Feeling alone and depressed

[Ruggles]

Since I moved to a new place last year, it has been very difficult for me to meet other people, not just because of the new area, but because I have problems with that anyway. I feel the depression all the time, but especially on the weekend when I am off from work.

[Shnookie]

Hi Ruffles. This is Shnookie. I’m here 4 U. Moving to a new area can exacerbate your depression. There R small things U can try

to start meeting new people. I’m not sure

where U live, but if there is a

Starbucks in your area check it out. I know we’re still under some COVID rules but

try to strike up a conversation with the

barista behind the counter to start. Go online and see if there R places or events starting to open to the public that Interest. Yes it can be daunting to go into a room where there R strangers, but even if U can say hello to a person or 2 it is a start. If U like, u can message me. I’m here 4 U

Hugs 🤗 Shnookie

[Ruggles in reply to Shnookie]

Thank you so much Shnookie. It's been especially hard because of the pandemic ;-(.

[Shnookie in reply to Ruggles]

U R correct. But in many areas things R opening up. For example, I live in L.A. and a friend of mine joined the Grammy Museum and I’m going to the museum as a guest of hers at the end of this month. Remember this group is always here 4 U

Hugs 🤗 S

[startrail]

I’m in the same boat. I’m empty nest and realizing that I have been operating socially as a mom for decades and need to learn how to engage differently. My ideas so far (especially now that I am vaccinated) an easy yoga or dance class, a new church (progressive for me,) go to flea & farmers markets, yard sales, live music, trivia nights, library. I’m interested in volunteering to help animals but do not know much about it. Art classes can be especially friendly. Hiking meetups and groups hikes are big in my area. I think the easiest way to make friends is work, so that’s why volunteering seems likely to work. Sorrry for long answer. Rooting for you ~~~

[Ruggles in reply to startrail]

Thank you. The pandemic has made it much harder. It's funny, I've been wanting to volunteer to help animals as well.

[pink318]

Hi- Adjusting to a new place is tough. When we just moved to our new place, it was hard to make new friends so I volunteered in my son's school and searched for a local church.

I joined a women’s group in the local church where my family regularly attends Sunday service, and there I met new friends. I meet these women on Sundays and we also have Bible study once a week through Zoom.

If you are comfortable connecting with your local church, please do so. You can meet new friends there and they also offer support groups to help you feel less lonely and not alone.

You can also check your community website and search some groups that you are interested in. I hope you can get the help you need. Please keep us posted, we are here for you.

[Ruggles]

Thank you pink318. I don't belong to a church, but I will look around some more on Meetup.

[Marshall64 in reply to Ruggles]

Volunteer work is another option to meet people..

[momofjust2boys]

I am so sorry! You are definitely not alone. Have you suggested signing up for a community college class, or checking out the local community center? If you're crafty minded, Michael's and Hobby Lobby have classes for all kinds of fun creative things. Please post back and let us know how things go.