Lived Experience Forum

[GhostGirl123]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone else really struggle with weekends because they feel so incredibly long, and like you’ll never get through it?
I feel like this every single week, and it never seems to get easier. 

Can anyone else relate? 🌻

[D1ng0]

Morning @GhostGirl123, you're definitely not alone, I feel the same way every weekend. I also struggle with Friday evenings. For me, it's about being so isolated when I know others are gathering or partying, and it's also a time period when my sobriety is tested. But others struggle for different reasons. I think there are a lot of reasons mentally ill folks find weekends upsetting. But I hope you're feeling better today, when you read this, as you did make it through the weekend 🙂

[Minkie-Rose]

Hi @GhostGirl123 

Thank you very much for reaching out :). Without the distraction of work/recreational activities and the related social interactions, our minds are less occupied; hence, why weekends can seem to be endless. 

I wonder if pre-planning some activities to potentially fill the gaps in your weekend would be helpful? This could involve enjoying a simple cup of coffee (or whatever drink you prefer) at a venue that provides you with some peripheral company.

While dishonest to say that I can entirely relate to your situation, I appreciate that the experience of loneliness is real and requires a conscious effort to address. This is a reason why many people choose to join a social club or similar. Would this be appealing to you?

Apart from these suggestions, the fact that you are aware of your feelings demonstrates self reflection and awareness. I believe that be drawing on these attributes, you will have the opportunity to create a fuller more satisfying weekend. Importantly, they can help you to distill the activities that you would really like to do, from those less stimulating.

[GhostGirl123]

Thank you @D1ng0 for your response, it helps to know that I’m not alone with these feelings. Can I ask if there’s anything in particular you do to pass the time?
I try making lists ahead of time, of things I will do on the weekends (and Friday nights!) but it always feels like there’s so much time and nothing I can do to fill it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🌻

[GhostGirl123]

Thanks @Minkie-Rose for your helpful response! I keep trying to find things to do to pass the time, but even if I include lots of activities, I really struggle with even small amounts of time on my own. This has been a new feeling for me, these past few months, as I used to love being on my own and having nothing to do! 🌻

[D1ng0]

No worries @GhostGirl123, you definitely deserve to know you're not alone in this struggle. When it comes to filling the time... for me, it depends on what I'm capable of. I used to enjoy hard exercise on the weekends, especially cycling, but that's really harmful for me now, due to my chronic pain condition. I also used to take long walks and photograph things, which would take up a surprising amount of time if I listened to music and wandered very far. I also used to make art and do a lot of writing, but I no longer feel any inspiration or enjoyment with those things, which has been pretty scary.

Nowadays... Reading books, marathoning TV shows, and watching movies is more accessible for me. I don't have to aim for an outcome or achieve anything. Since I have zero energy most of the time, activities focussed on consuming rather than creating are better. I would prefer to see my friends, but they aren't really around, and I'm very afraid of making new connections after experiencing harassment. So I've had to figure out what's possible while I'm isolated and unwell.

So, all that said... our situations might be completely different, but if I had to give any advice, it'd probably be to experiment and try new things. Don't try to force things to happen. I've never been more miserable than when I'm forcing myself to create art yet not enjoying it 😅 If you feel discontent, frustrated, or frightened when you're alone, it's good to try and figure out why that is. Filling the time with activities is only half the story, if that makes sense.

And hey, if you're not like me, you might enjoy seeking out the company of other people. Depending on your area, there could be lots of public and free socialising events that you could attend. Maybe volunteering would be a good idea, at an op shop for example?

[GhostGirl123]

Thanks for your very helpful response @D1ng0 ! It sounds like we have a lot in common. Volunteering is a good idea, and I’m going to look into that.

I see what you mean when you say the activities are only part of the problem, because I need to figure out why I’m feeling this way, in order to fix things.

 I’m slowly working through things with a psychologist, but it feels like I’m not really getting anywhere at the moment. Your post has certainly helped me, though, so thank you 😊🌻

[D1ng0]

No worries @GhostGirl123, I wish you luck, and I hope weekends become more comfortable for you soon. Don't lose hope, for sure. I'm glad you have access to a psychologist. And I hope you're doing okay when you read this.

[Hope2Recovery]

Hi @GhostGirl123 

I'm with you, I noticed this happens to me when I don't plan any activities for the weekend ahead. Saturday and Sunday come around the corner, and I'm lost! and the days drag. There are a lot of things in my mind that I want to do, but I can't seem to do any of them I end up being overwhelmed and doing nothing. I week before, now I write in my calendar on the wall my activities for the weekend, for eg; Bike riding in the park, going for a walk in nature, doing something I enjoy and makes me happy, just going out to have a cup of coffee or tea, planning to visit family and friends, parents etc, reading a book in a quiet place, hope that helps, have fun and take care 🙂 

[GhostGirl123]

Thanks @Hope2Recovery for your post and advice, I really appreciate it! I’m glad to know I’m not alone in these feelings, because weekends can be so stressful for me at the moment. Thank you 🌻