fallingwave- I can so relate to what you said. I feel lonely a lot of the time, sometimes even when I am around lots of other people that care for me. I'm not managing the feeling of isolation and loneliness real well right now. In the past few weeks, I have been having challenges at work, the person I mentor cancelled on me and we haven't rescheduled yet, my friend forgot about a lunch date, another friend came back from vacation and hasn't contacted me yet despite saying she would when she got back. Even thought these things probably aren't personal, it still hurts and makes me feel even more longing for a meaningful connection.
Volunteering usually makes me feel good, even that I have a meaningful connection with someone. I also try to be proactive with people in setting up activities. I think when I was more limited by my PTSD and depression, many opportunities for friendship and connection flew right by me. I was just too down or disconnected to believe that anyone would want to spend time with me so I didn't initiate outings with people who initiated them with me and pretty soon, people stop asking if they are always the one to initiate.
Having no one to call for meaningful connection on the weekends sounds hard. I don't know what you think about this but what about just going out for a cup of tea or coffee to be around others and not alone? I get that it's not a meaningful connection but sometimes I feel like doing that at least makes me feel part of the world.
Have you thought about joining a group for some activity that you are interested in?
