Define "close"?

The geographical distance is probably not as important as the psychological nearness, if that makes any sense. It's hard when there are no close support services for you IRL, but forums like this can be a real lifeline nonetheless. I'm in America, but my husband is from NSW and we've talked about moving back to Victoria -- despite the part about having every season of the year every single day.

During periods when I'm unable to access support services, forums like this have been absolute life savers for me. Over the past six or seven years, I've learned so much from the people on them, and had the relief of finding others who have shared some of my own experiences with depression and with ED. For the most part, it's been better having the online community than face to face groups have been, just because it's so much easier to admit to some of the most emotionally challenging issues out loud. Give this place a chance, and see if you find it helpful.

No, it's certainly not the ideal solution. But it's certainly better than having no support whatsoever.

If you'd like to tell us something more about your situation, that might also help, since then people here can offer similar experiences, or tips and tricks that have helped, or even just tell you that you're not alone.

Hope that helps, even if we are pretty distant. (And, being in a big city, half a world away, I think I"d trade with you anytime you asked. I'm a recent immigrant to the city from a rural area, and I *hate* it here!)