How to make connections when you're living with anxiety?

[CKC2023]

This is a real problem for me. I lost the main connections in my life over the past year, and my anxiety has worsened, but at the same time I feel very alone and feel I need more human connection in my life. I can't find support groups for people with bad anxiety in my area (and besides, would any of them show up, if so?). Where to go, what to do? I don't know how to get out of this envelope of loneliness, even with prescription drugs. Doctor has told me he's used up all options in his pocket. Mirtazapine is not helping so far.

[buffalonickel]

Iv'e been looking for local support groups for same with no luck. Everything seems to have gone online or to paid services. Somehow I came across this site and am trying it out. I haven't posted any of my own issues yet. Thought I would see what other people are having trouble with first. It seems like the only people I have currently to talk too are the same ones I have as a source of stress. I don't know of anything I could say that might be of help to you other than hello. I wish you best of success.

[Downinil]

Welcome CKC…! Reading and connecting with people on HU has helped me. I’m thinking it will help you to feel more accepted just the way you are. We understand how we feel in the throes of mental illness so you’re bound to find support here.

[corgi_fan817]

There are some online support groups that are on meetup.com An account on that platform is free. Something to maybe check out.

[Sylvain- in reply to corgi_fan817]

Did you try that? How is it?

According to the site description, "Meetup is a social networking site that allows you to find and join groups related to your own personal interests. However, instead of just talking about these interests online, Meetup is used to organize offline and in-person meetings in your area."

As someone with social anxiety, low self-esteem, and severe depression, I am usually not at all in the "social networking"-thing. My experience in that area is these things are for extrovert people who go well to pretend they go even better, so people like us who feel bad will feel even worse. But your mileage may vary. Did you have a positive experience to share in that area?

[corgi_fan817 in reply to Sylvain-]

I used to attend one of the online groups. I go when honestly feel the need to share. This group is informal meaning is no professional facilitator. I do go back on occasion to show my support. I would say this might be a good option to explore since you are online. A good group will not try and pressure to speak. Sometimes have come online just to sit in.

[Sylvain- in reply to corgi_fan817]

Ok, thanks.

[CKC2023 in reply to corgi_fan817]

What are the online groups, and are they free?

[corgi_fan817]

meetup.com is free to use. the hard part is searching through all the groups. you can designate interests like depression, mental health, etc. they also have outdoor groups, hobby groups, etc. the number of meetups depends where you live, but the online group i would go to would have people from around the country online.