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.
CalNew Contributor
Hi this is my first time posting,
im really depressed and I feel all alone, and it's so very hard to talk to people that don't understand, I'm single 36 and all alone, I've been estranged from my family for 7 years now and only have friends on Facebook, none offline. So I feel isolated, what should I do??
In response to: Depressed and alone
utopiaSenior Contributor
@Cal. Yes loneliness is so very hard. To me, 36 sounds young. Although I acknowledge that you may not feel that way.
It's important to push yourself. Initially you won't want to go and and socialise. It may feel too overwhelming. So it's important to take small steps.
* Compliment someone's hair or dress. That makes others smile.
* Join a short course - a language, a craft, technology. Something that you have thought you might like.
* Volunteer. Join a group amd volunteer your time. An animal shelter, an op shop, helping primary school children with their reading, helping at the local bbq fundraiser.
It's about getting outside and being with other people. Don't expect to find a best friend straight away. Initially just keep up communication. Eventually you will meet people that you'd like to spend more time with. Follow through on this. As they'd probably want to get to know you too.
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
