Anyone interested in being online friends?

[Arsyn]

University life has been hectic and it would be nice to have someone to just talk to and just chill out.

I have social anxiety and hence it is pretty difficult to go out and make friends normally and now it's even more difficult thanks to the pandemic.

Any of you in university or maybe working how are you coping with the stress or what is your experience like?

[Hidden]

Hi Arsyn, I can relate to not having friends due to anxiety.

I have been taking some online courses from my local college to learn workforce skills but can’t go on campus because of social anxiety. The only friends I have are people I meet at church because that’s where I find people who share common backgrounds and interests. Apart from that I have no social life really.

I want to get better coping skills to where I can hold down at least a part time job. Recently have been looking into volunteer opportunities. That’s my goal right now.

If you want to hang out, I am on and off HU pretty much all day! Since I joined about a week ago, it’s helping me a lot with staying in a positive frame of mind. Would love to chat.

[Skylane2000]

Hi wanna be friends I literally feel u right now is such a stressful time for me too...

[Arsyn in reply to Skylane2000]

Sure would love to

[Otaku12]

I'm always here to chat. It's been 2 years since I was in school for my masters, but I still know the feeling of the heavy workload and all the stress that comes with it.

I'm currently unemployed so really the only people I see in person are my parents and the employees at the grocery store I go to, so I'm quite lonely most of the time. I have a best friend but she works a lot and we only get to skype maybe once a month, if we're lucky. We do text, but only so much can be said via text.

To cope with the stress I mainly indulge in my love of anime and manga. I've also started to learn Japanese because I do hope to visit Japan one day and it would be nice to be able to converse a little bit. I also take a walk every morning because it just helps to do something physical and get outside of my house for a little while. Unfortunately it's getting colder where I live so I don't know how much longer I'll be able to go outside, so that is stressing me a little, but I'm thinking of buying an elliptical for the winter.

[Arsyn in reply to Otaku12]

Sent you a message

[jesca18 in reply to Otaku12]

Hi otaku12,

I can totally relate. I too am currently unemployed, living at home with my father. To make matters worse, my father is ill. Being his caretaker, I really only see him and as you said grocery store employees. It gets very lonely. I too have a few good friends but they are busy working and with their own families most of the time. Please reach out if you’d ever like to chat! -Jess

[PastelPink20]

I’m in university! I actually moved onto campus this year after transferring.

For coping with the stress, I definitely spent a lot of time focusing on trying to take care of myself. I definitely rely on music. I got prescribed a new medicine. I’m in therapy. I have found my favorite secluded benches and places to breathe. I also cut back my work hours.

I feel like after 2 months I’m finally more in control but it’s still a struggle.

[Arsyn in reply to PastelPink20]

Glad to hear you are going to therapy, I hope it's helping. I rely on music to get through everything as well it's like my own escape!! If you wanna chat or talk do hit me up

[Hopelessly]

I'm willing talk and listen

[Arieltune13]

Hi ! I can relate to this so much. I am currently working, in college and an introvert. I have friends but the pandemic has caused not only physical separation but emotional as well. It is hard to connect to others especially hard to find understand and empathetic people who won’t be judgmental.

I would love to be online friends.

I am coping by trying to connect more with myself. Music all the way. Focusing on the goals that I have and taking it one step at a time. I am working on strengthening my awareness and remaining present. When I am able to focus my awareness in the moment I do much better. But it is very hard to balance work, school, and everything that is happening right now.

[Arsyn in reply to Arieltune13]

Awesome glad to make a new friend