Just moved to a new city alone - how to deal with the anxiety, homesickness and loneliness?

[completelyanonymous]

I’ve just moved to London to start my PhD, but it’s my first time living on my own so far away from home. I’ve been dealing with intense anxiety and depression recently and this new challenge will probably prove to be difficult - I’m already pretty homesick after just one day. The boredom of being alone tends to make my mind wander to dark places as well. I often feel isolated and worthless. Does anyone have any tips with how to deal with these feelings? I’ve been told to try and socialise with people because lots of new students will be in the same situation, but I’m not a particularly social person and have always struggled to make friends or make conversation. Any advice would be great ☺️

[starlady59]

Hi welcome to the group

[Stilltrying_]

Ah bless you; it is still early days and you will "settle in" in time. London can be a pretty lonely place; even though it is so full of people they all seem to be busy in their own little world so it is hard to break the ice and socialise when everyone is rushing around.

Could you make a phone call home to "ground" you a bit? In terms of socialising maybe there are clubs available at the university so that if you have a particular interest then you already have something in common with the other people in the group. I think this is a good idea to go to an interest group and then you will meet people who want to talk about what you are interested in .

Are you getting help for your anxiety and depression? Universities usually have counsellors and such forth available to students in need of that extra bit of support so maybe consider this , but first I would just allow yourself time to settle into your new routine. x

PS Just catching up on your other two posts and see that I replied to one. Your diagnosis if it is accurate is a difficult one but as I probably said before please don't let it define you. I hope you are able to get help with these feelings and please keep yourself very safe. x

[FinnPanda]

I’ll just comment so I can see what advice you get!

I’m going throught the same. I’m from Finland (Northern Europe) and moved to the United States a week and a half ago. So I’m dealing with everything like you are. We’re in this together I mean I have my husband, the reason why I moved (we were in long-distance) for two years and now I moved, but I still feel lonely without any friends of my own. And I’ve been ready to pack my bags and go back home few times 😂😂

So just wanted to say that you’re not alone and I want to see if there’s any tips I could use too