Loneliness

[misstiramisu]

Lately I've been feeling incredibly lonely and it feels like there's nothing I can do about it. I have no friends outside of the people I know online. I can't hang out with anyone. I never leave the house because I'm afraid I'll have a panic attack.

I've also become addicted to something (not drugs, but something embarrassing that I don't want to mention publicly) to replace the feeling that I would normally get if I were socialising often.

[CherryBomb]

Hi @misstiramisu

Being unable to leave the house can further contribute to isolation and feeling lonely. 

Can I ask if you live with anyone else?

It's great that you have friends online, though it sounds like you're wanting friends in the offline world too. Sometimes online friendships can be good practice to make friends offline. Do you feel that you're addiction is also preventing you from socialising?

We have a few forums members on here who share similar experiences to you. @Jacques also struggles t leave his home. Perhaps he can share some of his experiences. Also @dhr53, like you, also feels lonely and isolated. I wonder if she can share some thoughts here?

CherryBomb

[lola]

Hi @misstiramisu

How are you? Just wandering how things are since Cherrybombreplied to you yesterday afternoon

regards 

lola

[Terry]

A friend of mine gave me a good tip about being housebound a while ago (nb. online friendships are a good way to start making friendships and occupy you too, and i would advise finding out where local drop-in centres are too):- he said to make a short trip outside once or more a day - like just going to the letterbox to check the mail.  maybe check the mail 3 times a day just to prove to yourself that you can go out for a short walk and cope with it.  then you can push yourself a little more to make contact with and then drop into a local drop-in centre.  try techniques like this; and you might like to look up techniques on how to beat houseboundness on the internet, too.  Good luck and God bless you.

[Former-Member]

Hi @misstiramisu

How are you doing now? I have often felt really lonely and isolated and its incredibly hard. I have found being on here has helped a lot with that. Sometimes there's no specific cure but hope you can keep reaching out. I also play scrabble online using an app against players all over the world.. that gives me something to keep my mind busy sometimes and feel connected a bit too.

LJ

[Terry]

Cherrybomb, judging from your photo you're clearly very cute but it's not christmas anymore and you don't want to get seven years bad luck - i suggest you retire the santa cap unless you are waiting for 'christmas in july'(?) :0

[misstiramisu2]

I lost access to my account and had to make a new one.

Things feel like they're getting worse, my thoughts are becoming increasingly morbid and I find it difficult to combat them. My friends are moving on with their lives while I'm stuck at home playing video games. My sleep schedule is completely messed up, I rarely eat and I have frequent headaches. I've stopped caring about my health at this point.

I haven't seen a doctor and I doubt I'll be able to any time soon.

[Terry]

We're here for.  Keep blogging with us and/or call Lifeline (13 11 14) and have a chat to one/some of their operators - not only will they listen to you (most operators are good) but they will help you problem-solve and come up with strategies.  They will also advise you to do a little self-nurturing with chocolate or a bubble bath or something.  Keep online if we can help you.  Think about doing that walk to the letterbox to prove that you can and notice the difference when you achieve that and get outside for a minute.  You can keep doing the walk to the letterbox several times to get that feeling.  You can get through this trough.  Keep online if that helps you and we will all try to support you.  This is an odd technique but it works: you can actually 'give yourself a hug'.  sit there and wrap your arms around yourself - it feels very odd but it works after a while - that is god giving you a hug!

[NikNik]

Hi @misstiramisu2

I'm really glad you checked back in with the Forums and shared what's going on. I'm sorry to hear things are increasingly getting harder.

I know you mentioned it's unlikely you'll see a Dr anytime soon, but would you consider contacting a mental health service such as -

Lifeline - 13 11 14 or Crisis chat

Suicide call back 1300 659 467 or online counselling

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Those services might be a good starting point and are easy to access. If you then feel up to it, SANE has a support line 1800 18 7263 and online chat - you can get support and referrals.

The positive out of this is that you're aware of what's going on and that you have started to isolate yourself and not take care of your health, as you said.

Things don't have to be this way; you deserve better. Please reach out and get the help you deserve - and we'll continue to be here if you need us.

[Terry]

yes, misstiramisu, there is always a way through all this misery and studity. i prayed on it and GOD ACTUALLY WORKED A PERSONAL MIRACLE OF HEALING IN ME, which is extraordinary given how bad-tempered and recalcitrant i have been.  there is always a way through all this misery and stupidity - that i have survived my own stupidity and bad-temperedness is in fact the biggest miracle of all - it's up there with Lourdes and Fatima, in fact.  Stay online if you want and let us know how to help you.  Don't forget Lifeline (13 11 14) if/when you want to call them.  how are you doing? are you ok?