How do you cope with life changes

[Squeakydogtoy]

Everything is happening at once, and I don't know how to cope with it all.

I've have just separated from my partner of 9 years.

My DS is moving to uni in the next couple of weeks.

I lost my dog in June, he was 20 so has been a big part of my life.

I'm am literally on my own. I've no real friends, I live away from family.

I'm lost, and I don't know how to deal with it.

I work Monday - Friday so at least I'm busy in the day, but how do I fill the gaps?

Wow you’re in the midst of a lot of change for sure!

Personally once I’m feeling up to it, once things have settled, I’d prioritise getting out there and meeting people and doing stuff. You don’t have to be on the hunt for lifelong friends and a new husband or whatever but keep things ticking over socially and things will start to happen. For example, from joining choir I have:
• a friend I am doing couch25k with
• a new job thanks to one of the members
• friends in same life stage as me so while we’re not super close, we meet up for coffees etc
• travelled to 2 countries with them
• a non-work reason to get out of the house once a week
• 3 bits of furniture in my house that members were looking to pass on, free!

So while that’s probably not super helpful at the moment, it’s just an idea to maybe start something once you feel up to it and things can open up from there. No need for any more massive life changes, just something nice and it will lead to other things.

Sorry you’re having a tough time. I can’t relate to a lot of the specifics of your post but I have had similar periods of unsettlement and feeling lost with all the changes. I try to remember that overall in the grand scheme of things I’m really lucky, live in the 6th richest country in the world, my DC have access to free good quality education and have a secure roof over their heads. Sorry if it sounds glib but we are a lot more fortunate than a huge proportion of the world’s population. I just try to count my blessings and appreciate the small things.