*Newbie!*

[Cry-for-Dawn]

Yes, I'm a newbie here, but not new to depression and anxiety. Anyway, hello everyone, it's great to be here

After some 'life struggles' I have decided it can't hurt to reach out for support. I don't have a lot of people I can talk to because of my aforementioned condition. I honestly have no idea how to make friends and fear taking the first step and talking to people. I'm scared people will reject me and that rejection will result in even more pain. I know I'm not broken, but, well... okay, maybe I *don't* really believe I'm not broken. Maybe that's why I am afraid.

SO - How do you all do it? I want to make friends... even better if they can relate to having a mental illness. I would even love to join a local support group. I wish something like that existed. If it does, what's the best way to find something like that?

Anyway, I am really looking forward to the interactions I have here. This really may be beneficial.

Thank you!

[Queen3]

Hey! I’m not new but I haven’t been on here in a really long time and I’m back and I also have anxiety, maybe some depression. Reaching out is really great because you hear from people who can relate to you. For me, I’m reaching out because like you, I’d like a community to be able to go to. I don’t want to bother my family. I just want to give them some breathing room. I really want to call my boyfriend right now and talk to him because he always makes me feel better but also I want to make sure I’m not smothering him even though he always tells me to call him anytime I need, I don’t know, should I? I’m really tempted to but once again I’m worried he will silently think, “again?” Anyways haha! Welcome!

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Queen3]

Thank you so much for the welcome! I, like you, also sometimes feel like a burden to family so there's only so much I can share before I feel I am being overwhelming to them.

However, I would say that it's important to talk to your family, and your boyfriend as well, if they are supportive. I also think that when you vent some of your frustrations and feelings to them, make sure to allow them to reciprocate. If they know you are also there for them when they need it, I doubt you'll ever be considered a burden. In that way, you are there for each other. Plus, it's often very therapeutic to allow the ones you love to just talk while you are there for them and give them support.

Hope that helps! I am here too, as I am sure many others here are as well. Don't be afraid to reach out ~*~

[Queen3 in reply to Cry-for-Dawn]

Thank you for saying that! Sometimes I just need some reassurance that I’m not a burden. I ended up talking to my boyfriend and you were right, it was a big help. I appreciate your words and of course I’m always here as well!

[Mary-intussuception]

Hi and welcome

Hope you'll like it here (sure you will).

In answer to your question about how to find a local support group, have you considered calling 211 and asking if they know of any?

xx

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Mary-intussuception]

Thank you so much for the welcome! I actually never considered calling 211. I'd be lying if I said I was even familiar with what 211 is. Is that sort of like 411? In any case, I will give it a shot. I appreciate the advice

[Mary-intussuception in reply to Cry-for-Dawn]

211 is a Free 24 hour helpline which is staffed by professionals. If there is a local support group near you, I think they would have details.

You could Google it first, if you wish. Have a look at their website.

I hadn't heard of 411 so Googled it - no - 211 is nothing like that!!

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome 🥰! Thanks for sharing your feeling and no, you’re definitely not broken. Please don’t believe that.

I am not sure where you are located but have you tried meet up groups (I know it’s a bit tricky with the whole COVID situation). You could try that. They have meetings and groups all over the place and in different countries 😊.

Greetings from Germany,

Christina

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Hidden]

Hi Christina, thank you kindly for the welcome message! I used to be part of Meetup (as in the actual official Meetup app) and used it to join a volleyball group and a photography group. It was great while it lasted but I don't think I ever saw anything for support and specifically for mental health issues. I think that may be because the turnout for a "social anxiety group" might be a little thin... for obvious reasons

You're right though, COVID really put a damper on some of the channels I might've normally tried, but I will keep an eye out. Plus everyone here seems wonderful so far, so that's exciting! I'd gladly be available to anyone who needs to talk something through. As I stated to someone previously, it's wonderfully therapeutic to be someone others can go to for support. So, I'm here!

[Hidden]

First off.no one is gonna reject ya here.We r all in the same boat n we all help one another,SO..welcome aboard😁

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Hidden]

I love it! Thank you for the welcome. You're right, we're all here for support and to support each other. It's great, right now, I don't feel as alone as I typically do.

[Esda]

I’m new here. Struggling right now. Doing the natural approach as usual, but seems tougher since the year began. That’s why I signed up. I have good support from my family. I thought this might help too. Hoping...

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Esda]

Hi there! Welcome to you as well, then, newbie

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling. When you say 'natural approach' do you mean therapy or a natural approach to making friends and meeting new people? Either way, I'd love to know what you do.

I hope that this group helps you as well. If you need an ear, don't be afraid to reach out, I'm just a message away!

[Esda in reply to Cry-for-Dawn]

Thank you! Natural and holistic-meaning no prescription medication. Instead, at least for now self-care: meditation, CBT, essential oils, walks...

My anxiety is a struggle to manage this time around. It seems difficult to shake off and I have a good idea why, but it has become frightening at times that I am beyond frustrated.

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Esda]

Well then, I probably could learn some things from you. I have never really tried to get better simply by improving my diet, exercising regularly, taking natural supplements and improving spiritually (definitely not all at once, at least). It sounds like a no-brainer, but so many of us were simply diagnosed as one thing or another and started our meds regimen. It takes much more discipline, so you really should be proud of your approach. If it becomes too much to bear though, don't be afraid to seek a therapist if you haven't already. If you need to bounce some thoughts/feelings off of me or others here, I'd be happy to lend a hand and I am sure they would be as well. Shoot me a message any time!

[Esda in reply to Cry-for-Dawn]

I just thought it’s better to try those things first. Medicating will help, but perhaps your body is also trying to tell you something. Listen. Try not to turn the volume down. Our bodies have a natural ability to heal. If you look at animals in the wild, they get hurt/sick. They find natural remedies to heal. I’m not an expert, but appreciate the logic in that.

I’m proactive in finding my “formula”. I do have a therapist as well. We all have to find what works for us. It won’t always be easy, but you have to start somewhere.

[bonkers65]

Welcome to the group. I'm sure you will find some support here. I also have trouble making friends because of my social anxiety.

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to bonkers65]

Hi there! Thank you for the welcome. Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Canaan, I have social anxiety and depression and need a friend, so, if you want, you have a friend right here! Message me whenever you need to.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Hi CFD. You don't know how to make friends? I respectfully disagree. Just from your friendly and open post I'd say you do know how to break the ice, and that'e the first step toward making friends. You'll find plenty of them right here. Welcome to the community!

[Cry-for-Dawn in reply to Catsamaze]

Hey there! Thank you for the welcome. I appreciate the insight and you may be right. I have been told that I am friendly and compassionate, however, almost always from people I don't meet face to face. The issue for me has been taking who I can be online and bringing that to real life. When faced with in-person interactions, I generally shy away and I think people might see me as aloof because I am very quiet and an observer but they don't know that it's because I feel like I'm unable to naturally converse with people.