First time on this website

[needtochangelife]

Any tips on getting out of the house during bad depression? I'm off work and sitting around my apartment alone, feeling even more alone. I thought about joining a local support group. Has anyone ever tried one?

[Pacobusta1970]

Hi! Life will get better you are not alone .

We are here to support you, we are your family,keep writing to us we will find ways to make you feel better ok?

We know your struggles,your loneliness keep fighting “you are not alone”

God bless.

[needtochangelife in reply to Pacobusta1970]

Thank you!

[Lostjoy]

Hi, I have tried a local support group in my area. I really felt like it helped me. Here's the website I used to look it up.

dbsalliance.org/site/PageSe...

Depression can make you feel very alone. I feel alone even though my husband is with me all of the time.

Also it's good you are here on this site. You'll see that there are many here struggling with depression. When your feeling alone you can chat here. Sometimes it may take a bit to get replies because of the different time zones everyone is in. I've found everyone to be caring and understanding, so keep posting when you need to.

Wishing you peace and wellness..

[blackcat64013]

Hi,

Thank you for the question. I have tried my first support group for the last 10 weeks. Actually, I wonder if things wouldn't have been different if I had tried a group sooner.

First, it’s important to differentiate between a support group and group therapy:

Group therapy brings a number of patients together for confidential conversation guided by a trained psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor. Group therapy uses evidence-based methods to engage patients in conversation and exercises to help them identify and manage stressors and problems that may be worsening their symptoms.

Support groups are less structured than group therapy, and are focused primarily on providing a safe, confidential environment for participants to form connections and share their experiences and strategies for coping.

In a support group, you'll find people with problems similar to yours. Members of a support group usually share their personal experiences and offer one another emotional comfort and moral support. They may also offer practical advice and tips to help you cope with your situation.

Benefits of participating in support groups may include:

•Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged

•Gaining a sense of empowerment and control

•Improving your coping skills and sense of adjustment

•Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

•Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

•Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation

•Getting practical advice or information about treatment options

•Comparing notes about resources, such as doctors and alternative options

A really good website with lots more analysis about support groups is mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

[Markyt]

Hi there. Definitely a good idea to mix in any social situations I you can manage st this time. I have/do spend far too long on my own and it affected my confidence, social intera ction and even small talk skills.

Got so bad, I couldn't even face buying a pint of milk and yesterday I had to walk to go see my family and nearly turned round and didn't go. I 'talked' to myself and reassured myself that it would be ok, it's not easy but being kind to yourself and not giving in to the 'voice on your shoulder' can reap the rewards. I haven't laughed so much in years as I did at my sisters kids

Stuck with it, it's totally worth pushing yourself when the dark clouds roll in. But don't be hard on yourself if it doesn't go to plan

Hope that helps

Regards

Mark

[benmaise]

Do you know anyone who would let you walk their dog. A good brisk walk usually helps and being out in the fresh air . You'r never on your own with a dog. You can chat away and tell them all your problems.

[gogogirl]

I tried one once- unfortunately it was too far away for driving but the one time I could go I liked it.

[Sprinkle1]

Yes do it - they are a god send, oh you will be nervous to start, that will pass, you will be with people who have same or similar feelings. I did it in the past. I am looking for one near where I live now. DO IT. Best Wishes. Sprinkle 1

[one-love]

I know your pain I have my good days and my bad days a lot of my anxiety attacks I thought were heart attacks in the beginning because of the physical symptoms I was always having (heart pounding, dizzy, impending doom feeling, breathing difficulty) but after years of having them and talking to doctors and therapists I realize now when I have them they are just anxiety attacks but they can be very scary for sure if you don't know what it is in the beginning. I hate taking RX meds too so it's a double edge sword, I feel like I trade one problem for another when I take the pills the doctors give me and all the side effects that come with them. To be honest I have been using medical marijuana for the last few years and I feel it really helps me and doesn't have near as many bad side effects. I know it might sound crazy but look into it and try a sativa strain it really helps with mood, anxiety and depression. But use a low does if you never tried it before