find that a lot of people on here are feeling the same way you are. Its hard to find real friends when its so easy to be fake these days.. People are who they think society wants them to be usually instead of sticking to who they want to be.
I pray you find what youre looking for. There are a lot of amazing people on this site.
SimpsonsOK
SimpsonsOK
Welcome aboard. Yes, we need to have friends, but finding a few good friends takes time. Putting everything into one person isn't a good plan, but you seem to already understand that. When I first came on DS, I read lots of posts and replies. Doing that was a big help. Hugs as you continue your journey.
regwin
regwin
Hi Caitycat, Exercise can help a lot. People who go to yoga class form friendships and benefit from the exercise itself. My daughter is a yoga instructor. Her life seems very full with yoga and the friends she has made through her animals. There just seems to be a sisterhood in those two activities. It's just a thought. Love and Hugs, Dolores
fredrica
fredrica
Welcome to Daily Strength. I pray that you will find this experience helpful. Making and maintaining friends is certainly a journey and a process. It's wonderful that you have cultivated a good relationship with your boyfriend and it sounds like you know what a good relationship is. It will take time to develop quality friendships, so be patient and don't be in a rush. Take the time to get to know a persons character and integrity and find out whether or not you have the same relational style and value and want the same thing from friendships. Try to be a good friend and model your standard to others. Finding something that you enjoy, like a hobby or interest, can also help your social life. Prayerfully, overtime you will naturally draw the right people to you. Until then, be the right person for someone else and use healthy boundaries. All you really need are a few deep connections outside of your boyfriend. The book, Safe People, may be a wonderful resource.
Restful
Restful
Hi, your post pretty much summed up how I feel every day. I hope somehow we can find peace within our selves and around others.
CrazyCaityCat
CrazyCaityCat
Thank you all so much to the kind words and advice. I will definitely take it to heart. I am so thankful that I found this support group!
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • TES9579

    Doing Doughnuts

    Posted by: TES9579
    Last Reply: billwfriend
    5
    It's National Doughnut Day!Which three would you like? (never mind the calories, fat, or sugar content; just go with what you would pick if none of that mattered and whatever health issues you might have that would keep you from eating one in real life can be cast aside for this exercise as well... have at it!)