As of recent, I’ve fallen into a rough place. I’ve been feeling lonely for a while now, but its starting to take a toll. All of my friends have either moved, or don’t really want to hang out. I struggle to make new friends, and I dont even trust new people, as I’ve been bullied my whole life pretty much, i always feel hostility from people. I’ve never really gotten over being bullied, but I’ve been able to manage how I felt about it until now for the most part. I’ve also fallen back into having panic attacks whenever I even leave my house. This is something i dealt with a few years ago, and I was mostly able to overcome it, but now it’s come back in full force. And out of no where, now I’m beginning to get paranoid over things that have come from nowhere, like my food/water being spiked or something. This has all come up in the last couple of months, and it’s been affecting my sleep. I sleep at most four hours a night now, and I’m tired constantly. I cant Sleep though because I’m always anxious, and I’ve been really under the weather about it.

Dear Squid999,
 
Firstly, welcome to the forums we are so glad that you found your way to this supportive and welcoming community. We hope that you find ideas, options and support from the shared experiences and knowledge of all our members.
 
We are sorry to hear that you feel you’ve ‘fallen into a rough place’, we hope you acknowledge the strength and resilience you have expressed through your post and seeking assistance. Please remember fluctuations in your mental state are a normal part of the ongoing journey of recovery, but it is important to identify when you feel you need help with those thoughts, or the anxiety becomes overwhelming.
 
We have a few numbers and links that we have provided for you, we encourage you to contact and engage with any of these services that you may feel comfortable with. We would also like to recommend engaging with your G.P, as they are able to provide advice and assistance specific to you requirements.
 
If you need more immediate contact, please use our Beyond Blue support service 24/7, either via phone 1300 22 4636 or web chat: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
 
We would also recommend checking out MensLine Australia at https://mensline.org.au/ or via phone
on 1300 789 978.
 
Also, if you have not engaged with them before we would also recommend Kids helpline on 1800 55 1800 or at https://kidshelpline.com.au/ . This service is available to anyone 25 years old and under.
 
Alternatively, as you have discussed feeling alone and isolated from friends, we would love for you to investigate https://mensshed.org/ this is an organization designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for otherwise isolated men across Australia, in which they can socialize and complete DIY projects. It is a service that allows you to engage when you feel comfortable without pressure or judgement.
 
We hope that you find the support and direction that you are seeking on the forums. Once again, we are so glad you have joined the forums and we hope that you feel welcomed into the community.  
 
Warm regards
Sophie M
 

I really relate with what your saying. Since covid hit I have been much the same. I turned down hanging out with friends so much that they don't ask anymore.

The social anxiety is horrible too. I really empathise with you there and you're certainly not alone in that feeling.

This might sound like a silly suggestion - but I have actually found being involved in a hobby outside of the house really helpful. I love sport. So I get involved with a sport that I like and the structured environment makes it easier.

I hope I can explain this clearly. What I mean by the structured environment is that the social pressure feels less daunting, since everyone is there with the same purpose. Another thing is that since you are all there for the sport/hobby, there is something to talk about immediately. Which helps me alot because I struggle with anxiety of not knowing what to say. Also, since it is a group environment, there is less pressure on you to think of stuff to say or even talk at all. You can just float in the background and work up the courage to get involved actively in the conversations down the track.

I play my sport once a week. For me sport helps lift my mood even when I'm really really depressed because it is something I have always loved.

If you dont like sports, there are other options of hobbies. For example there are choirs, clubs for playing certain instruments, groups that play games like dungeons and dragons or other card games, clubs for hobbies like photography, political communities (for any political leanings), dance groups/classes like Zumba, taking classes in things that interest you - instruments, painting, sewing, crocheting/knitting. If you need help looking for something to do, feel free to reply to this and I can look for more specific suggestions for the things you like.

Don't get me wrong, it is sooooo hard to take the first step and go to your first session. But generally once you go, it is not as bad as your brain was telling you it was. And every time it gets easier and easier.

I still struggle with other types of socialising, but my psychologist thinks that this is a really great first step.

You can make it through this <3

Hi Squid999,

Wellcome to our forums.

Im sorry you are feeling this way.

I understand it would have felt difficult for you when you were being bullied.

The people who bullied you were showing you who “ they were” it was a reflection of them and not you.

Have you thought about talking to a psychologist about the way you have been feeling?

You could make an appointment with your gp and you could do a mental health plan together this will allow you to see a psychologist who can give you many strategies for anxiety.

Please let your gp know how your anxiety is affecting your life.

Im sorry you are experiencing panic attacks I understand how horrible these are….

Im sorry you are also experiencing paranoia over things………. When I was going through severe anxiety OCD I would feel extreme anxiety over certain things it was horrible……….. I felt this way because my anxiety was so severe and the intrusive thoughts were fuelled by my severe anxiety.

After I received professional help for my anxiety I recovered and everything got better with time.

My sleep was also interrupted by my severe anxiety…..

Now after recovery my sleep is back to normal.

Please make your appointment with your gp they will be able to help you and put you on the correct path forward.