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Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember21 Aug 2018, 4:27 pm AEST

Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

For this Topic Tuesday, SANE Help Centre Manager @Former-Member, will be facilitating a discussion that looks at loneliness, how it feels, your thoughts and experiences. This is a topic that comes up a lot for members and with the help of the forum we can find connection, but what other strategies can be put in place? Let’s share and brainstorm together in this Topic Tuesday.

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

DeepseaCasual Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:56 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

me too

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

PinkyContributor18 Sept 2018, 7:56 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

I find my hobbies keep me interacting off-line also. Even if I go to lapidary and keep my head down, I know someone will show me a smile. I am fortunate that in my little country town, we have a lot of community groups to volunteer at for this as well. They are alwasy happy to have help and that often fills my desire to be 'valued' when I don't have the energy stores to value myself. It also helps as not wanting to let people down gets me out of the house, whether I want to or not.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

MoonGalSenior Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:57 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

A quick addition - when I worked full time, I also volunteered on weekends or evenings. I do volunteer work from home helping a little NGO with graphic design, look after their wesbite, do a bit of fundraising online etc - and that is great and makes me feel useful in the world, BUT - apart from occaisional emails with the people there, it is no substitiute for personal connection. So, really it is the people factor, yet when I think about most people, I really couldn't be bothered getting involved, volunteering would HAVE to be based around shared interest like environment, animals, politics... so we can talk without personal sharing too much.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

Jonty8Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:57 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

I'm curious as to whether anyone here has given this a shot and make new friendships this way?

I have volunteered before and found it quite helpful. Several years ago I started going to my local Buddhist society to learn meditation. After a while, I started volunteering in the library there and made several friends. Unfortunately, volunteering takes commitment and due to the episodic nature of my mental illness, my ability to commit changes. I stopped doing it after a long spell of depression and have kinda burnt that bridge.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

TABSenior Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:58 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

I tried volunteering years ago and it was to try and change careers @Former-Member and no it didn’t result in friendship just gave me a routine that was good tho

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

BunniekinsSenior Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:58 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

@Former-Member@Pinky@Deepsea@Former-Member@everyone I have to get son into his bed. Nice talking to you all. Particularly you @TABs you are a dear friend don't forget it.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

DeepseaCasual Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:58 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

Failed at volunteering! They gave me a job to do in isolation at home!!!!!!!

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

utopiaSenior Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:59 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

@Former-Member I didn't volunteer, but I finally bit the bullet and joined a group. My psychologist said I needed a social group. So I finally found something I liked - African Drumming. Was so excited. Went to fist session. Was very nervous but I made it through and decided I could join this group. They felt safe. But since then, there hasn't been any classes. Accident, injury, illnesses have prevented classes from starting. I was looking forward not just to the drumming (which is very relaxing) - but to mixing and meeting the people.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

TeejSenior Contributor18 Sept 2018, 7:59 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

Just thought I’d drop in. This topic is hugely messy for me.

I think it’s hard as many members have mentioned in that planning to go out in advance and being able to make it on the day are difficult. I think ive self imposed not having friendships much until I’m more reliable. I think that having nothing to say or common point to talk about is very isolating, and for me I feel more shame and so avoid that by avoiding socialising.

In my head I think I have this point that when I’m okay enough I will socialise again. But I think my reality will be different to that. I think the socioeconomic costs of dealing with my mental health also are a barrier to socialising.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

PinkyContributor18 Sept 2018, 7:59 pm AEST

Re: Topic Tuesday // Exploring Loneliness // Tues 18 Sep, 7pm AEDT

@MoonGal Shared interest definitely create a stronger, more meaningful connection

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Aboriginal flag

Torres Strait Islander flag

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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.