I am a single parent and have always worked until about a year ago and now finding it difficult getting back into the workforce with not the lack of trying. I find myself becoming more a more lonely over time as I guess work was always my social outlet and raising kids on your own you tend to miss out a lot on perusing friendships and social events. My kids are not babies anymore and am slowly gaining more freedom but have no close friends near. I have tried to join various clubs but women are either already friends and hard to crack the close friendship circle. I find myself often getting depressed viewing Facebook and seeing all my other not local friends and family doing the family things bbqs holidays etc... Am I the only person to feel so alone on this single parent raising of children ? Does social media effect anyone else in this manner? I have always done things on my own and it's not the lack of trying but find myself losing motivation and tired of it all...
5 Replies
I could have written this myself. I'm a single mum and go through spouts of depression and loneliness. Although I work I don't have any friends in my work place as they are all a lot older than me and are in different phases of their life. I finally realised I too was been affected by looking at FB all the time and seeing people post pics of date nights or friends nights. When you're a single mum stuck at home by yourself with no one to look after kids it's hard!! I found by not checking my Fb everyday it helped ALOT. I didn't completely delete it as you still need it to communicate with others but try and just use it for what is was made for - talking with friends and family, try not to get wrapped up in looking at what everyone is posting about! Try to become friends with some of your kids friends mums. Or what about volunteering until you find a job? Join a gym and take a few classes?
I'm a single mum too and I was once like this. Before I had my son I had heaps of friends, when I moved out on my own everyone was dropping by at all hours of the night, when I put a stop to people coming to my house after 6pm (dinner and bed time for my son) I lost all my friends. I began wondering whether I should just open my door at all hours again or whether I should stay lonely. But since I lost 99% of my friends I have managed to buy my own home and I have an amazing little boy who has manners and respect.
I still get lonely during the night when my son is asleep, but I have those few friends who never used me or left because I chose not to get drunk every weekend or spend my money on anything but my son.
If you decide not to go back to work, maybe do a TAFE course? I met a few friends at TAFE. Even start with one friend, if you have one close friend they tend to introduce you to other friends..
There is also a facebook page "feel free to add new people". Put up where you are from and you may get some friend requests :-) good luck mumma! Things DO get better x
This sounds like me everyday, sometimes I simply don't go on social media it makes me feel so depressed. My children are still very young and I have my own business so I have practically no social life. Due to domestic violence I lost touch with many people and it has been over a year now and I'm only just getting the confidence back in myself to venture out and socialise. There is this thing that I tell myself when I'm feeling overwhelmed and ready to give in, " You are strong, You are smart, You are important, and you can do this." Your not alone honey chin up!
Hey add me on facebook. I could be friends with you.
How old are you if I can ask? I agree with everyone.