try to be social

Hi everyone. I just joined today. I'm in need of being social again. I have no friends and the extent of my socialization is going to the gym, Walmart and therapy. I struggle with bipolar depression and anxiety. It's a lifetime battle but I'm getting there. Hope Ican help others and be helped also. I look forward to conversations with you all.

[Stilltrying2]

Hi, Bariepellum. Welcome. I am somewhat new here too. I have found it comforting to know I am not alone in the struggle. I can relate to the lack of social connections. I have always been an introvert. I think that I have found here is helping.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

Thank you for responding. Life before the pandemic was easier to find people but I still had a hard time connecting. I've isolated myself but I've made a great effort to try and turn it around. It's nice to hear I'm not alone. Is there anything you've found, besides this, that helps?

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

I agree that life before the pandemic was so much easier. But, when social distancing started I knew I could excel at it as I already had that skill mastered. I have been trying to get out and do more things, but I am finding it difficult. I am hoping by making some connections here it will give me some confidence to make more connections.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

I totally agree. I was already shutting down when it started and had began therapy but three months in everything was locked down. I did join a gym and I go every other day and it helps me mentally. Even though it's a social place there's really no interactions. I guess it's baby steps lol.

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

I think the older we get the harder it becomes to make new friends. It’s not like children who can just walk up to another kid and say, “Do you want to be my friend?” Acquaintances are easy to find, true connections are a little bit harder.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

I very much agree. I'm searching different avenues. Hopefully something will give

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy? That might be a good place to start. I know that it my area the park department gives painting classes that I have considered taking.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

I do have several hobbies but not real sure where or how I would connect with people doing them. I think I'm starting at zero and trying to learn where to meet people

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

Just curious, what are your hobbies?

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

I paint, make jewelry and crochet. I mostly do the jewelry and have started making a good stock of it so I can start an online business. Rosaries are my specialty but I've started making sterling silver earrings with crystals. What are your hobbies.

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

When you say that you want to start an online business, Will you sell your items on Etsy? I have considered doing that.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

I'm considering that but a little warey of all the fees. They take 20% of the total sale including the shipping. I'm thinking about the shopping app on Facebook. Can't remember the name but it might be called Shopify. I'll check and let you know. My daughter told me to get an Instagram and sell on there but I don't know much about that. I've been out of the loop for a while lol.

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

I didn’t do any research about Etsy. I didn’t realize they charged so much. Years ago I sold some things on eBay. I would imagine their prices have gone up too. I know there is a Facebook marketplace where you can sell locally.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

Yes there is but it's a hit and miss. It's mostly used stuff and mine are new so I feel awkward about putting it on there. The selling sites Shopify. I think I'll try it first. What about you

[Stilltrying2 in reply to Hidden]

I haven’t felt creative in a while. Maybe this will spark some creativity. I have boxes of crafting supplies just waiting for me to get a creative spark.

[Hidden in reply to Stilltrying2]

I understand that. I hope you get that spark. I know it helps me and hopefully it'll help you too.

[EndUser13]

Hello and welcome! 🙂

It's sad how often people on the anxiety/depression forums mention that they have no friends.

[Hidden in reply to EndUser13]

I truly do not. I have acquaintances but no true friends. My two best friends passed away and I haven't been social enough to find any more. I know I want friends but more importantly I think I need them. That's why I joined, so I can start being social and learn how to reach out and connect with people .

[EndUser13 in reply to Hidden]

I believe you, I've lived a secluded life for some time and finding friends can be a chore, especially online when people might have their guard up, wondering why you're so creepy by being friendly!

[Hidden in reply to EndUser13]

Wow. I don't think I'm creepy. I'm just gaurded because I have a hard time trusting people. You should be less judgemental towards people you don't know. If you can't relate then maybe you shouldn't reply to the post.

[EndUser13 in reply to Hidden]

I didn't call you creepy, I was writing as a generalization- like if you're being friendly, someone might wonder what you're up to, or think it's creepy... but your reply just goes to show how easy it is to misread/misjudge people online, making it that much more difficult to find friends.

[Hidden in reply to EndUser13]

I am a friendly person. I speak to people when they speak but I don't go many places. Too many people gives me anxiety. Creepy is not a generalized term for people who aren't socializing, which is how your comment was perceived.

[AnxiousSilver]

Welcome.

[Hidden in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Thank you.

[artreclaimed]

hello

[artreclaimed]

good to see you here. i just joined for similar reasons. take care😋

[Hidden in reply to artreclaimed]

Thank you. I'm hoping this space will help me get back out there to meet people and be able to discuss issues with like minded people. I'm definitely trying. How's it going for you.

[artreclaimed in reply to Hidden]

I have my ups and downs like everyone, 'thanks for asking

[artreclaimed]

😊

[artreclaimed]

I do hope things improve. There is a lot of nice people in this group. Hang in there😊