Lonliness and need to find validation

What can I do to find a good social support to make interesting friends and find things to do when I'm new to a town and all alone?

How do you guys control the overwhelming feeling that comes with worrying about all the shortcomings in your life or whatever depresses you?

I've tried meditation but it hasn't been the best for me. And as someone without access to a therapist (irony note:I'm a medical student but can't use the services at the hospital I work at)

You can try meetup.com to meet people with different hobbies in the town/city you live in.

Also look for study groups with other students. Sometimes they will have groups on facebook that you can join, too.

If you have insurance through the university they have cheap therapists. (It was around 800 a year for my undergrad, I think
..)

I was lucky to find a really good intern. I can see how you would want confidentiality and would avoid seeking services at the hospital you work at.
Try outside agencies and try interns. Interns might already have the degree but not a license (yet), and are supervised.

It sounds like you are depressed. That sucks.
The good news is that you can get treatment.

I agree that Meetup.com sounds like a good idea.

Or try a local library and see if there are leaflets there about groups (if you're into reading, there'll probably be a reading group).

Or, you could try internet dating sites. If you post a profile that says you are looking for friends as well as potential partners, it's a good way to meet new people. It also opens you up to rejection so if you're feeling emotionally fragile, may not be the best start.

Good luck, I've tried a few of the above and have met a few people I'd count as friends. I'm still single and feel disconnected most of the time but sometimes even just one connection can make a big difference.

Loneliness, and noticing there are areas for improvement in your life that you feel insecure about, can get anyone down. That's not necessarily depression per se but if you let it "stagnate" I'm sure it can lead to it!

Instead of worrying about it, it's important to set some goals for yourself and go do it. My town is a little small to have any meetup events very nearby, so I'm having to brainstorm how to connect with people of like interests. Your local library may have events where you could meet more people, there may be volunteer opportunities where your talents and interests mesh well with some local need. I think the trick is to keep an open mind, get creative with exploring solutions - and hey, ask for some advice! Most importantly, DO something. The more you expand your social circle, you may find someone will say "hey I heard about this group, I know this person, that might be a great fit for you!" - I'm noticing this happens randomly after a while.

This kind of issue is such a common topic of discussion on PC, I'm thinking we need a Solutions thread for how to get connected! I'm gathering my thoughts and planning a post right now.