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Short version - I got terribly bullied at work and haven't worked since, nearly 4 years now. Things haven't been good for me at all as I had problems with my ex, my kids etc as well. Basically everything that could go wrong, has.
Now. I have mental health issues which I am finally getting treatment for after a bunch of doctor shopping. I have a bit of money and a small income so I don't have to worry on that score.
I finally have somewhere stable to live after a bunch of mishaps and homelessness. This has only been since November.
I don't NEED to do anything with my life, except get better (severe depression).
I don't feel passionate about anything really which is a symptom of my depression. I'm in a catch 22 because I know I need to do SOMETHING, engage somehow with life again.
I do have good friends but tend to isolate myself. I get headaches too which may be my age, my eyes, or my hormones. Who knows but it tends to curtail my social life. I turn down most invitations.
Any ideas on how I can learn to love life again? I'm nearly 50 and could "retire" but I don't want to. Plus I'm B_O_R_E_D and walking the dogs isn't much help.
Take a look at Meetup. They have groups everywhere in the US. It's NOT a dating site, although it does promote non-romantic socialization to the extend you may want it. It's for meeting others who have similar interests, hobbies, wish for learning experiences, etc. Opened up a whole new world in my life.
Taking small steps is one of the biggest truths you will ever hear. If you don't need a lot of income, work part time. Part time jobs are easier to find, at least in my area, besides. Don't pick something you can't stand. If you need a quiet place to work, look for one in a firm that isn't too large or "fast-paced". Try to schedule interviews. See what types of people you would prefer to work with--all ages, or mostly those over 30? Young people. I briefly worked in a pet boarding facility that had people 25 or more years younger than I am, but I loved them. It depends upon the people's personalities and if you share values and interests with them or have been in their shoes.
I have been in the same boat you are. I am not fully out of the woods yet. When I left my last full-time job, the thought of going back turned my stomach. I temped in a wonderful place, and I tried out that pet facility for a short time. I also volunteered at a shelter. I fostered three dogs (and ended up having all three live with me, but I am alone a great deal when I am not a work and they have been spectacular).
You are experiencing life experience. A lot of it was perhaps heaped up on you all at once. Life experience can be wonderful and it can hurt. I didn't do most of my mental growing until 30 and beyond.
In summary, the fresh, new springtime feelings you once had won't be as frequent as when you were younger, but the experience you gain will leave you going into new things with your eyes more open. I try only what I think I can handle now and try not to impress anyone with biting off more than I can chew. If I have to start small, I start small. If I have to chop undertakings into manageable pieces, I will do that. It won't happen at once, but small steps.
Joining a local support group will help you out a lot. You may just need a change of scenery to get away from the familiarity of where you reside. Plan a trip with a couple of people who can help get you out of your funk and you may just find what relaxation can do to ease your mind! Good luck!
I went to see my psych yesterday and we've done some goal setting, she suggested volunteer work and at the moment I am housesitting with 6 dogs so they are getting cared for well and forcing me to go for walks which is good.
Anyway my goal is -
Peace.
Just to get my head in a peaceful place where I stop beating myself up. She said she forgot counting how many times I did it yesterday.
Peace. Hmmm new concept...
She's very good, this psych. Expensive, but maybe worth it. 3 visits in.
This may sound weird, but I am going to suggest opening your mind to more esoteric approaches to gaining inner peace as well. I have found a lot of benefit from reiki, meditation and yoga. There is something to it... for many people. It can't hurt to try a few things that stretch your belief systems, if only for the novelty factor!
Short version - I got terribly bullied at work and haven't worked since, nearly 4 years now. Things haven't been good for me at all as I had problems with my ex, my kids etc as well. Basically everything that could go wrong, has.
Now. I have mental health issues which I am finally getting treatment for after a bunch of doctor shopping. I have a bit of money and a small income so I don't have to worry on that score.
I finally have somewhere stable to live after a bunch of mishaps and homelessness. This has only been since November.
I don't NEED to do anything with my life, except get better (severe depression).
I don't feel passionate about anything really which is a symptom of my depression. I'm in a catch 22 because I know I need to do SOMETHING, engage somehow with life again.
I do have good friends but tend to isolate myself. I get headaches too which may be my age, my eyes, or my hormones. Who knows but it tends to curtail my social life. I turn down most invitations.
Any ideas on how I can learn to love life again? I'm nearly 50 and could "retire" but I don't want to. Plus I'm B_O_R_E_D and walking the dogs isn't much help.
I would get off of websites where trolls are common and look for a site full of (true) support groups. I would think you need as little negativity as possible.
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