[mojave_rose8]

So, I haven’t posted here for quite some time … I have been doing good the past couple of years (for me) … but lately, I have been depressed and just need to vent.

I am living very far from home. I only have a couple of friends here, and that is hard. I almost never go out … I live in a big city and just don’t feel comfortable yet. I spend most of my time reading and studying.

But I slowly feel myself sinking into a deep despair … I feel fat, ugly, and old. I have tried to diet but it’s just making me cranky. I sit in my room and ruminate for long periods; I just can’t snap out of this.

[Greenfins7]

Maybe you can just take a walk outside. Sometimes that helps me. Can you get a dog? Dogs are great friends. Cats are, too! Cheers!

[lilacsmoke]

First of all, I am sending lots of hugs and positive vibes your way. It's great that you posted on here and are reaching out.

It definitely sounds like you're not in a good place right now but I will tell you that you absolutely do NOT deserve, nor need to feel like this.

I would make a point of keeping as normal of a sleep schedule as possible, and have a bedtime & morning routine that is very gentle, and enjoyable. Take a lovely shower, listen to music, and just unwind and prepare yourself for the day or for going to sleep. Maybe try journalling to get any thoughts off your mind too!

Don't make such a huge deal of "dieting". It often leads to SO much heartache when you slip up, and makes you feel miserable anyways. Instead, just try to add a fresh fruit and vegetable to your diet everyday, and drink more water. I promise just doing something this simple will help immensely.

Getting outside for even 15 minutes, going for a little walk, etc. Can be very beneficial too. They can lift your mood so much it's crazy. Explore this city of yours. Start somewhere nice, like a park, or go to a coffee shop, or wherever you feel comfortable. People watch. Just try and get a little bit of a feel for this place you're living in.

Don't give in, or give up. Treat yourself with love, and make sure to get out, even if it's just for a small amount of time every day. Make mini-goals of things you would like to accomplish outside of reading and studying. Find something that makes you laugh everyday. And make a point of connecting with your friends whenever possible.

And like always, I am here, along with many others on here. Hang in there, okay?

[Wander]

Are you in therapy or seeing a pdoc? Maybe there is some help out there that will make a difference for you. The advice above is great too.

[Darvula]

Hi. Sorry you feel like this. I guess you really need to force yourself to go out, but you say you don't feel comfortable doing so. In your place, I'd start off by trying to find just one or two places nearby which felt comfortable and didn't freak me out, like a quiet cafe, or a park, or a library. Then I'd go to those places until I started to feel comfortable and then take it from there, working up the stamina to go to other places. I know how you feel, though - often I can't face going out because I can't bear the noise or the bustle and annoyance of other people. Hope you feel better soon.

Darvula