I am very worried that I am never going to get any better. That i am going to wither away. Its like I have no faith in myself that things will get better. I'm just very isolated today. I have no IRL friends. And this is hard. I want to volunteer. But don't know where or what to do.

I spoke with someone today about getting services. And he seemed really impressed that I have BA degree in psychology. For some reason looking back on it, I feel sad about that, like, I really AM wasting my life. I do nothing all day. Day in and day out. Though people have said I have a lot of promise, nothing really ever seems to come of it.

I am in therapy. And glad I'm going tomorrow.

[dexter]

Hi Starry. Try to stop thoughts of judging yourself: wasting life, etc. Right now you are fighting for your life and that is a noble fight.

Isolation is hard. It is one of the worst aspects of depression and hard, for me at least, to shake even though I know it would be the best thing for me.

Volunteering is an EXCELLENT idea. Do you know the nature of the volunteer work you want? I know a lot of people who volunteer at animal shelters if that's something you would be up for. I think it would be easy to get started if you just go to and ask your local animal shelter. I think working with the animals gives a great added benefit to people suffering depression because animals seem to really help with that.

Another idea to get yourself around people is a local depression support group. I attend groups of DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance). If you are in the US they are nationwide. They are peer groups... No therapy, just people sharing their stories and offering suggestions and support. Sometimes it is a great relief to just be with a group of people you can describe what you are going through and they understand without judgement or telling you to "cheer up". Also sometimes even if you don't feel like talking just being with a group and seeing what they are all doing and helping each other can be beneficial.

You can find a group here: Find a support Group - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

[RandolphCarter1919]

Dexter is correct. My feelings have often echoed yours Starry. We have to remember that we are indeed fighting a valiant battle against depression. We need to try to do away with the judgements of self worth, failure, and wasting our lives.

For we are certainly not wasting our lives. We are worthy and each day is a success. As for volunteering, I agree that is is helpful. I do so at the local library and it has helped during times of lack of motivation and feelings of loneliness and isolation.

As for what you can volunteer with...well I would maybe jot down some things you enjoy to do in your free time and look at your town's website/local paper and see what things they offer...often times you'll find a rec center or what not that offers tons of opportunities that you may be interested in. I hope this helps you and you are having a good day.

[Hopeofreedom]

Im with you starry, isolation is the worst. I've also isolated myself. I never thought about volunteering before , I will give it a try like you did. I love cats so maybe a cats sanctuary. Lol.

What kind of job do you have? I work with seniors and other caregiver s and nurses, which helps greatly with my sense of isolation. Maybe you can volunteer with orphans and seniors. They often feel alone too. 😘

[TrappedAndDesperate]

Hello. I've started to volunteer at a soup kitchen and it feels good. You keep busy, you meet people (in particular the other volunteers), you're being useful, and you see (it sounds a bit selfish but it's the simple truth) that there are many people who have it lots worse than you: the people who come to eat. I'm pretty sure there's a soup kitchen close to where you live. And since they are typically open 365 d per year, they always need volunteers.

What I also do is taking an advanced 1st-aid / CPR course. You meet people and it's a very useful skill to have, and makes you more confident in daily life.

Good luck

Originally Posted by starrysky

I am very worried that I am never going to get any better. That i am going to wither away. Its like I have no faith in myself that things will get better. I'm just very isolated today. I have no IRL friends. And this is hard. I want to volunteer. But don't know where or what to do.

I spoke with someone today about getting services. And he seemed really impressed that I have BA degree in psychology. For some reason looking back on it, I feel sad about that, like, I really AM wasting my life. I do nothing all day. Day in and day out. Though people have said I have a lot of promise, nothing really ever seems to come of it.

I am in therapy. And glad I'm going tomorrow.

[Fuzzybear]

[handheart]

Thanks very much for your advices this realyy help .Animals its proven stintificalyy that help us to feel better and its also good to have an animal company in our house also .And about groups its very good because you can find specialized help there and people will help