How do you re-join your community?

I would like to make new friends, but starting from zero is very hard. Anyone got any tips or hints on how to rebuild your social life?

I have been without friends my age in my local community for 6 years now, but I want to change this.

3 Likes

Google “Meetup.com” and your city to see if there’s any groups that interest you. If so you could go along to one and meet new people.

4 Likes

Wow, it means you are in an advanced stage of recovery.
Maybe friends from the past?
Maybe family members?
Maybe you can fish for friends on social media?

I recently signed up for a get together group hobby I was interested in, Dungeons and Dragons.

We meet every few weeks, and I’ve met a few people, got me out of the house and has genuinely a good thing for me social. I can say I’m being more open and friendly

Apps like “Meet-up” has a lot of hobby groups to look into.

Might be a good starting point. What hobbies do you enjoy?

2 Likes

Try a volunteer job, lots of good people there

1 Like

I cannot go to friends of the past as they left me when I was diagnosed by myself and I do not forgive them for that.

I am seeing more of family, as my psychologist suggested this as a starting point.

I did rejoin facebook, but I have my friend button switched off, so no one can ask to be my friend. I might switch it back on.

Thanks

1 Like

I don’t really have any active hobbies.

I used to play a lot of video games, but I am not really that good at them any more.

Dont have to be “good”, Just has to be “fun” for you. Helps if it’s also more productive than video games.

Motivation to be social can be hard for me sometimes because of negatives, takes a lot to push myself, but once I got over that Initial climb, it’s fun.

Do you enjoy board games? Books? Movies?
Meet-up does get togethers for movies in a group then a discussion.

Any hobby you can think of can be found, sounds like we need to find you a new one. One that gets you out more.

1 Like

I do like board games, but I would be worried about doing that with other people, as I am not that knowledgeable. I would love to play dungeons and dragons as that seems cool, but I have never played.

I spend a lot of time watching movies.

This is where I am stuck. I know there are lots of things to choose from, but I’d be starting from scratch on anything I go for.

I am just on meetup.com and there is some stuff on there that looks interesting.

1 Like

We’re all beginning once, learning the ropes.

From personal experience with meet up, The community I found was was extremely supportive of me being new, had about 4 people all helping me figure the rules, giving me tips, catching me up on how the game is played. All with a friendly supportive attitude.

It was good.

if you’re interested In Dungeons and Dragons, I play in their “adventures league” open to the public. You can find those in most major cities.

All you need is a Player handbook, and a character that the handbook teaches you to make. They even have a free version online that’s trimmed down.

1 Like

https://dnd.wizards.com/playevents/organized-play

That’s a good place to start if you’re serious, can find games around your town

1 Like

Are you on Facebook? I joined some local groups on there. I’m going to my first meetup today, actually.

2 Likes

There is nami support group if you live in USA. You meet other people with mental illness. They are very supportive and understanding.

1 Like

Volunteer work is the best way I know to connect with people who share your interests and who care about other people. Quite often these are high quality connections that can advance you socially and professionally.

4 Likes

If you have any hobbies, joining activity groups for those hobbies is a good way to meet people with similar interests.
I was in an activity group for a while that revolved around tabletop games, and I made lots of friends there.

2 Likes

I found a board game group on meetup.com that meet on a Thursday at 7pm. I might give that a go. I think it might be good to do that, as we’ll have structure and something to talk about.

3 Likes

I got into the gaming scene by walking into a game shop during an event and just asking what to do. Lots of people were real friendly and excited to teach me how to play.

4 Likes

The board game community tend to be VERY welcoming to new people. Everyone just wants to have fun.

2 Likes

I’m glad to hear! I was nervous going, At first, but it’s been a huge boon.

I hope it goes well for you!

2 Likes

I second this. I started volunteering on top of my full time school load so it can be done. I have made friends at “work” and have hung out with them in the city. I do have a good group of friends but there can always be more lol

2 Likes