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.
I know that the lockdowns are hard on everyone. But long before these even started i was lonely. Honestly before this virus started the only difference for me was i could go to the gym. I've had no less contact than before.
My best friend has distanced himself over the past couple of years and it seems that it's always me chasing contact. I get a couple of replies every few weeks, even after i told him i was suffering with depression. There's some family i try to keep in contact with but get the same.
I try to help them and be there for them but it's all one way and gets harder and harder to bother.
I consider my self a good person. I bake for charity, go to conservation sites for my holidays, plant trees locally, I have my cousin the money for my uncle's headstone cause it was eating him up.. I don't get why nobody seems to care, why im so easy to out to the side and forget about.
It gets harder to pick myself up each time and happens more often. I've been let down by so many people and now the few i still care about are doing the same.I'm not sure I can take it.
I'm going to play devil's advocate. Please ask yourself these questions.
It may be helpful with communicating with friends and family.
1.) Are you specific in "details" when you need something or someone?
2.)Do you think friends and family understand what it is you need?
3.) How do you express your needs?
4.) Are you assuming that friends and family should know what to do?
That may help. Make yourself happy. You deserve it.
I think many of us have experienced what you are saying. Many times friends and family don’t know what to say. Or maybe you interpret things differently then what was intended. Depression can make things difficult. There’s also the stigma. One of the best things for depression is to learn coping skills. Like others have mentioned, what makes YOU happy? Spend more time on things you enjoy. You can ask A few close friends to be your support and see if they agree, but if you do this you also need to let them know the type of response you find helpful such as just listening or if you want their opinion. I find it important to journal and then challenge my thoughts and to stay busy so I don’t have time to dwell all the time. Therapy also helps and can help you sort out your feelings. Best wishes.
I agree with what others have said that some people just don't know what to say. If you're not too afraid to do it, maybe try reaching out to someone who you're closest to and let them know directly what you need? Or maybe tell someone how you're feeling? I know that's hard to do though. I also agree to do more things that make you happy, as others have said. That's great advice! But yes, you matter...no matter what, you matter.
I totally understand. The hard thing about staying in right now is that people with depression is already in our heads. It helps to have someone to vent to. I talk to my cousin when I am like that. You are not alone. Everyone is going through their own thing right now. Keep being you. It will get better.
I hope you were encouraged by the responses you got here. Your thread’s title is “Why am I so alone?” Try this, “Can I be alone yet happy and satisfied?” Yes, you can. The things you are doing are great, you are generous and a good person. But do not expect others to return your kindness. When you give a cup of water to someone, there are those who will smile and thank you and offer you a cookie in return. But, there is one who might drink it in a hurry and be on his way without even thanking you, another might take it without even looking at you, and still someone might ungratefully spill it in front of you. That’s people. Your joy and happiness should be founded in you and no one can take that away. Living alone or being alone and yet be joyful can be learned. You define who you are and not what people say or do. So, don’t give up. Keep doing your selfless acts but as suggested do not forget yourself. Do the volunteering to celebrate that you can do it, that you are healthy enough and have the means to give and help to others. Do not overdo it as a means of getting fulfillment and an end in itself but as a means of sharing your inner joy and happiness.