Hello Steve,

I know the feeling of “there is no point” well. I think many people do. Having depression is feally rough and can sometimes feel like one step forward and three back on the bad days. You arent alone in feeling lonely or like life is meaningless at times.

A few things that helped me try and see more meaning was to write down and try and fathom out what i wanted my life to mean eg if i accepted i was always going to feel sad but was still going to be alive, how best could i use my time? A few answers came up, some of which i have followed. It helped me feel more clarity on the bad days about why i was sstill alive.

Secondly, distraction can be helpful. Though i am sure you know this already as you went back to work after being off, but like reading an uplifting book or listening to music or just meditating can help. A book I read recently which summed up how lonliness feels really well is called “The heart is a lonely hunter”- its not that uplifting but it did help me feel less alone.

Holidays always make it worse as it seems like the whole world is out there having fun, except you but that really really really isnt the case. Lots of people are sad and lonely, and even the ones that may put on a face can be lonely underneath. I have put on that face so many times.

Sometimes when i am lonely sleep is the only good thing e.g.absence of thought and being me. So if you dont want to get out of bed maybe you could try a meditation that would help you sleep? Also you could browse recipes and make yourself something new cor tea tonight.. again it is a distraction but those sorts of things help me at times.

I am sure other forum members will give you advice and help also. I still struggle with depression so I am probably not the best person to give you advice or help but I just wanted to let you know you arent alone.

In terms of anxiety, I do not know much about that so I have not mentioned it here. How does the anxiety manifest? I have a stammer which is made worse when nervous eg public speaking or speaking to people i dont know, apparently that can be caused by anxiety as a child, but i have no cure for this sso i cant offer any pratical advice there.

I hope you feel slightly better soon. Sending good wishes. 🙂