No friends at all

[SophieBernstein]

I have no friends at all. I usted to have some of them from high school but after I was in the psych ward my parents obligate me to have a "quarantine" period with no contact.

As a result, I lost all contact with my old friends and also because of social anxiety I've been alone. It's almost I'mposible to me talking with strangers or keeping a conversation with someone until I have some confident.

It's been 2 year alone untill now and It is starting to make me feel really bad. Like if I were worthless, useless, ugly... also body dysmorphia disorder makes thing worse.

What can I do? I'm a little hopeless with it and I can't see progress with my psycologist related to that

 

[Rose White]

I’m not going to say it’s easy but it is surely doable. It takes time and commitment. To yourself and to the prospect of joy.

Two things come to mind:
1) Make friends with yourself. One strategy for doing this is called mirror work. Look into your own eyes, talk to yourself kindly or encouragingly. Allow your smallest parts to play, make a mess, enjoy food. Let your most vulnerable parts know that you are committed to them no matter what.
2) Take yourself places that you enjoy or that you’re curious about. It’s easier to talk to people when you are enjoying yourself, and you are more approachable when you feel delighted with the experience of life.

 

[anthony]

A few suggestions that may help:

1. Join a support group: Consider joining a support group for people who are struggling with similar issues. This could provide you with a safe and understanding space to connect with others.
2. Volunteer: Consider volunteering for a cause that you care about. Not only could it be a great way to meet new people, but it could also help you feel more fulfilled and purposeful.
3. Take up a new hobby: Consider taking up a new hobby or activity that you've always been interested in. This could be a great way to meet like-minded people and get out of the house.

Finding friends is usually done through employment and social groups.

 

[Friday]

@draco Please log in, in order to post. Thanks!

 

[Weemie]

I have no friends in real life, either. I'm not capable of maintaining face-to-face friendships. I have a very limited amount of energy and sensory tolerance for being physically around other humans. It bothers me at times, but one strategy I've found is to focus on being a friend to others rather than having friends - or some arbitrary number of social connections. I do the bulk of my socialization online. It's less stressful, I have infinitely more control, and I don't need to mask constantly.

Being likable is a skill like any other, and you can improve your likability by learning social dialectics. One therapy that does a great job teaching these is literally called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). It's what taught me how to interact with others in a healthy manner. Most people tell me I am likable. I don't mean this to be egotistical, but I also know that I am likable (- when I'm not stuck in a hole of "ahhh, no one likes me!", haha.)

It isn't some inherent or immutable trait: The reason I know this is because I've worked very hard at it. I have practiced diligently over the last 10 years. And, I've had some epic failures. Once I offended an entire room of people, who then essentially gathered in a Sharing Circle to explain why what I had said was wrong-footed. It was super embarrassing, but I managed to regain favor with effort and honesty.

Being an adult, finding a community of people who aren't co-workers can be challenging. I happen to be religious, so it's a bit easier for me - I belong to the Jewish community here, and if I want friends, I can just show up at synagogue. This might be an avenue to explore if you're more spiritually oriented. There's also things like support groups, clubs, classes, or just trying to connect with your coworkers if you have a job.

The internet is another option, if you're more like me. I use Discord and often video chat/voice chat, play games, watch TV, etc. with others.

 

[_-yeah_nah-_]

I have no friends at all. I usted to have some of them from high school but after I was in the psych ward my parents obligate me to have a "quarantine" period with no contact.

As a result, I lost all contact with my old friends and also because of social anxiety I've been alone. It's almost I'mposible to me talking with strangers or keeping a conversation with someone until I have some confident.

It's been 2 year alone untill now and It is starting to make me feel really bad. Like if I were worthless, useless, ugly... also body dysmorphia disorder makes thing worse.

What can I do? I'm a little hopeless with it and I can't see progress with my psycologist related to that

Maintaining relationships/developing new friends I struggle with this also.

Since my let's say journey through hell, twice. See link at bottom if interested.

I have cPTSD with Severe Anxiety + depression + Panic attacks.
I have basically cut everyone out of my life.
Bar my health professionals, my wife + son & Mum.
I find I almost can not be around safe people, which sounds weird, I know but it's like everyone I knew before this event, that knows anything at all about what I went through I don't want to be around.
I actually don't want to be around anyone, really, but I think I can deal with randoms better than friends cause I know they don't know. So I can be whoever I want to be.
I think being around those that knew me before is hard because I'm a very different person to what I was before.
And being around them reminds me of this.

I have hear this quote somewhere,
Find your people.
I guess that why we are here right to find your people. People that can understand.

My experience if interested
Thread 'cPTSD/Trauma triggering sounds'

cPTSD/Trauma triggering sounds

I've read alot of people are experiencing sound triggers I thought I'd share my experience. This is the first time I've shared what I went through, so pls be gentle. 🙏 Triggering sounds. Yeh, it's a real thing & and it's fukd. I have cPTSD with severe panic attacks + anxiety + depression. It's...

www.myptsd.com

Happy to have a chat if that helps.

Anyways all the best

take care.