[Wants2Fly]

I have been in a very serious depression for over a year, after suffering loss in the areas of health, job/career, and beloved who abandoned me abruptly after 15 years. I feel so alone.

As a result also of having to sell my home (and place my loved dogs in homes), I have been living with friends and relatives since the end of March. And one thing I learned from that is that Nobody's phone is ringing off the hook. But knowing that doesn't always help me feel confident and competent.

Then I took it in my head to move to a new city (New Orleans) where I know no one at all, and I am isolating like crazy -- crazy seems to apply, since I know I can't get the job and income I need sitting alone in a room.

I can have a few successes meeting goals for a few days, feel a relief -- oh, good, I'm going to make it after all. I send a few job applications, I go to an AA meeting or heck, just walk to the stores. Then, there really are no big payoffs -- I don't get invited for an interview, I don't make a new friend, and I'm back to thinking that nothing I do means anything and life isn't worth living.

The forums I read here are helpful, to know that other people are suffering and trying so hard to find strategies not to.

[wisewoman]

I hope that you can find some comfort here at this site and post as much as you need. It helps.

[gloria]

Have you contacted Goodwill? The Goodwill in New Orleans has an incredible Employment Program. They work with people that is having a hard time and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Go to any of the Goodwill Retail Centers and tell them you are interested in getting help through their community programs. The Goodwill in New Orleans has one of the best Job Connection programs nation wide.

gab

[Wants2Fly]

Thank you to all who have replied and held out a e-hand of friendship and understanding.

It helps, it truly does.

It made me start to thinking: What if I set up a schedule for myself for each day of the week, to say to a friend -- I'm going to call you every Tuesday, and if I don;t or can't get a hold of you, will you make it a point to call me. Even a phone call or personal e mail message can make the burden (of being me) seem lighter.

Of course, making the initial phone calls -- asking for help -- asking would you do that for me -- can be very difficult.

Any thoughts about that?