Lived Experience Forum

[UnrealGirl86]

I have felt very alone and isolated throughout my life. I have battled both physical and mental health issues. I have experienced a lot of bullying and abuse which has lead to social anxiety. I struggle to meet others. I feel like I can't connect with others. And it's not because I feel like there's something inherently wrong with me. I'm not actually sure why I can't seem to find and maintain close connections.

[CJC1]

I can really relate to what you say. I've always experienced loneliness and a sense of disconnect to others. I have such a low sense of self worth. My anxiety has worsened over time. I never allow anyone to get close to me and I haven't made a close friendship with anyone since I was 18 (now 55). I spend 95% of my time alone.... hating myself. And I too don't think I'm 'bad,' in fact I know many people think I am a good person. But I don't! I think I am pathetic. I am not motivated to do anything. And I wish the continuous voice in my head would just LEAVE ME ALONE!!! All I do now to try and escape this mental torture is eat and drink excedsively EVERY night....after I've said, 'I'm not doing that again tomorrow night.' But I do?!?

[NatureLover]

Welcome, @UnrealGirl86  and @CJC1 , it's good to have you here 🙂

I know there are practical things you (I mean anyone) can do to make connections with people, like volunteering, which has really helped me. 

But I also know that things like social anxiety make it harder. 

Do either of you have a psychologist or counsellor to help you work through things and develop strategies to connect with others?

A handy forum tip to tag someone is to type @ and then click on their name in the drop-down box - that way they'll get a notification that you've replied to them and won't miss your reply. 

I hope you find the forums supportive...

[UnrealGirl86]

@CJC1 thank you for your reply. Sorry I am so late in getting back to you. My head has been drowning in stress.

I also have very low self esteem, and I have not had a close female friend in many years. Have you also felt betrayed or abandoned by friends or people you love and find it hard to trust anyone again because of it?