[Sam2381]

Hi everyone. Although I'm new here, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on getting out of a rut and overcoming depression so it doesn't get worse.

Here's my problem: I'm almost turning 25, I'm single, I'm still living at home and I'm jobless...and getting more and more depressed by it by the day. I was left paralyzed after an accident in my late teens and I need a lot of assistance with daily living, which has made it hard to move out and find a job that I can actually perform the tasks. I have a college degree, but my academic advisor and career services at my school basically said I'd have to move 2-3 hours to find a job since I live in such a small place and the job market sucks. That would be easy if I had family or friends or even just someone I knew I could rely on in an alternate location.

To make matters worse, I only have like one friend and she's also disabled and lives out of town so I rarely do anything social. I've tried to make friends, especially when I was in college, but I was made fun of and used more than anything. The whole experience made me go into a mini shell and I feel like I'm an outsider and can't connect with anyone or even know how to attempt to anymore.

I wish I had a "normal" life, and I contributing to society with a fulltime job like my fellow graduates. I wish I was in a relationship, which I really have never been in. When I see others my age out enjoying these simple things, I get depressed even more. I want to stop feeling like this, but I don't know how when things aren't changing. Can anyone offer some advice?

[waterknob1234]

I wish I knew something good to tell you. I'm sorry other people made fun of you and used you. That's so wrong. I would check on jobs that you could do remotely, like from your computer at home. There must be something. You seem to be a bright, intelligent person. Being physically disabled I'm sure adds a whole extra dimension to things. Best of wishes to you. You are in my prayers.

[H3rmit]

>I have a college degree, but my academic advisor and career services at my school basically said I'd have to move 2-3 hours to find a job since I live in such a small place and the job market sucks. That would be easy if I had family or friends or even just someone I knew I could rely on in an alternate location.

This seems like your best chance for change and growth. You need to find out what can give you the supports to do it. It won't be easy, but it's the logical line of attack. Anyway, good luck. I know what you mean about being treated the way you have been. It's hard.