How are other single people doing nearly a year on?

[Rae34]

I'm really struggling now I have to say. I coped during the first two and saw friends for walks, plus my 'bubble' for the occasional sleepover.

I lost a stone in the first few months of lockdown due to healthy eating & exercise. I finished some projects I'd been working on.

Now I've gained a stone easily and I'm feeling it. I used to be able to motivate myself to exercise much easier but I struggle now. Feel like a sealion every time I shuffle off the couch.

I live near a park but even that makes me feel lonely now. Before taking a walk was fine but now it's like announcing to the world you live alone etc.

Anyone else feeling this way? Or has anyone managed to keep up a routine that helps them?

I think I remember talking to you before

I go for a long walk really early in the morning when there aren't as many people out. I'm half struggling and half completely indulging myself in my bad habits.

I'll be astonished if I ever get into a relationship.

Struggling can’t face walking around the streets anymore have been feeling very lonely and very bored am usually quite resilient and enjoy my own company but just way too much time on my hands

Same here @Priddypuddycat. Never had a problem with own company - in fact preferred it a lot of the time! But without sounding too dramatic this does feel like a kind of solitary confinement now.

Even if I didnt feel motivated to exercise, I'd say 'ok' & do it the next day. But now it's just not happening.

Hi @DollyMixtureLulus 😃

Sounds like you're got into a routine! On the days I'm not working I sleep later & later. I suppose i see it as, the longer I'm awake the more miserable I'm going to feel & more time to spend snacking and putting on weight.

^ that's the mindset I had when I was properly depressed 3 or 4 years ago. So worrying.

I know that feeling. Can you even try and walk to go on an errand? It sounds stupid but I feel more purposeful carrying something.

I was fine until a couple of weeks ago and now I’m feeling it. I think it’s because it’s the hardest (darkest, coldest) time of year and also the end is in sight so just damn end......hang in there

Another singleton over here! It’s definitely harder this time round. I think others have lost the energy for things like video calls and games, so it’s hard to keep connected. In the past, I was going for walks every day, doing exercise at home, decorating the house, etc whereas now by the time I finish work it’s nearly dark, is normally raining/snowing/blowing a gale, and I just don’t have the motivation in the evenings.

No suggestions sorry, but you’re not the only one!

Does single but with kids count? I drove through the first lockdown but this one has my MH in tatters and I’m tired and lonely.

Just really really tired and with a permanent headache. Never taken so many painkillers, feels like my body has just started to say “fuck it” and there is no one there to tell because while family are lovely they can’t take the burden like a true partner would.

Well a good one, not a shit one like on MN

@PPNC of course it counts. Welcome

Yeah I've been more headachey than usual. I've also been having stressful dreams & I think I'm grinding my teeth and waking in pain because if it.

@Toreportornot tried a zoom call with a friend I havent seen in a year today. Sadly my internet wouldnt play ball. We did still have a voice call but I felt sad about not seeing her properly. IM trying to to the occasional zoom call.

I hope this will get better when spring comes.

It’s shit to be honest.

I’m a single mum with a 13 month old DD. Moved back north from London when she was 7 weeks old to move in with my best friend because I didn’t want to be miles away.

The situation I am in has made it worse- but it’s just shit being on your own.

I don’t know how people without a child and a job to distract them are coping I really really don’t.

Yep same here, not as much motivation to go outside. Have to force myself, and then I feel a bit conspicuous. People aren't as needy or cheerful, as it's not a talking point like the first lockdown was. Went out today and thank god I had my mask on as started crying when listening to music. Rapidly got out of it by changing the song! Felt very weepy all day really. Sleeping pattern is shot at and I look knackered all the time. Not showering so often (urghh) and been over indulging on booze and stupid stuff like cake, crisps etc.

It's been quite tricky and as time goes on I feel more isolated from others- as @Torepornot says it's harder to get connected with friends and family, their stamina for online activities has gone or what I suspect is that others may have chosen to engage in this with specific limited people. It's a struggle to get motivated for exercise, working from home, hobbies etc. What's really helping me at the moment is journalling, using tik tok/YouTube. Apparently we are the combination of the 5 people we talk to most or something like that so I'm picking online personalities that are upbeat and inspiring. I've also looked at downloading some apps to see if I could make new friends.

Well I didn't manage to go my planned walk yesterday but felt very impressed when I made it to not one, but two shops and spoke to actual people.

After work today I did a 15 min HIIT session. I also joined an online evening course that will run for 6 weeks - that did perk me up a bit. Going to try and stay a bit more uplifted but yes, it is hard.

I also look permanently grey. Feel like I've aged several years in one year.

Another single parent here. Really struggling with this lockdown. Feel thoroughly depressed today and just can't shake the funk at all. I am missing adult company so much. As someone said upthread it's the not having someone to share the burden with that's hard. Friends are great (family not so much but that's a whole other story) but being the only adult is really hard. In 'normal' times my friends are my family and they're bloody awesome but I miss people being able to spontaneously pop round, I miss seeing people (adults) in the flesh. To be honest I just feel bone crushingly lonely.