[rebma28]

I am 28 years old and was first diagnosed with depression and generalised anxiety disorder at 16. I have come to accept that depressive episodes will probably be an ongoing part of my life, and as I am a health professional, accept that there is a perfectly sound neurobiological basis for this. Lately though I have felt very lonely and despondent. I usually love my job, and even this has become difficult and frustrating. I have been off work with a physical ailment and the time alone has not helped at all. I hope to return to work refreshed and ready to go, but I'm not optimistic about this.

I usually see a therapist but have not gone for some time as she only works one day a week, and I am usually working. I hope to make an appointment with her sometime soon, as I clearly need to! My main issue at present (apart from the work thing) is that I have been single for a long time. When I am well I am happy and grateful for my friends and family. At the moment I feel completely alone and adrift, and I'm scared that I'll never meet anyone again. I look back over the last twelve years and I've had several depressive episodes, even while receiving pharmacological treatment. I'm beginning to feel helpless and very distressed about this. I guess I'm wondering whether others feel that this journey is never ending, and what people have done to get themselves out of feeling that way? Any help or guidance would be wonderful. I know rationally that depression is very common, but right now I feel as if I'm on a desert island.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Rebma28! I've looked at your post several times today, and each time I come to the conclusion I'm not the right person to reply. Nevertheless, I can point out the obvious.

• Depression itself weakens our ability to effectively address loneliness.
• Expanding social circles is a good way to meet people, and that is one of the things I have great trouble even wanting to do as a depression sufferer.

Based on your past experience, do you think you will start to feel better once you actually return to work?

[DrFrank]

"I feel completely alone and adrift, and I'm scared that I'll never meet anyone again".This is definitely the right web site for you because of the several chat rooms available.

ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE TO MEET EVERY DAY !

[doggiedo]

I completely understand where you are coming from. I have been divorced after being married for 6 years. It's difficult to be alone. There are many things that I miss and that I want in my life. However, I have come to the conclusion that I'd rather be alone than with someone that isn't right for me.

Do you have any hobbies or things that you enjoy where you might be able to meet people? It might not be the best time for it now, if you aren't in a good place emotionally, but maybe you can try dating? I think a lot of people are dealing with a similar concern - and it's important to put yourself out there.

I think it's just a normal time (in our 30s) where we start to question where we have been and where we are going. Please don't try and let it overwhelm you. You have plenty of time

[rebma28]

Thank you all for replying. The day after I posted I spent some time at the beach with a good friend and that was wonderful. I am now back at work and it's been okay. I would like to change jobs but am going traveling this year do need to hang on to the one I have!

I am feeling a lot better. Spending a lot of time alone is certainly a trigger for me. I have some social things coming up which will be good. As for dating - I'm a bit old fashioned! I like to meet people face to face, but it seems that Internet dating is the way to go. We'll see I guess. I haven't been with anyone for three years, so I'm rather rusty. Thanks again to all of you.

[gafferoo]

Good Luck! Sometimes you have to return to square one and re-evaluate all the good things you have in your life.

It's not so bad starting things from scratch, with a new perspective.

[doggiedo]

I am glad you are feeling better about things. It's a process, I know. Sometimes I wish we could wake up and haev things changed. I am having a difficult time reaching out and making friends. I think that's an important part of feeling good about where you are at...having people to support you. DO you have that?

[rebma28]

Yes I'm lucky in that I do have a good network of friends. Many of my closest friends are back in my home country though, and I miss them. I find it hard to put myself out there to meet men so I can in some way relate to how you're feeling. It is hard, especially when you're not in a good space emotionally.