Quick bit of background - I've suffered severe depression in the past couple of years and I'm over the worst of it now, but still find that I get quite low and tearful when I'm by myself.
I also suffer from social anxiety, which makes it difficult for me to make friends quickly and feel comfortable with them, and means that I'm very anxious in busy, crowded situations (eg. shopping centres etc).
Anyway, I'm a junior doctor, living in hospital accommodation at the minute. I do have a few friends here, but they tend to go away at weekends, either home if they live close enough, or to stay with friends/boyfriends etc. I'm too far away to go home at weekends, and don't really have anyone I can stay with locally.
I'm having problems at weekends trying to keep myself occupied. There's only so much time you can spend watching TV or reading, and I find myself getting very lonely and depressed again. Anyone have any ideas as to what I could do?
2007-01-21 08:17:01 · 10 answers · asked by Jen 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
PRAY! :-)
2007-01-21 08:25:28 · answer #1 · answered by Sephra 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should take up a 'social' sport (tennis, golf, biking club, etc.). This will give you a reason to get out of the apartment in your spare time and provide you with a less stressful way to interact with other people.
I always find these situations socially relaxing because you don't have to do much talking (everyone spends at least 50% of the time doing the sport) and yet you have the company of others that have common interests.
Lastly, even if you don't meet to many people, the activity will be healthy for both your mind & body. Frequent and regular exercise has been shown to help prevent or to cure major illnesses such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia, and depression.
2007-01-21 08:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by Matthew A R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey,
I sympathise with you becasue I have suffered from the same thing, (severe depression & social anxiety). I still find it difficult to adapt to crowded places & situations. I also get very down sometimes when I'm by myself.
Why not try going for a walk (weather permitting at the moment!!:) ), or listening to music?
You could also take up a new interest, i.e. sport, computer games, soemthing that gives you a lift?
If you are really bad, why not phone or text someone you are close to at home(friend or relative)?
Hope this helps, look after yourself!!
2007-01-21 08:33:36 · answer #3 · answered by sportsfan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about joining a club that meets at weekends. A book club would be good as you have mentioned you spend time reading. Or a knitting club, a dance club, a chess club, a netball club or whatever. You can gradually make friends, gain confidence and also you are occupied for a few hours.
I have had a lot of the symptos you have described (I had bad depression for 5 years and a few years later had a breakdown).
If I can be of further help feel free to e-mail me.
2007-01-21 08:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by monkeymanelvis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of things you could do. I, too, suffer from depression and anxiety, which makes it difficult for me to be outgoing, so I like to stay at home. I've tried a lot of things to keep me occupied. I paint, write, exercise, play the piano, cook, etc. You just have to try different things until you find something that you really enjoy doing.
2007-01-21 08:31:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why dont you join a gym, exercise will do you good and get you out. Some swimming will be relaxing. Make a plan and stick to it, something for morning, afternoon and evening. You will be tired and sleep better, so will feel more refreshed monday. for part of your plan, do some shopping. buy an item of clothing each weekend. Can you invite a friend from home to stay at yours? or will your mum visit? if you are from abroad, i see its hard. can you join a group one night in the week to give you social contacts? Good luck, persevere, it will be worth it.
2007-01-21 08:26:41 · answer #6 · answered by babyshambles 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
commence making waiting for his or her pass to. pass grocery buying, cook dinner a yummy meal for them, they are going to be hungry. top off on the beer and booze, get the song waiting or some good video clips or in spite of, perhaps some video games, or plan a relaxing night out with your human beings, have relaxing!
2016-10-07 12:29:40 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I play Sudoku! It really makes me forget about everything else that would otherwise be bothering me. A lot of people suggest exercise too but it's not really for everyone.
2007-01-21 08:30:29 · answer #8 · answered by Marsy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had the same problem! but just go to your local pub or bar you will always find someone to have a good chat with it doesn't matter if your on your own!!! trust me it is the best way to make new Friends..
2007-01-21 08:28:49 · answer #9 · answered by G.T 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Porn is always a good timekiller....
2007-01-21 08:26:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋