Finding support

[Serenesunlight]

Hello guys I have been dealing with mental health issues for most of my life. I have done a lot of lifestyle changes to get better and I’ve been overall getting better. There is one area I really struggle with and it is socializing or knowing where to go to meet others or even ask for help. This is made more difficult as I am a single mom and have pretty much no help with anyone being able to take my kids so I could go or do something. I do think that my kids need socializing too. I guess I just don’t know where to go and am looking for help. I think I’m a bit vulnerable when it comes to socializing because I was very reclusive growing up due to how severe my mental health was. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Agora1]

Welcome Serenesunlight to a caring community.

You are so right in that children as well as adults need their own socializing time.

For myself, it was done through the Library programs as well as Park District.

Wonderful learning and socializing programs for the children while mom can get

those moments to herself. I'm happy that you reached out to us and Welcome you xx

[Serenesunlight in reply to Agora1]

I’ve periodically been to parks and less so the library with my kids. Need to do that more often. Going to the library today. Hopefully it’s good. I think I just have to keep doing it then. It’s a bit discouraging because I don’t really know what to say to others or how to strike up conversations or ask questions which I am now understanding is really how you get someone to talk. Thank you for your suggestions!!

[Pitalife in reply to Serenesunlight]

Hope it goes well and builds some confidence w your kids in library is a good positive hangout,love the library, something about the atmosphere I like w maybe just more calm there...hope goes well for ya,s.....lol..

[mizzou7016]

welcome....how about for starters you do things with your kids.....taking them to a movie...taking them to play mini golf....spend time with them...then they can branch out on their own....and you can too

[moxoni237 in reply to mizzou7016]

Hi Mizzou can understand the Anxiety isolation finding friends that share you’re interests and relativity maybe joining

A connect group were you can share interests the library is a good source of meeting or a walking group meet ups or if you like activity looking up resources in youre area online as well also the church is a good resource for friendship and community support maybe helping volunteering opportunities also helpful building a sense of appreciation and empowering self confidence hope that you find space and self achievement and keep up the good work with family another area of connection with likewise or croups

[mizzou7016 in reply to moxoni237]

the biggest thing for me is that I am constantly in "dark spaces" I work 56-60+ hours a week in a maximum security prison facility.....the normal person doesn't understand the potential brutality violence and trauma that I am exposed to. I try to seek out helps and groups...but the help I need is hard to find....want to become more active in my faith but struggle to find the time....also going to school for emergency services....just need about 10 more hours in a day

[Serenesunlight in reply to mizzou7016]

I don’t have much money to go out doing things that cost money but definitely have tried the library and parks periodically. I’m thinking of going more and maybe venturing out to other parks and libraries. Today we’re going to a different library to try it out. Have you considered online platforms? I have found online support groups that meet online and at various times that might fit your schedule? I tried one for myself last night it was at 11pm and I found was nice to just hear what others had to say. Maybe that could help?

[mizzou7016 in reply to Serenesunlight]

that's just it....I need about a 30 hour day to accomplish everything that goes through my mind....I find this site to be the best way for me.....to 1) help others....and 2) get the help I need....there are a lot of things a family can do that don't cost a thing...I had this conversation with my gf over the last 2 days...it's not necessarily what we do with our time it's more who we are doing things with......if you want I can tell you some of the things i do to "clear my head"

[DeepSounds]

hey serenesunlight welcome , parks are always a good start for moms and kids were your kids can learn to socialize with other kids and you can possibly interact with other moms but don’t put too much pressure on yourself things like that sometimes just flow Naturally I know sometimes putting yourself out there can be hard. Baby steps tho you got this 💪🏾

[Serenesunlight in reply to DeepSounds]

Thank you ! Yeah, I’m thinking just need to spend more time out sounds like from the responses. Seems simple but somehow not. Just gotta keep trying. Hopefully I’ll find people to talk to eventually.

[Pitalife]

I too have terrible social anxiety n bipolar depression, since you have kids do you have local library available? Alot fun for kids and it's quiet and serene compared to most social settings,I have horrible time trying to meet people or going out in public a big deal to me,and I get terrible panic attacks, I been at current location 10byrs and I know no one but few nice neighbors, but don't see them much...I'd say library is good for kids anvadults,they usually have stuff for kids n adults....

[Serenesunlight in reply to Pitalife]

Yeah I have similar issues. I’ve lived in my area for a very long time and have no friends whatsoever. I used to be more afraid of going out but things have changed and I’m less anxious and foggy when I go out. My issue is because I’ve been so isolated, I just really have no idea how to socialize. I don’t know how to teach my kids to socialize either. But it is baby steps and I’m glad I’m not as anxious as I was so I guess the next step is to just find places more comfortable and just be. Then maybe after a while sort of learn how to socialize? And then actually try too. Thank you for your suggestions! I definitely understand where you’re coming from and I face similar issues!

[Mountainlover57]

I surely understand how difficult it can be to sometimes socialize and how easy it is for me to isolate when I am going through anxiety/ depression. Mine are just situational and I don't have all the time but it just comes and goes and I'm trying to learn how to manage it by changing my lifestyle such as eating better, exercising more and therapy. Are you spiritual? If you are, you might want to think about attending a church or anything that will help you spiritually. Sometimes just a small Bible study with women can help. Maybe check into a small group therapy session might help. I have found that sometimes gardening just getting out and digging in the soil and growing things can be good therapy too. Thoughts and hugs for you.