Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
M23456Casual Contributor
Im new here, for many years i have suffered from depression and anxiety. Im in my 40s and ive never been married or had kids, i come from a large family but hardly any of them talk to me. My parents are getting old so i cant really talk to them much anymore. I worry about the future. What will i have to keep me going after theyre gone. My life is so empty and lonely. I miss my early 20s when i had more in my life.
In response to: I miss the life i used to have.
hanamiSenior Contributor
Hi @M23456
Sounds like things are really tough for you right now. I'm sorry to hear that. This is a great community to connect with others who feel like you do. I do hope you stick around, you are most welcome here!
Are there any activities that you like to do that take your mind off you feelings of sadness and anxiety?
Do you have a mental health team you can ask for more support?
I have anxiety myself and at times had very dark days so I get that.
I do hope we can help support you and I hope you find some connections here.
Warmest wishes
Hanami
In response to: Re: I miss the life i used to have.
tymeModerator
Hey there @M23456 ,
Great to have you with us on the forums! I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling lonely and things are tough.
I've never been married nor have my own kids, but I do fill my time doing A LOT of things! As @hanami mentioned, what are somethings you are interested in? For me, I has to find meaningful activities that were meaningful for ME. Most pf my meaningful activities revolve around helping others. There are a few elderly people I visit. Even 15-30mins of my time can make their day.
I also spend time with my nieces and nephews, work, treat myself to eating out, buy myself gadgets, read, go for walks...
What about you? What do you find meaningful in life?
In response to: I miss the life i used to have.
TremlesNew Contributor
Find your joy. What things do you like to do? Do them more. Loneliness is very hard. How can you increase your connection to your community?
In response to: Re: I miss the life i used to have.
M23456Casual Contributor
Hi. Sorry for the late reply, this reply is for everyone that has replied to me so far, i feel im in a catch 22, because i feel so bad its hard to get motivated to do things and get involved but on the other hand i know i should to hopefully help the way i feel so i cant win. Theres other things about my life i havent mentioned yet but someone mentioned for me to do things i enjoy, my mum said that too. I do go out sometimes to music events but women just ignore me. I feel like a shadow or a ghost in this world. Thanks everyone who has replied so far, i really appreciate it.
In response to: Re: I miss the life i used to have.
polarbear3344New Contributor
In response to: I miss the life i used to have.
ssymphonyNew Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
