Anyone beat loneliness? How? Please give me some advice!

[Beatlonliness8]

I posted something else under another username and it made me realise: I’m lonely.

I have school-aged children, and a husband, but my kids have their own life and I can’t rely on DH for everything (plus he’s busy with work etc). I don’t connect at all with the school parents.

I work from home (that can’t really change - it’s not a covid thing, just the nature of my work) and have no connection with anyone local to me (that could change - we’d move - but it’d take months).

I have friends, but they don’t live nearby.

How do I stop being lonely? What did you do to stop being lonely?

See you friends, one a month, you visit them, they visit you?

I see friends about twice a week - but I still feel lonely. I don’t know why? Maybe it’s not enough for me? Maybe it’s not loneliness but a sort of slow depression?

Although I just saw pictures of a big, happy family with friends around and wanted to cry. Which is why I think I’m lonely.

I also really miss my children being little. I think because I was around people and happiness and busyness all the time.

Join some clubs?

I know it sounds odd, but how do I find clubs to join? And what kind of thing? I have been wondering whether or not to volunteer or something. Because I work from home and my children are at school 9-3, it’s not impossible to do.

I don’t like where I live much, which I think doesn’t help me feel very open minded to local stuff. I know that’s not great of me!

Look for local social groups on your Facebook page . If there aren't any create one . I guarantee there will be many others in your shoes . My
Local one has over 1200 members and people could be out every night and weekend if they wanted .

I don’t have Facebook - not super helpful of me! I can’t handle social media (assuming WhatsApp doesn’t count!), it just makes me feel awful.

Anywhere else I might find stuff?

Just try Google perhaps? I tried book clubs Glasgow there and it came up with loads. You could also join some exercise classes or walking groups close to you maybe? Sorry you feel lonely. I realise it must be hard. Volunteering also a great suggestion. I wonder if there are like apps or websites to meet friends on. Maybe Google that also 💐

Clubs might be advertised at local church hall or library.
If you like their school, you could volunteer for PTA or school governor?
Local church may have choirs if you like to sing.