Feeling Isolated and Looking for a Friend

[Fellinl0st25245]

Hi everyone, I'm feeling really isolated and overwhelmed right now and could use some support. I'm a single parent and unemployed, and I'm struggling to make ends meet. I'm also dealing with some complex issues around child maintenance payments and feeling like I have no one to turn to for help. My best friends have both passed away in separate accidents, and my son has recently told me he doesn't want to visit anymore, which has left me feeling even more alone. If anyone is willing to chat or offer some advice, I would really appreciate it. I could also really use a friend to meet up with in person for a coffee or a walk. Thanks for listening. im in the sw by the way.

So sorry you are feeling like this. My best friend died last year and I miss her every day.

Are there any groups you could join near you? Like Meetup groups, or a walking group? Going to things that meet regularly is the best way to meet people as you get to know each other from the regular chats. It also helps with the loneliness knowing that you have things to go to on certain days of the week.

Hi @BethDawn thank you so much. Unfortunately as i'm a guy i seem to always be targeted by various scams on groups like meetup or whatever. this is the first time i have actually spoken about all this.
I feel so alone. I go out and try and meet new people when going for walk or a cycle however i must be doing lots of things wrong as im still alone.
I go out and walk everyday weather depending but as i feel so alone and isolated i find it hard to not come across as "weird " whereas i'm actually just excited to make a new friend. Does any of that make any sense ?

Yes it does.

It’s hard getting to meet new people as a mid life of older adult ( as I assume you are). There can be a lot of false dawns in meeting people and thinking a friendship is forming and then it doesn’t.

I do think you have to keep on picking yourself up and getting out there. It’s the only way to do it. If you go to things regularly, Acquaintances have time to develop into friends. Or people may become friends you only see at that group, and that’s a benefit too. Doing lots of things also gives you things to talk about.

You like walking so why not join a walking group or two.

There are also more and more men’s health groups as well, so maybe see if there are any in your area. They are sometimes called Men’s Shed. I think there is a Greenmile charity that does similar?

Why not try something new. To find new interests?

Why not give yourself the goal of going to three groups a week and see how things progress. Doing more things will also hopefully make you feel less pressured to make a friend quickly from one place. You need time to let things evolve.

I know exactly what you feel like having found myself in the same situation. It is about keeping going with doing social activities and chatting to people. It’s not easy, but keep going.