Reaching out and nothing?

This is my first post.

I have finally got to a point in my journey where I am looking to re-engage with other people. I have managed to limit my social to my hubby and kids, and my mom occasionally for the last few years. It is what worked for me to deal with the moods and the cycles and the unbearable guilt that my explosions caused me. I had some very close and understanding friends, who acted like they " got " what I was dealing with, and gave the impression that they would be there if I needed them. Now that I am trying to reach out, it seems that one only of them will even respond to me.

I know that I was the one that needed to be alone, that I pulled back and they went on with their lives, but it still hurts that they don't bother to even reply. Especially when for the most part until my world imploded, I jumped to help them whenever they called. I am really disappointed in them, questioning their value in my life, and not sure how to go about finding new friends. Thankfully I do not wish to tell them how I feel which is a step in the right direction.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

PS the one friend and I are getting together for lunch later this week. A really big leap out of my comfort zone, so I expect their to be a bad couple days to follow for me, but I know I have to do this and soon.

Hi

It can be really difficult when you lose friends over BP. I have had this happen to me and it is not a nice thing to experience. In terms of having them in your life I think it is important to think whether you need ppl in your life who make you unhappy. In terms of making other friends I have done it slowly by expanding my interests - eg I sing in a choir where I have made friends with ppl. I find that I also tend to look for friends now who are more understanding of MH issues - life is too short to put up with ppl who are not understanding. It is not a good place where you are atm but I hope that things can improve for you. Are there any interests you have that you think you could get more into in order to meet ppl and expand your horizons a bit? Volunteer work is also a good way to make friends I find

Hugs

Cracked

You are in a very tender stage of your healing process. It is necessary for you to go through it if you want to rebuild a normal life, but there will be successes and failures as you try to broaden your life and make friends. I know when I started to come out of hibernation, life was tricky.

Cracked is right. Attend to groups sharing an activity, then relax and see if friendships form there.
What do you like to do? knitting, quilting, yoga, cycling, attend a support group, volunteering... The list of groups in which you can make friends is endless.

Don't join things you don't like, just because you want to make friends. If you have a genuine interest in the activity you will have something to share with others in the group.

Be thankful too for your family. Be strong in the love you share.
Are your children school age? Can you volunteer in the classroom?
If they are pre-school age, is there a local community center or church that offers "Moms and Tots" time?

Keep trying.
Take care,

Thank you. Those are the things I needed to hear from people who actually get what it feels like.

My kids are school age. I am waiting on my PRC so I can be in the schools. I am also considering attending a peer run support group here in town. I am looking forward to the good weather when the neighbourhood is a buzz with folks when I walk the dog. Even if it is not a real close friendship, there are a couple ladies I enjoy chatting with here and there.

Yesterday was a pity party of sorts for me. But after thinking realistically about the whole situation, the majority of the people I am upset with are the ones from my single mom days, and I am no longer that person and I am not really sure that friendship has value to me in the future. They probably agree which is why they do not respond.

I am not sure what I enjoy. I have TRIED so many things that become all consuming for a short period of time that I have no idea what actually is an interest and what was a manic distraction? Another piece of my journey, find what I enjoy. I ran home daycare for the better part of 18 years, and I want absolutely nothing to do with children in anyway if I can avoid it. Love kids, but burned out.