What is the point of my life?

[Springfeelings76]

I dont know if I'm just having one of those days although if I'm honest, I feel like this quite often. I feel like there's no point to my life. Single, no kids. No one needs me. Very dysfunctional family, trauma in childhood and adulthood. Have a handful of friends but they are all busy with their own lives and families. I'm not working until the weekend so asked two friends to meet up, neither have got back to me. Went for a nap this afternoon (As I often do if not working) because it just passes some time. I do everything on my own really, spend 75% of my time on my own. I just feel lost. Already on antidepressants, have been for 20 years. Have had years of counselling of tons of different methods, both nhs and private. I don't know what to do. Would love to get a dog for company but can't due to finances and work.

Yeah, maybe volunteering would be a good idea. I work different days every week and work at least one weekend a month so I wouldnt be able to do the same day every week which places might not like.

Can you explore new hobbies?
Crafts, clear up at a nature reserve, hiking, river walks, local history walks (or nearby towns/ cities), cooking classes, learn a new language, book club or bird watching?

I have a few friends in a similar position to the one you describe and they have joined walking groups which they really
enjoy.

There are ways you can inject more joy into your life but it takes a bit of energy and mental planning until this things become routine. Things like a solo cinema outing, exercise classes, making pickles, a good book, a trip to a museum might bring a lot to your day.

There are lots of volunteering activities that don’t have to be regular - guides or scouts often take people who can’t make every week, Many clubs and societies need chairs and treasurers and advertising leads - pick a club that suits your interests. Music, bowls…. Nature related charities , town council run litter picks and town flowers all have ad hoc requests once you get on the mailing lists

and the only point to life is you have one. So make the most. Make sure you are basically fit and healthy - get outside, go Parkrun, join a running club or a cycling club.

remember that it can take a couple of years for the friendships you might like to develop - that’s just how it is. So stick with things. You will know when the time is right to invite someone or a group to a coffee meet up - don’t rush, don’t force , it will happen when you give it opportunity

As another poster said life doesn't just come to you. Taking a nap to pass the time is simply just going to pass time and probably mean you won't sleep as well overnight.

You need to create something and be proactive to fill that time in a way that feels fulfilling.

I don't know what appeals to you but some suggestions:

• volunteering. Most charities are crying out for extra help. Schools often would be delighted to have someone come and listen to children read etc. Pick something that you would enjoy.
• Exercise. Join a gym or take a class. Just go for a walk or run. You could join a walking group. Go swimming. Do yoga.
• Gardening. If you have a garden grow some flowers or vegetable. Get an allotment. Join a community gardening group.
• DIY. Decorate a room. Fix something that's broken in your house. Restyle a room.
• Crafts. Buy a craft kit and create something. Join a craft group such as a pottery class.
• Education. Take a qualification. Join a language group. Learn a new skill that interests you.

Some of these are solo activities. Some are in groups.

Get out there and do something that enhances your wellbeing.

I bet there’s a dog sanctuary you could volunteer to walk dogs at. Or the Cinnamon trust where you walk dogs for people who can no longer do it themselves. Borrow my doggy sets you up with a local dog, too. I used to walk a dog whose family were at work. It was nice for me and for him.