New here and recently moved-- having difficulty branching out or even leaving the house.

[Candacent]

Hi there,

I am new on here and found this space as I have been trying to find resources to help me work through feeling lonely and isolated in a new town. A brief snapshot of me: I have major depressive disorder (and its fraternal twin, generalized anxiety disorder) and in the past have been described as "high functioning."

I recently moved across the country with/for my husband and his new job. I don't know anyone in my new town nor do I have a job (yet!). I have been home for a few weeks and I can feel my depressive thoughts welling up in my isolation; they have been making it difficult for me to go out to run even the simplest of errands. For example, I have needed to buy stamps for a week and though I can go to an ATM and buy them, it just seems like the hardest thing.

Does anyone have any strategies for motivating themselves to get up and get going? Or strategies for mustering up some courage to leave the house?

Thank you in advance!

[Hidden]

I know, I feel the same. Once in a month happened to me, I found difficult to stay out of the home. But I try to get rid of these feelings, I try to read a book, concentrating on something else when you're out. Find a hobby, paint, read, music it helps a lot. Imagination helps a lot to face the reality. It's all in our minds. You can find your own good perspective about outside.

[Beth46]

I know it can be hard for me to leave the house at times. Have you thought about going to the local library or googling things to do in your town? That may ease the difficulties of getting out of the house.

[Candacent in reply to Beth46]

I didn't even think about going to the library. That's a great idea and seems low-stakes. Thank you for this suggestion!

[Lostjoy]

I'm actually in your situation. We moved away from everyone we know for the job. My anxiety and depression started 5 months after the move. I just can't cope here without knowing anyone.

I did find a support group close by on the DBSA website. I've went twice so far. I feel comfortable there.

Wishing you peace..

[Candacent in reply to Lostjoy]

I am sorry if this is obvious, but what is DBSA? I think finding a local group could be a homerun for me in terms of getting out of the house, meeting new people, and getting the support that I need. Thank you for sharing this with me and thanks for reminding that I am not alone in the difficult process of making/finding a new social network!

[Lostjoy in reply to Candacent]

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

dbsalliance.org/site/PageSe...

[Jess831]

Going to the library is a great idea. Also a dance class or yoga class or a local walk/hike Meetup group (which is free.) One other idea, maybe the best one, is to find a local way to do a little bit of volunteer work. Volunteering, if you find the right match, can be a great way to meet people, improve your mental health, and also make job connections. I think the biggest website for finding volunteer opportunities is allforgood.org

You can click on 'Find Ways to Volunteer' up at the top, and then put your zip code in, and it will show you a lot of different volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood.

[Candacent in reply to Jess831]

I did try a yoga class on Monday (it was way too advanced for me and I was TERRIBLE but I did accomplish my goal of leaving the house, so it was still a success). Thank you for this link and suggestion to volunteer! I am going to see what is available in my area.