Loneliness

[Korovaj]

I just wondered whether anyone else ever feels totally overcome by loneliness?

I've suffered from anxiety and dep for years but at the moment, even though I know my mood is dipping, I feel my main 'problem' is feeling so so lonely.

Despite making lots of effort I seem to have drifted away from lots of my old friends and now don't get the chance to meet anyone new (work colleagues are simply work colleagues, husband's friends are great but not really 'my' friends). I've tried evening classes locally with no luck and now I am newly pregnant am trying to meet mums to be online, but nothing.... It doesn't help that I am really shy and socially quite awkward.

Anyone have any thoughts about how I could overcome this?

I feel a bit pathetic to be feeling like this at 34yrs of age!

[Jezabelle]

I met most of my closest friends through having my DCs. When the baby is born, try going to toddler groups on a regular basis. At first you may find this difficult as you are shy, but try to stick at it. True friendships take a long time to build up. Maybe you could try rekindling a few older friendships too. Just pop out for a drink one evening or invite them round for coffee.

[LucyLocketX]

Sign up for an nct antenatal course. It's a great way to make friends and u will have a group of people to meet up with while you're in maternity leave. I met one of my best friends on an nct course.

[sensesworkingovertime]

It is a horrible feeling, it doesn't matter whether you are physically alone or not does it?

I've read about an organisation called Future Friends. It offers opportunities to meet people in a variety of ways and it has a large pen pal section (for UK and abroad) It has a magazine, find out more by writing to PO Box 40, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5YS or call 01643 709509.

Also, it might be worth trying the evening classes again, it will do you good just to go out and do something you enjoy in the company of other people, try to look at it like this instead of as a way to gain friends, I know that would be a bonus but it is not the only reason to do a class, if that makes sense. Hope you feel better soon.