How do you deal with loneliness?

[Kflomy]

Hey MN ,
So I have always been in a relationship until 2016 when I eventually came to my senses and got rid.
My DS is now 11(12 in 6weeks) and is so independent now.
I am off work down to low mood and anxiety while I trial sertaline to get me back to a good place but the last few years being single I have went off the rails a little with alcohol thinking I "found" myself again.
Anyways....turns out that alcohol was making my mood worse and I was eventually losing touch of who I was. I was constantly knackered, no energy, struggle to sleep and cut a log story short had a bit of a breakdown. I quickly identified this and stopped drinking the beginning of Dec and realised I had to fix the main issue.
Since stopping drinking I have done loads with my son, done things I was avoiding and re joined the gym again.
I am now on week 4 of sertraline and feel they are starting to work and get me back to who I lost.

My struggle now is what do you do when your DS does his own thing, go out with friends and plays online.

I still do the usual football training and things but evenings like this I genuinely struggle and look into things too much. We have been home since 4 and I am climbing the walls.

It may be empty nest syndrome and I have no one now to run after but what do folk do when they are on their own?

I think bein off work isn't helping but I need to et myself better before goin back to a highly stressful environment.

Sorry for the long post but I am just looking for other things to do other than the easy option and grab a glass of wine.

Thanks

Hey, I'm also a lone parent but of a 19 month old. Work full time so days are full but evenings I have been feeling a bit lonely.

I now have a routine as before I was sitting on my ass eating crap feeling sorry for myself, which then made me feel worse because I was putting on so much weight.

So now I do, diner at 5, bed time routine at 6, chores and a quick davina McCall workout (I have a few of her dvds on rotations), shower and then just enough time for some crap tv before bed.

It sounds a lot but it's not, I need a routine and putting a 15/30 min workout has really helped me. It helps me switch off and relax.

Also when I feel lonely I list all the positive about being single. Tv to myself, DD to myself and I'm not being questioned about what I do every 5 mins.

I was on sertraline for anxiety, it helped to take the edge off but what really helped was talking therapies. Have u asked ur gp about counselling? I would if not as i have now learnt how to control my anxiety rather than mask it with a pill.

Good luck xx

@TwinkleMerrick
Thanks for your response. When I'm at work its better but as I'm not ready to go back yet I find myself doing housework and exorcise during the day to pass the time.

I think just having these dark nights is a lot to answer too!

How long were you on the sertraline for? I was on 50mg for 4 weeks and today starting 100mg.

I have spoke about coucelling but it's a group session they refer too.

I know this will pass but everyone I know is out at classes or doig something but because I have my son I feel housebound and it's driving me crazy and making my anxiety worse 😖

Hopefully I can get strong enough to go back to work soon as I know adult conversation is missed massively.

Wish you all the best too xx

I wish I new. I don't have a tv that I can use, the evenings are so long. I just wait for bedtime,

Message friends in SM, facetime my folks, watch a box set

I was on it for about 3 years, but a lot of that was due to trying a different medication first which didn't agree with me, so had to ween off that and try something new. In the end sertraline was the best for me, took me about 6 months to come off it when I felt better.

Have u got any hobbies? I took up crochet when my ex walked out, everyone got blankets hahaha but kept my mind busy. Also Netflix box sets help a lot.

I'm surprised they only offer group therapy, perhaps ask again and say u don't feel comfortable talking in a group?

Would you fancy a ddog op?

Do you have a car OP? I board guide dogs so i aleays have company. They go to shool during the day and dont need ealking Monday to friday. We go for ling walks at the weekend. They pay for food, vets etc so the only rhing you give is time.

Sorry im messaging on the train and its very cramped and bumpy. My spelling was atrocious in my previous post 🙈

Yehh we already have a dog. During the day is no problem as I go about my business such as gym, Lon walks, housework shopping etc.
It's in the evenings when my son is settled I struggle. After dinner he just disappears from about half 5 then I'm left twiddling my gum s if that makes sense.