A bit lost

[BeeLock]

Hi everyone
I'm new to this forum, but I'm a bit lost and don't really know what to do with myself!
Basically, I'm in my mid 40s. I'm married with 3 grown up children and a younger stepchild. My youngest son has just left for university and he is autistic so I've been his carer all his life.
We see my stepchild every other weekend and some school holidays.
I have a loving husband who is an amazing support, but works long hours and the majority of the weekdays I'm home alone. I do work locally 12hrs a week which I love.
I've suffered with anxiety and depression since I was a teenager, and been on and off medication but currently off.
I'm just a bit lost. I can't work any more hours because of my physical health (I have numerous health issues in addition to history of anxiety etc) and I just float around at home all day when I'm not working. My house has never been tidier! I just feel lost and emotionally adrift since my boy left for uni. My daughter lives abroad and my son is busy with work. I am so proud of them all.
I watch tv til 2am, and I sleep late to pass time. I don't drink or smoke, so I guess that's a good thing.
I dont know, I am just kind of floating about life without a focus- and this exacerbates my health anxiety too as I'm currently having tests for some symptoms I've been having.
I have no real friends and only my stepdad locally who is lovely but doesnt want to be burdened with my problems since he is in poor health himself.
I guess I just wanted to connect with anyone who has a similar situation or experience. The dark evenings are making me feel worse. I don't really want to go back on medication as it affects my personal life with my husband a lot (Basically it kills my sex drive)
Just feeling lost! Thank you for listening

Have you considered studying? There are masses of courses on Udemy. Have a look at the ones run by Kain Ramsay - I think you might find something that interests you.

@Sarahlou63

Have you considered studying? There are masses of courses on Udemy. Have a look at the ones run by Kain Ramsay - I think you might find something that interests you.

Hi I am a keen learner and educated up to Masters level I have been thinking about some kind of course so that is great thanks

You're welcome! If you ever want just a natter drop me a PM. My partner also works stupid hours so would be nice to have someone to chat to.

Do you like animals? Get a dog if so - company, walks, meet people, routine, exercise etc
Join a local volunteer group?
Start up an on line business?
Join a local exercise class? Pilates? Yoga? Walking? Hiking?
Local book club?

I enjoy walking but I'm not confident on my own. I have 2 cats, so a dog not an option!
I already run an online business actually, just a craft shop
Problem is my mental health prevents me from having the confidence to meet more people and I often break arrangements because of my social anxiety. When my kids were at home I had a focus

Could you work from home on a computer? Would that be an option to increase your hours?

Or I’d suggest some kind of limited charity work per week if that’s easier than your paid job.
Keeps you in touch with people. Doesn’t affect benefits.
Does something nice for the community.

If your disabilities don’t allow you to do charity work outside the home is there anything you could do at home on the internet for a charity?

Someone must post the photos of pets in the pets for rehoming page. Or update content or something?
Could that be an option?

Cross posted!