stuck..

[axemadi21]

I don't know how to get out more, how to meet people. I have a yearning for adventure and experiences, but I struggle with doing things on my own. I want someone to experience these adventures with. I want friends and a partner. I'd like to go out to the bars and try to meet people, but COVID. I also have anxiety about that and don't want to go many places because of it. My social anxiety has kept me from making friends and having a romantic partner. I hate the dating apps. I don't know how to let people in anymore, I don't know how to let people see me because I don't feel like I have anything worth showing. I've lost a lot of friends - (mostly just drifting apart - I try to reach out and I don't get a response), and it has always made me question 'What is wrong with me? Why don't people stay in my life?' I've kept people at arms length because I believe that them leaving is inevitable. Now I don't how to let people in at all. I'm so lonely and and so self-conscious. I just feel stuck. How to anxious 23/24 year olds make friends when they live with their parents during a pandemic?

[bgkg]

I wish I had the answers but know that you aren’t alone. I struggle with the feeling of unworthiness and having nothing to offer others too. It is so alienating. Even my friends don’t understand when I try and tell them. How could they? Romantic partners always leave. And everyone always assures me it isn’t me…but how am I supposed to believe that when I don’t believe I’m worth anything myself? It’s paralyzing. And sad. I’m so tired of feeling so sad.

Just know that you aren’t alone and that talking about it in forums like this and trying to overcome it is a step in the right direction.

[Hollick in reply to bgkg]

thats a beautiful reply bgkg...God bless you, all the best

[bgkg in reply to Hollick]

❤️❤️

[axemadi21 in reply to bgkg]

My friend has no idea. I don't think they realize how they are it for me, they have other friends outside of me, but I don't. It's hard to find any self-worth when everything around you has led you to believe you're not worth anything.

[bgkg in reply to axemadi21]

I understand that feeling. Have you ever thought about opening up to those few close friends about the way you are feeling?

[samack]

I cant find support groups for this yet. One on one therapy works for many. I haven't tried that yet.

[axemadi21 in reply to samack]

One-on-One therapy has been good for other things - self esteem, depression, other anxiety, I'm not sure about social anxiety though, I mean my therapist tries to do stuff and encourage me to get out, but idk.

[samack in reply to axemadi21]

I know what you mean. I didn't have therapists that even recognized what it is.

[Hidden]

Because of Covid I think a lot of people are just feeling stuck these days. And if you had some issues going on before Covid hit your country, they most likely became magnified ten times over. Everyone is feeling it in one way or another. I hope and pray something good comes out of all this. Maybe this will get some people to realize how important mental health issues are now that they’re feeling isolated and like they’re about to lose their minds. I don’t know. The past two years have been something else. I need to take breaks from listening to the news sometimes, seems like every day it’s something crazy happening. I am not a CNN news junkie.

[cbgrace1980]

I'm sorry that you are having a difficult time right now. The world is in a state of chaos and you are right in the middle of it! Please know that you are not alone. Have you thought about working with a counselor? When I started with my counselor, my self esteem was very low and I had tremendous anxiety. I can say that working with her really helped me and I feel so much better now. It might be hard to get started, but it's worth the work. Hugs to you.

[axemadi21 in reply to cbgrace1980]

Currently working with a therapist, steadily with this one for almost a year. I know I've made a lot of changes, I'm just in a little bit of a rut. I don't think the winter weather helps either, makes me feel stuck inside, along with COVID. I really fear being stuck where I am in life right now, I just need to remind myself my current situation is not forever.

[Sarahslj]

I completely understand and can relate to this post. I don't think there is anything wrong with you, I think people have their own lives going on and sometimes don't even think of others outside their bubble. Do you have a job or school you can make friends at? X