New here, First Post, Feeling Down and Lonely

[Telemetrytech]

Hi all, This is my first time posting on a site like this. I have been really feeling like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I work full time at a hospital (night shift) and aside from going to work, I find that I don't want to go anywhere or do anything. I also don't really want to talk to anyone. I have some wonderful friends but I somehow feel like when I talk to them about how I feel they don't understand. I find myself comparing myself to them all the time and feeling as though I don't measure up. Like I am somehow not a good as they are or not doing as well as them. Of all my friends I am the only one who didn't finish college and now I feel like I can't because of work and finances. I find that I would rather just be alone and not talk to anyone about my feelings, but doing that makes me feel lonely and the cycle starts all over again. I take Lexapro and it helps somewhat but when I get into feeling like this, when I should be absolutely taking it, I find that I don't. I know that's not good and lessens the effectiveness but I am feeling so down about everything at that point that it slips through. Sorry if this is rambling. Does anyone have any advice or tips I can use? Thanks

[Windsorgardener5087]

Hi from Australia, thank you for your post and welcome to your forum from me. You don't have to apologise for your post here. We have all been in that blah space at some time. For me, aside from the meds, I had to come up with a couple of activities to take my mind away from the blues. I have decided going for a walk works. If the weather is no good, working through some exercises is a good alternative. Taking a long bath with lavender salts is also good. Sometimes when I am struggling, a short time with a psychologist restores emotions. Your wòrkplace would have an employee assistance program (EAP) to contact for this support. Check work website or contact human resources for contact details. Sessions are totally confidential and provides free/low cost tune up.

Members are from different countries 🌏 so there is usually someone to talk to. Regards 🦘

[Telemetrytech in reply to Windsorgardener5087]

Thank You, We do have an EAP, however a lot of my stressors come from work and the EAP counselors are at the hospital I work at so I choose to not use them so I can avoid being there when I am off. I am very glad to have found this site as I think it will be very helpful. I don't feel as alone. Thank you again.

[Bulgarrus]

Hi I am also new to any kind of mental health forums. I can relate to feeling how everyone else's life is moving ahead and I am left stuck behind. Hell I am living it.

Do not let whether you finished college equates to your selfworth. Some people have the privelege of time and money to finish college. Some dont. I have a college degree and it did absolute nothing for me.

Hoping you can find some peace and joy, even if for just a brief moment.

Sorry I dont have real tips/advise

[Rafiki11]

Why do you need to go to college? College is a means to an end…a job to take care of your needs. It sounds like you already have a job to take care of your needs. Going to college could be a real waste of your time and money.

I say this as a college graduate. I often wish I had become a dental hygienist. Less college, more money, less stress than what my four year degree got me.

[Caroline_24]

Dear Telemetrytech,

Welcome to this site, I am sure you can find kind hearted people who will try their best to help you and never apologize for how you feel.

I have the same attitude towards life, I always compare my self to my friends in any possible way, but lately I learned something (but I'm still working on it) : each path in life is beautiful in its own way, you shouldn't compare yourself because you didn't live their life and they didn't live yours so there is no comparison here.

Try to value yourself, if you didn't finished college so what? not every one should finish college, I believe that these are social norms that dictates us how we should live our own lives and its just not right, you said you are working in the hospital so I can imagine how frustrating but important job you must have specially with Covid in the past 2 years so its normal to feel tired.

I don't have anyone to talk to either but the most important person that you should talk to is yourself, take time for yourself and take care of yourself(mentally and physically), drink water and do exercises or listen to music which makes you feel good.

and don't forget that you are worthy and beautiful just the way you are.

Take care.