New to the forum

Sammy19 · Post by **Sammy19** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 4:38 pm

I have joined the program about a month ago and it is very beneficial. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. One of my biggest problems is talking to people my one age and making friends. I am often very lonely with nothing to do.If anyone has any advice on meeting people I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 5:01 pm

Hi,
Don't worry, your going to find alot of friends here.
I've been on the program for a month also, have faith!!
If you want to meet people in your local area, check out singles ministry's at you local church,(if your single?) or just start talking to people wherever you go, just a Hi, can help you get past your fear. (Little by little)

h.beth · Post by **h.beth** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 2:31 am

Sammy, Welcome! I joined this forum 4 years ago, but have not really been that active with it. I am trying to be more involved with it the last month. There is a lot of good people and information here. Have a great day! Tee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:06 am

Hey there - welcome to the Forum! I think you will find it quite helpful and many friends here, but I know what you mean, you want some real face-to-face friends.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people. You can meet people with similar interests and - bonus - you'll feel really good doing it and the people you meet tend to be giving, kind people as well. Whatever your interests are - children, animals, the homeless - you're bound to find something.

Also, clubs, like walking, running, hiking, if you're into that or book clubs. I would do an internet search and meetup.org is a good website.

Lastly, there are anxiety and depression support groups. If you go to the DBSA website (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) you can look up support groups or just Google "Anxiety Support Groups Pittsburgh" and you might get a list.

Good luck - I know it can be tough - I'm going through this myself and making friends doesn't happen overnight, but no one will come knocking on your door - you have to go out and expose yourself to people and make the effort. Hope these ideas help.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:26 pm

the best way to make friends is to tell yourself all the time!that their human and your human and your just as good as anybody else,and b urself cuz u prob. rock!!!

NinjaFrodo · Post by **NinjaFrodo** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:47 am

Swirly...I like the way you think. No-one is better than anyone else!!!! Great point!!!