To be sad that I have no friends

[ijustlovecake]

Just that really. I haven't had a friend since I was 13 (I'm 24 now) and struggle with social anxiety and depression and had a diagnosis at 16 of PDD-NOS (very mild autism). I've recently moved out and live alone and i'm so lonely and sad. I feel so isolated and wish I had 1 good friend to do things with

I'm sorry you feel so lonely OP. I know its easier said than done but do you have a hobby through which you'd be confident enough to join a group activity? It's always easier to meet people when you share a common interest.

Come and join me in the boat OP. Room for two.

I would like to join a group but i'm just not confident enough. I have been considering going to a MIND support group for women.

Sorry you are in this position op it's crap the mind group sounds a great idea! There are always people here to listen if you want to chat

It's easiest to meet people if you are not trying to, but just doing something else.

Can you join a sport/hobby/craft club/book club/anything small scale you are interested in?

Meeting people at a support club is great as well, but the downside is, it is quite inward looking.

Don't be defined by your difficulties, redefine yourself through activities you enjoy. Everyone I know has anxieties/worries, it's quite common.

I have heard the MIND groups are great. Worth a try anyway! Good luck! Let us know how you get on!x

Definitely what BabyGanoush said - much easier to meet people if you're not trying to! At 24 you've still got loads of time to make good friends - I'm sure you will!

One tip though, when making friends, don't lead with what is WRONG with you, lead with what is right with you! Love reading, horses, Mumsnet etc (for example). You can then add that you love these things despite the problems you have. Good luck!

I don't have any friends either. I'm nearly 50yo. But, I have a lot of people that I know, and can socialise with, I have a DH who I adore and 3 lovely DC's, 2 of whom are like me, (introvert) and 1 who is a complete extrovert like DH.

A long time ago, I felt like you, that I needed friends. But, now I find that I don't. I don't have to fit the social norm, and have an apparent army of friends, to be happy, healthy and content as I am.

I have no friends either op. You know what I did today? Met with a load of strangers!

I saw this thing in an article called girlcrew. Basically they are set up all over. A secret Facebook group. You post something like hey I want to go to the cinema tonight Amy takers and boom people respond and you make new friends. No commitment and on your terms! We went and had brunch and then I went home happy it was a great day.
.I don't know of they are in your area but there is also a similar thing called meetup so it's worth a google! Everyone is in the same boat in terms of friends so maybe have a look?

citysocializer website is great. my husband used to be in the navy we moved round lots and then after divorce I moved a few times with my job. Have a look at citysocialiser website....they're in most places and there's always something happening from picnics, cinema, hiking etc..it's strangers at first but there tends to be a steady group of people that you'll see a lot. That and doing an evening college course whether it be cooking, a language Orr something...I've made good friends that way too. the main thing to remember is that whatever you decide to do ....stick in with it ...friendships can take time to build from acquaintances...but it does happen

Thank you all. I will have a look at the sites you've mentioned

MIND would be a fantastic place to start OP. A great place to build your confidence and self-esteem with people who will likely understand how you feel. Good luck.