How do/did you create healthy relationships & support network?

[NatBird]

Hello

I find that a lot of my symptoms and 'bottoms' are exacerbated by feeling isolated and not having appropriate support, by this I mean healthy friendships and a non professional support network.

My current network consists of two mental health professionals: support worker who writes me letters and a therapist. I see the former once per fortnight and latter once per week. I am due to finish working with both soon.

I have a two friends sometimes reach out to. One is dealing with her own mental health issues so I am often reluctant to make contact. The other lives in another country, we speak on Skype when we can. In both cases I don't want to burn them out.
Sometimes I talk to fellows after ACA 12 step group I attend. I know other people but they are the kind who only want to be around when I have something to offer them. f*ck em! I've also cleared out some people because the relationships were unhealthy.

I sometimes attend groups, usually activity focused so there isn't much interaction. I started attending meet up's but then met someone, started dating, didn't work out and now I am scared to go to the social groups I want to incase she is there. This is something that often happens, me feeling wrong, shrinking, hiding, letting the other person inhabit the space - anyone relate? If so, how did you work through this? It may seem slightly off topic but this does have a big impact on my work and social life.

Does anyone have any experience, ideas, tips to share?

 

[illusionist]

Are these people you have let into your life?....maybe shared a bit about yourself?

 

[Cannottakethis]

I totally relate to your post. I struggle with meeting people and the only friends I have I've met in support groups. I recently started going to a fitness class where I am meeting people in my age range that I'm hoping could turn into a friendship. My T mentioned volunteering as a way to gain self worth and positive social interaction. I find that I get extremely anxious when meeting people and feel like I talk too much and then feel ashamed afterwards that I've made a fool of myself. Still working on it.

 

[NatBird]

Are these people you have let into your life?....maybe shared a bit about yourself?

@illusionist thanks for responding. what people?

 

[NatBird]

I totally relate to your post. I struggle with meeting people and the only friends I have I've m...

@Cannottakethis thank you for sharing your experience. Volunteering is a great idea. I think this would be good for me. Don't know what to do. Maybe in a kitchen:)

 

[The Albatross]

I you want support get on out there and don't live your life shrinking/thinking someone is gonna be there... just go do it. Deal with the uncomfortable (IF) it happens at that moment and move on.

There used to be a good UK group... what happened to that?

There can be email or by phone peers but it is a 50/50 proposition at best I find.