I'm pretty isolated right now socially. I think it's because of my social anxiety. and also I'm so used to not doing anything with anyone. I don't know where to start. The good thing, is that I started seeing an new awesome therapist. Finally! It took a lot of work on my part, and I'm proud of myself for that to have left the clinic I was at and not getting much help.

I'm just really frustrated because it feels like I NEED social contact. I also feel like I NEED a boyfriend. But not just anybody.

It' also frustrating, because the things I do want to do....I am scared to do: take a writing class, take an acting class, etc. arg! I hate social anxiety.

I'd love to hear if anyone has suggestions on how to get through this.

[possum220]

Social anxiety isn't a nice thing to contend with. Do you have any interests? Hobbies? Passions? I find that joining a sewing group near me was very good for meeting new people and getting some form of interaction. Years ago I used to walk around my local neighbourhood. Eventually I came into contact with another person on my walks who volunteered at an animal sanctuary. Then I started to volunteer at this place and enjoyed looking after our native wild life.

Sometimes just getting outside can be stress relieving. Volunteeering is good. Hobbies are good. Shopping is good. Going outside is good. Nice walks. Hope you find something that fills this spot.

[shoelace]

Hi - you are participating in a social activity right here. This is a start. Possum220 has some great ideas. When you want to start a new social activity it doesn't mean you have to dive right in and chat up strangers. Could you just try feeling out situations first? Many educational courses allow you to sit in on classes just to see what they are all about before committing financially to them. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet positive people. I love the idea of helping animal welfare places. Animals give so much love and wonderful contact. And the focus is on the care of the animals. If you like writing do you also like reading then? What about joining a library book club? Check the community resources where you live for community groups. There are many with lots of people looking to meet others without pressure.

I am glad you are here sharing your feelings with us. I hope to hear from you again.

[Nammu]

Do you want to be around other people because you want to be but have a hard time or is it because you feel like you should be because that's societies expectation?

[*Laurie*]

sidesteeper, that's a good question...one I often ask myself (and I'm not sure of the answer, for myself).

Originally Posted by possum220

Social anxiety isn't a nice thing to contend with. Do you have any interests? Hobbies? Passions? I find that joining a sewing group near me was very good for meeting new people and getting some form of interaction. Years ago I used to walk around my local neighbourhood. Eventually I came into contact with another person on my walks who volunteered at an animal sanctuary. Then I started to volunteer at this place and enjoyed looking after our native wild life.

Sometimes just getting outside can be stress relieving. Volunteeering is good. Hobbies are good. Shopping is good. Going outside is good. Nice walks. Hope you find something that fills this spot.

Hi Possum, thanks for the advice and support. yesterday I met with someone at a local broadcast station about volunteering. It went really well and I'm gonna volunteer there! I've been walking outside and in the woods for a little while now too, and making it a point to do that too. Today I met with a friend I just reconnected with through Facebook. Things are going well now and I don't feel isolated this week.

Originally Posted by shoelace

Hi - you are participating in a social activity right here. This is a start. Possum220 has some great ideas. When you want to start a new social activity it doesn't mean you have to dive right in and chat up strangers. Could you just try feeling out situations first? Many educational courses allow you to sit in on classes just to see what they are all about before committing financially to them. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet positive people. I love the idea of helping animal welfare places. Animals give so much love and wonderful contact. And the focus is on the care of the animals. If you like writing do you also like reading then? What about joining a library book club? Check the community resources where you live for community groups. There are many with lots of people looking to meet others without pressure.

I am glad you are here sharing your feelings with us. I hope to hear from you again.

Hi Shoelace. Yes, I so agree! Psychcentral IS a social activity. I sometimes come to this forum, and a different one, when I need support, or feel isolated. Sometimes I am met with things like "I hope you're getting help in real life" or "not sure what to say," etc. which is pretty invalidating to me..so I love getting responses like yours. Also thanks for reminding me that I don't have to dive right in. Showing up is enough. Thanks for the support.

Originally Posted by sidestepper

Do you want to be around other people because you want to be but have a hard time or is it because you feel like you should be because that's societies expectation?

Sidestepper, I would definitely say that I want to be around people, but that sometimes I have a hard time with it because of depression and social anxiety that I experience.