Feeling low.

[Humphrey42]

I'm feeling low today. Although I have two days off this week to make it a long weekend. I realise I will be alone for most of it. That isn't healthy. I live alone. No one has come to my house in around six years. That isn't healthy. It is especially worse in the evening coming home to an empty house. Saturday is OK for some reason, probably because I like the football. I really not in a positive state of mind. I have very little interest at work to learn new things. I just take the view it doesn't interest me. No one really to talk to about how I am feeling and thinking. There is really only the Samaritans, which have been helpful in just listening. When you go on holiday and when you see so many together then it hits home how alone you are.

I'm not on anti-depressants btw.

Have a good evening, Andy

[Hidden]

Hi I understand this coz I feel the same. I hate holidays like this coz everyone seems to be in family groups apart from me and it makes me realise how alone I really am.

Any friends I have are always with their families too so I am more alone than usual. Christmas is the worst for me.

[Kittykatxxxxx]

Hi Andy,

I am sorry you feel this way. live with my parents and brother but I still feel alone, When I move out I will be completely on my own.

Is there any way you could get out and meet other people? A hobby/ club/ go to a coffee shop. It is hard I know with depression.

[Humphrey42 in reply to Kittykatxxxxx]

Thanks. I think the best thing is probably some of exercise class/club. It's social and the exercise helps with the mental health.

[Olderal]

Hello Andy, you're right it is n't healthy. I notice your posts are quite spaced out in time and my opinion is that you must have considerable inner strength to resist asking for help or communicating more frquently. Firstly let me say that although I have children with whom I have quite a good relationship, and grandchildren who are even closer I also am alone . We all exist only in the space between our ears and in that sense we are all always alone. But ,and its a big but, we all need conversation with and interaction with others to give us input to our minds. It helps avoid introspection of which a little is a good thing but any excess of which is a very bad thing. How does one judge how much is an excess ? I don't know but i suspect its not very much.

My advice is to put some serious thought into how you drastically reduce your isolation. I can't tell you how to do this. Maybe join a club, a society, a discussion group, a sports group . anything, but preferably something you have a passing interest in. Have you no family you can form closer links with ?

You mention you are not on anti depressants but have communicated with the Samaritans. Perhaps you should see your GP, in fact I feel quite strongly you should, and resolve to follow his advice. I greatly admire your inner strength but i also feel quite strongly its wrong you should be tested this way.

Olderal

[Humphrey42 in reply to Olderal]

I was on anti-depressants a few years back. I stopped because it a false feeling It was me but not me. Don't see the same GP twice. A joke. I tell them what possibly what meds I should be on. There is no follow up. I did used to a few years back go to badminton and fitness classes. But they became repetitive. Oh well will try harder. Cheers Andy

[Olderal in reply to Humphrey42]

Hello again Andy. I agree with you about the "see any doctor " policy but manage to circumvent this by having found a GP I am reasonably happy with I always ask for an appointment with him and wait until a day he has a free space. Also medical science is not capable of helping your GP much in deciding what AD to prescribe and a sensible GP will probably prescribe the AD you request arguing that something you have faith in is probably the best choice. Your GP will be aware that finding the optimum AD for you is a lottery.

ADs can leave you feeling not yourself a bit but on the other hand if they did n't change your thinking a bit (hopefully making you feel a bit happier ) then they ought to "give you your money back".

I admire your somewhat fatalistic attitude to medication and aloneness. You must have a lot of resilience and inner strength but bear in mind as one ages social contact and medication may have more to offer. Best regards

Olderal

[Finglas-Boy]

It's strange - I'm surrounded by family but have never felt so alone. So glad I've found you guys. Can't say I follow football either - I support Sunderland (they don't "play" football!!)

[Satsuma]

You are not alone Humphrey42 I have a few things in common with you there