Maintaining/Making friends during COVID

[Siw2020]

Feel a bit lame posting this, but has anyone else experienced a serious decline in their social life and maybe more importantly social connections?

I work in a hospital and have unsurprisingly been very busy at work for the past year or so. Been so wrapped up in getting through long shifts, getting home and getting the chores done before going back to work the next day.. etc. I have had plenty of social interaction with patients and colleagues across different disciplines.. but its obviously not the same as people that care about you.

Got the weekend off and reflecting, feeling quite low. My friendships have dwindled. Anyone else in the same boat or have any advice how to revive this? Or how to make new connections? I do just mean friendships and not dating (have a long term partner who is currently living away due to COVID restrictions)

Thank you if you read all of this, and happy Saturday!

I would just text a friend you have not seen in ages and ask if can call for a chat. It is really nice sometimes to hear from someone on the phone.

I dont have any advice but very much in the same boat. Im a nurse on a Covid ward and have struggled with anxiety & depression etc due to work stress.
Lots of friends have young kids so gave me a wide berth due to my 'risk' from work inbetween lockdowns. I now feel too much time has passed to pick up where we left off. I feel let down and 'dropped' by them.
Im married so have someone but dont feel I have the friendship group I had before Covid. I dont have anyone I could go for a drink with for example.
I plan on joining groups etc when things open up to try and meet new people. I hope you are ok OP I know losing friendships hurts.