Hoping this system will help me to start getting better
Hi, Shell. I was just going through the "introduce yourself" forum and saw your post from last month. I am sorry that you feel so lonely. I have been there myself. I've always had a hard time making friends - especially female friends for some reason - and not having someone to talk to or take a walk with or meet for a cup of coffee is definitely not the most comforting way to live life. When you mentioned that you have dogs, that caught my attention. Pets can be such great companions. When I get overwhelmed I take my dog outside and throw the ball to her. All she needs from me is attention and she's happy. When I take her for a walk, I notice how she's just happy to be outside, to be with me, to smell new smells. She honestly makes me appreciate the little things in life sometimes. Yes, as a bonus it's technically exercise, but it's also something to do, something active, something that gets your brain moving along with your body. Taking my dog to a park or a nature trail where I might run into other people who like dogs can break that feeling of isolation for me, too. Just saying hello to someone or asking them about their dog can begin to get me in contact with the outside world again.
Do you had any hobbies or interests that you used to enjoy? I have always loved photography, and when I am at a bad place with my depression there have been times when I have literally had to force myself to step outside with my camera, set a timer for five minutes, and take a few photos. Just five minutes can be excruciating sometimes. But when I did that for a few days and got a couple of great shots, it brought a little bit of light into my life again. I hope that you can think of something to get yourself out there. Start small, like Ashley said. As far as neighbors go, this could be a good place to start, I think. Buy a few loaves of pumpkin bread, stick a holiday tag on them, and walk next door to say "happy holidays" or "seasons' greetings" or whatever is appropriate. The interaction doesn't have to last long - a moments chat about the weather or an exchange of generic pleasantries. You never know - YOU might be bringing brightness to someone else who is suffering in silence, too.
Keep checking in on this site so we all know how you are doing.
Take care,
Super Girl
