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.
There is something I've been doing for a couple of years now in an attempt to deal with my loneliness but I think I'm just poking a dead horse with a cattle prod for validation.
My entire social life is on Facebook. There are a few people on there who I have been talking to on a regular basis but I recently decided to let it go. It seems that when I talk to them they respond back but if I don't continue the exchange, it stops there. It's not a spontaneous conversation. It's just me talking to them then just them responding. I'm always trying to get the social ball rolling but it's just me pushing it. I think I wear on people. Perhaps they can detect a "neediness" in me that I'm trying to conceal.
I'm trying to improve my depressed state of mind and I think loneliness and solitude is a big contributing factor. I'm tired of searching for friends and trying to spark a new friendship with non spontaneous results. I wish I didn't need social contact but if I have none, my depression gets worse. What to do?
My entire social life is on Facebook. There are a few people on there who I have been talking to on a regular basis but I recently decided to let it go. It seems that when I talk to them they respond back but if I don't continue the exchange, it stops there. It's not a spontaneous conversation. It's just me talking to them then just them responding. I'm always trying to get the social ball rolling but it's just me pushing it. I think I wear on people. Perhaps they can detect a "neediness" in me that I'm trying to conceal.
I'm trying to improve my depressed state of mind and I think loneliness and solitude is a big contributing factor. I'm tired of searching for friends and trying to spark a new friendship with non spontaneous results. I wish I didn't need social contact but if I have none, my depression gets worse. What to do?
Wow, take about synchronicity. I could have written your post, well, except for the bit about facebook, because I am too chicken to even facebook. But the rest I was just thinking this morning as I was fixing myself my morning cup of joe.
I too am lonely and without many friends. I have one best friend, and he is dying. When he is gone I expect I will be very lonely indeed. I, too, have tried to reach out to people, with nothing in return. It hurts. And I never did rejection well. I mean, I'm too afraid of rejection to even put up a facebook page. How's that for pathetic?
And you are right, too much solitude fuels that warpy depressed thinking. I have started to do volunteer work, to get out of the house. I thought I would make more friends this way, but that doesn't seem to be happening. Like you, I don't quite understand. I have good social skills, good grammar, and good hygiene. All the goods, but no takers.
So...I can offer sympathy. And validation. And some online company to you. That's all I can offer, at the end of the day.
Cold comfort, served on toast.
For instance here on the board -- I've replied to hundreds of threads, but I have started only 3 in all the time I've been here. You don't know how many people are tickled when they log on and see a note from you. You have no idea how many smiles you've put on their faces.
Those of us who only reply need those of you who have the strength to initiate.