What should I do

[fantasmasgoria1]

My psychiatrist and a therapist have told me I really need a hobby or something to do to regularly get me out of the house. I have no friends here as I moved cities to be with my fiancé. They are concerned that I am stuck in all of the time. My fiancé has two hobbies, one that is a team and he gets a sense of achievement from it and the other is attending football. All I get is why not do art and craft! I don't want to do art and craft! I need to get out of the house because I have little socialisation! I'm really struggling with my mental health and need to do something! I get resentful wrongly I know when he goes to football because it ruins the Saturday because you cannot do much before and after! I am just sick of feeling so empty.

If you could do anything what would it be?

The one thing I used to do years ago doesn't exist anymore so I can't do that. I want to do something that I feel I have achieved something and feel proud of myself for doing!

There is no reason why you can't do some kind of sport. What is it you really would like to do? What did you enjoy at school.
The meet up website can be excellent for linking up people with similar interests.

Or there are things with more variety like the Women's Institute who have members with a wide range of interests.

Cycling. Either as a solitary activity, or in a group. I'd look at www.letsride.co.uk and see if there are any local rides. You can choose womens only rides, beginner rides, or a distance/route that suits you. I'd wholly recommend it. Physical fitness and getting out in the fresh air has a hugely beneficial impact on my mental health. You could also try lane swimming or masters swimming- I've found both very welcoming; always some0ne willing to chat if i want one, or they are happy to let my crack on quietly.

I do roller skating! It is so much fun! Could try and find a group local to you?

When are you able to do this hobby as this may have a bearing. Daytime, evenings, saturday mornings, sunday afternoons?

Volunteer for something rather than 'get a hobby' if you can't think of anything hobby wise. There are so many different options over a range of times. It could be that mixing with others in need helps you to mentally shelve your issues, giving you some 'time off' and broadening your horizons.

I want to do something that I feel I have achieved something and feel proud of myself for doing!

Download the couch to 5k app and build up to doing a park run?

I can't do sports as I have a spinal condition . I volunteer one afternoon per week so perhaps I should volunteer more somewhere else!

What abput voluntary work - its not all charity shops there is a lot out there.

Photography?

Your local council might well have a list of local volunteering opportunities, so try contacting them. Are there any community centres local to you? If so, check out their noticeboards (or website if they have one) for flyers about groups or clubs they offer. Another possibility is your local (or nearest) Workers Educational Association (WEA) who run classes in various subject areas, so check out the WEA website via Google. They even have volunteering opportunities. If you have a faith, churches and religious centres are often looking for volunteers. Any local green spaces may well welcome enquiries from people who want to offer time, energy and/or skills to conservation/eco projects. There are countless ways of getting involved at a community level that can be very rewarding, not least socially

Just a thought, but if it interests you and you feel up to it, chances are your local mental health team have some sort of mentoring network or scheme that relies on volunteer service users. If so, they'll also offer support while you're doing it, and you'll meet other volunteers through that.

What about animals? Go and help snuggle the rescues. You get out the house and meet others, the animals get attention. Win win

Choir?

Photography can be a fun and inexpensive hobby that gets you out of the house. I've been on a few photography walks and it was a good way to meet and talk to people.

I know 'arts and crafts' sounds a bit shit and juvenile, but I think things like pottery are really good in a sort of medative way as you have to really focus on what you are doing. I'm starting a pottery evening class after Christmas and I can't wait, I've also thought about doing one for quilting. I find it really satisfying and good for my self esteem and mental health to have created something, even if it's not perfect. You don't have to sit around at home making glittery wine glasses or other Facebook selling tat.

Food bank
Hospice
Hospital
Charity shops
If you drive, taking people to appointments that find it difficult to get there
Candle making ( if you like nice smells)
Colouring books
Reading