You are not alone here. There is support. The worst part of feeling depressed is feeling lonely at the same time. Covid obviously doesn't help since everyone has been stuck at home. I have also been in that boat and recently took a trip to see my family. It helped a lot. Work can also add to the depression if it is not fulfilling. I would suggest getting outdoors when you can to enjoy nature, even if it is just sitting in a chair watching the birds. Get a bird feeder if you have a yard. Their chirps can brighten a day. And take some time to just close your eyes and picture yourself in a calming relaxing environment, whatever that is for you. The best part is you can make the environment whatever you want in your mind. Hope that helps.

Hi- When my only child left for college, I was sad, empty, and felt useless. I could not even describe how lonely I was. A friend of mine called me the day after we dropped off my son in his dorm. She knew that I was sad and she cried with me. I appreciated her time and helped me to feel better.

I also shared my feelings in one of the parents’ online support groups, I realized that I was not alone and lots of parents were going through empty nest syndrome. I also have a lifegroup that I used to meet in person but because of the virus, I meet them online once a week. I felt good knowing that I was surrounded by people encouraging and praying with me. Everyday, I write down my thoughts in my journal and it’s a big help in improving my mood. I also volunteer in my church and that helps me to see my purpose.

My son is now in sophomore and I thank God for helping me to overcome that deep sadness. I’m sorry you are going through a tough time at the moment. I understand the pain you are having right now, thank you for sharing with us. We are here for you.

Feel free to share anytime about anything. This group can help you to feel less lonely. Try to do things that you enjoy. When my place was in lockdown, I sat on my porch so I could enjoy the sunlight. I also did some gardening. I hope you can find something that will work for you.

Praying for you that God will give you peace and strength that you need to stay strong. Hope to hear from you again. God bless.

I have a good friend in the UK and he is feeling exactly as you. The restrictions are quite strict in the UK versus the U.S. He's been off on in quarantine thru being exposed to people at work. His spirits are so low. He too wants to find another job, but the prospects seem so dim.

What has given him perspective is that things will get better soon! Instead of volunteering, have you tried to look thru Meetup? Many of those are now held thru zoom (online video at home).

You can sign up for classes all around the world. Meditation, book clubs, yoga, spirituality, learning, etc. Most of them are also free and you can do it from the privacy of your own home.

I recently joined one in another part of the country and it has been really fun.

Sending you light and love!

Hi I feel the same way and for similar reasons. My kids are getting older and will be out of the house soon and I'm facing an empty nest which is going to be a huge life change, and I don't do well with life changes! I haven't been able to work for 11 years due to chronic pain and Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome and I feel so useless. I even tried to find volunteer activities but not much is available right now. This is such a trying time for so many of us. I don't like being alone either. The good news is you have 6 weeks to look for new work. In the US, a lot of times people get no notice. Of course interviewing and working at a new place is going to be very stressful after working at the other place for so long. Try to look at it as a new opportunity to learn and grow. Growth is painful sometimes but worth it. Feel free to message me if you want to chat.

I totally get it---I feel the same way, like I'm good for nothing, no one wants me. I DID try something, I don't know if it's for you, but here's what I did. When my daughter moved out, immediately I panic, The next day I HAD to do something. I went out and brought something called Aerogarden, it's a device w/pods that makes you able to grow your own fruits and vegetables in the house (I live in an Apartment building). I felt I HAD TO TAKE CARE OF SOMETHING, guess I was in motherly mode. I started feeding it, watching things grow, etc. That really helped me during a difficult time. Maybe you have a house w/a yard? That's even better. Taking care of plants is good therapy. I hope it works for you. Good luck!

I can relate. I am struggling with anxiety, extreme nervousness and depression. Before the virus hit last year, my husband had a massive heart attack and told me he wasn’t going to make it. I thought he was going to die in my arms. He made it! Thank God! That traumatized me. I stayed home with him for 2 wks and was looking forward to going back to my part time job for a sense of normalcy. The night before I was to go back to work, my boss called me to tell me my place of employment was set on fire and burned down. In 2 wks after that, my boss moved the business to a different location and I was able to return. By this point, my nerves were shot. A couple months later, this stupid virus came and I have been isolated at home doing nothing ever since. I felt emotionally numb for the past year up until recently. Now, I feel depressed, anxious, etc. I think this virus screwed everyone up out of normalcy and we are all struggling so bad. We need to be connected with people. We need to love and hug each other again. I am so glad that I found this support group so people can vent and talk these issues out. We need to talk about these issues. Sending you love and hugs sister. Trust me, you are not alone in this struggle ❤️

I know exactly how you feel! we're all going through it, you are not alone. Covid really got our anxieties at the most high right now and for some of us its really depressing because we don't have jobs or even to work at home. being home alone can be very tormenting. I'm happy to hear that your depression is not as bad as it was before. We are all here with you and for you!

I am so sorry to hear of the way that you are feeling. Know that you are not alone.
This Covid stuff and the isolation that it has promoted have been difficult for so many.
My husband and I took a trip in a personal vehicle last fall and enjoyed the change of scenery as well as some walking/hiking.
Are you able to get outdoors from your current location or would it be possible to take a trip where you can get a bit of time outdoors?

Are there any ways you can give back to others? Perhaps an online form of volunteering, purchasing something to leave at your neighbors step?

When the shutdown first began here, we started using a video messaging application so my kids would recognize faces when thi ng gs reopened. It has helped us to stay in touch with others.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing. This lock down has been so tough on everyone. It sounds like you are doing the right things to find that you like to keep you occupied. I had to learn to change my perspective. When we feel locked down then that is where our focus is. I had to take a step back and say what would I be doing if I weren't locked down. I would still be going for walks, painting, etc. But I wouldn't feel this out of control feeling. Hope is so important. I have found when I look at things from a different perspective it works out better.

Here is an activity I like to do - a Gratitude Journal. - . The gratitude journal is writing down something good every morning and night something that went well in the day, or something I appreciate about myself. Taking our focus off of the my situation or the lock down and focusing on positive uplifting things really helps. What you think is what you believe. So thinking uplifting things you believe those things but the reverse is true - thinking negative self-defeating things, you will believe those. I will be praying for you.

As for volunteer work - I have found these online forums are great for helping others while I get encouraged too.

Feel free to pm me if you'd like to chat. Hugs and God Bless

Thanks everybody, some good suggestions here to stop the ever churning mind! The lockdown here is very strict, we can only meet one person from outside our household outside - and March in the UK is not great weather wise. We can't travel outside our area unless it's essential and can't take holiday. I did go for a little walk today and cleared out the very grotty fridge so that's a little win I think. Think I'll stay around on DS for a while, try and take the advice and maybe help someone who hasn't been through this before.

Glad you are doing a bit better. The walk sounds like a good choice and cleaning the fridge helps clear the clutter in our life, which in turn helps clear the clutter in our minds. I agree encouraging others on DS also helps us heal and feel better too. Stay Strong. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Hugs

The suggestion with Meetup.com and meeting people via zoom is a good one I want to second that. It isn't 24/7, FOMO-inducing like internet social media is, and it has clear agenda and time frame. I don't know how you feel about games, but that is another way to meet a group of people while doing something stimulating for the brain to problem solve and team-work together. Stick around DS too, to give yourself multiple avenues to have people to talk to. All the best to you!