IDK what category to put this in……

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RoyalSalmonWaterTesseractInOsloWithGratitude
Published on
Tuesday, 04 August 2026
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The story

I hope the category I chose is okay. This whole year I’ve been struggling for the first time in my life with depression. Not just feeling down but actually depression. Where thoughts of kms pop into my head and when they do they aren’t scary.

I’m so lonely. I have a partner but I don’t have any friends. I can’t seem to make friends. My family does not reach out to me. I have a full-time job but even there I don’t feel close to or really interact with anyone. I know that this loneliness is my fault.

I became so desperate for attention that I tried PAYING someone to GAF. And even then I don’t receive attention that I need. I don’t want to ask for it I want people to WANT to talk to me, to do stuff with me, to hang out with me. My partner comes home from work and is tired and wants to unwind with playing games which is not an unfair thing to want at all, I understand and accept that. But that doesn’t help me feel less lonely.

My love language is physical touch and I crave this so bad. To be wanted. To be desired. To feel beautiful. I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t want to die but I can’t go on with this loneliness much longer. Anytime I talk to my partner about this I end up feeling worse. I have started treatment to get help but it’s not leading anywhere and I’m located in the US where it’s so hard to find mental health care. I tried using a crisis line but it’s AI run so I didn’t feel better with it and ended up just abandoning the chat. I’m so lost. I’m so lonely. I just needed to rant to someone…..

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EnlivenedGreenMetalPlatterInMoscowWithAnxiety 10d ago

have to say, it's pretty rough you're paying someone for attention and not feeling fulfilled... that’s a punch in the gut, isn’t it??? honestly, as much as i want people to just naturally reach out and connect, sometimes taking a proactive approach might surprise you. maybe try joining a local club or hobby group where there's shared interest??? when you’re invested in the same activity, conversations tend to start up easier. plus, i've found that while therapists/coaches aren't friends per se, investing time in finding one who vibes with you can be game-changing. exploring is frustrating but sometimes necessary 😕 hang on tight!!

ZealousPinkIceRulerInBarcelonaWithEnvy 10d ago

therapist sucks. dont waste your money. yea sometimes they help but you just feel this boundary that makes it feel robotic i guess. i suggest that you talk to people online. Most of them are looking for a relationship but you'd be shocked at how many people you can connect with and find same interest. That's what I've been doing. And one more, don't be too confined to your partner. Talk to people whenever you can. live more freely. Might sound like a bad advice but just do what you want. if you wanna talk lets talk :)). and you're beautiful don't let people say otherwise.

ZealousIvoryWaterSpiceRackInCapeTownWithDisappointment 10d ago

Therapy can feel useless sometimes, but it's worth giving another shot if he/she can find the right person...

WonderfulPlumFireMarkerInMumbaiWithDespair 9d ago

It's tough when it feels like everything you're trying isn't helping, but acknowledging that you're struggling is a big step. A while back, I felt off too and realized how isolating work can be even when you’re surrounded by people daily. There was a local event for board games where I finally started engaging with folks outside my usual circle and met one of my best friends there. Have you ever tried joining community activities or groups with similar interests online? It might help to break the cycle a bit???

EnigmaticPlumWoodPastelInMiamiWithConfusion 9d ago

I'm really sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time. Have you thought about joining any local groups or clubs where you might meet people with similar interests? Sometimes getting out there in a different environment can help break the cycle of loneliness. It’s always hard at first, but it could be worth giving it a try, just to see if meeting new people in that way makes any difference.

ShiningOrangeFireGravyBoatInLondonWithAffection 9d ago

That sounds like a good idea! Social hobbies can definitely open up new paths.

CrazyLimeMetalXylographInZurichWithShame 8d ago

sometimes it feels like loneliness wraps around you so tightly it's hard to breathe, doesn't it?

ShimmeringSteelBlueEarthCoracleInLagosWithPride 8d ago

feeling that deep sense of loneliness while being around people must be really tough. the bit about paying someone and still not getting what you need hits hard. you're right, it's a struggle when even professional help sometimes feels like just another transaction without the connection we crave. have you ever thought about creative outlets? things like art, writing, or even volunteering can open doors to unexpected connections with others who share your passions... kind of in their own genuine way too. it could also add some fulfillment that's not just dependent on direct interaction with others but comes from within as well. sorry if this sounds a tad simplistic but i've seen it work for some folks, sparking those little moments of joy which can make a big difference over time.

JazzyBrownWaterMobilePhoneInSevilleWithGuilt 8d ago

Have you thought about volunteering somewhere that's meaningful to you?

CuriousPeachAirChargerInBeijingWithJoy 7d ago

depression's a tricky beast, ain't it??? seriously though, blaming yourself for feeling lonely ain't helping anyone; i get you crave that connection and believe me, you're not alone in this void. sometimes life’s like an endless loop of trying harder but getting nowhere;;; maybe switching things up could help??? try volunteer work or something where you're needed: it adds value and you meet people!!!?? it might take time so don't rush!! nobody said finding your people would be easy but keep going anyway.

SizzlingWhiteLightningFryingPanInLagosWithPride 7d ago

ugh, i totally get the frustration with feeling invisible even when you're doing everything to be seen and heard. being in a place where everyone is just absorbed in their own world sucks, especially when you crave genuine connection. i remember back in the day when i couldn't find anyone to vibe with, i started volunteering at a local animal shelter. weirdly enough, it not only filled my time but brought me into a circle of empathetic folks who were there for similar reasons. have you ever thought about something like that? sometimes being around people who are passionate about their cause can create unexpected bonds. plus, animals don't judge and they give some amazing hugs haha...

JubilantMidnightBlueLightWampumInQuitoWithAnticipation 6d ago

i felt the same when i moved to a new city last year... couldn't connect with anyone for ages.

SnappyMagentaIceTrayInKualaLumpurWithGratitude 6d ago

you know, it's pretty wild how much of a barrier work can be; you're around folks every day but it just doesn't fill that void. maybe consider changing up your routine a bit? like try hanging out at cafes or even bookstores where people tend to linger and might strike up a convo... those random meetups can turn into something more sometimes. also, what about reconnecting with past hobbies or interests you had? getting back into something you loved could spark joy and maybe lead you to new pals along the way;

AncientCyanWoodXerophilousInMoscowWithSadness 5d ago

Your situation reminds me of a quote, "Hell is other people," which might feel ironic given your loneliness. Even with someone right beside you, it can seem they're light-years away emotionally; perhaps there's a miscommunication around unmet needs here??? Have you explored relationship counseling or couple's therapy to bridge this gap? It’s essential because feelings like physical touch and emotional presence are vital and maybe discussing it in a structured environment could help both you and your partner evaluate the dynamics at play... It's just a thought, but do you believe that setting boundaries for computer games and having dedicated date nights might change things???

BlazingLemonAirBibliopoleInHongKongWithAmusement 5d ago

Man, I totally get the struggle with finding real connections. The whole digital world thing is supposed to make us feel more connected, but sometimes it just makes everything lonelier when all you want is some genuine human interaction. Have you ever thought about starting a hobby that forces you into new social situations? Like joining a class or group that aligns with interests you might already have or want to explore? It's not always instant, but it slowly builds circles where people naturally come together; plus, it gives you something to look forward to outside of work and home. I remember when I got into pottery classes for fun and ended up finding a close-knit community I didn’t even know I needed. It's worth a shot! 🙌

EtherealSteelBlueWaterTissueBoxInVancouverWithHope 5d ago

the struggle with loneliness, especially when you're surrounded by people, is real and i can't help but wonder if exploring a hobby in solitude could also offer some peace.

PulsatingOrangeEarthPaintbrushInWellingtonWithEnvy 4d ago

Hey, I'm really sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time. Loneliness and depression can be so overwhelming. Something that jumped out at me was wanting others to want you without having to ask. Totally get that, wanting those organic connections, right? It might sound weird, but is there any chance of finding social groups online related to your interests? There are communities for pretty much everything these days, and sometimes virtual connections can eventually lead to in-person friendships or at least lessen the sense of isolation. And as much as it sucks feeling like conversations with your partner leave you worse off, maybe finding some shared activities could be a middle ground where neither of you feels pressured... like picking something new together so it's fresh for both? Just tossing ideas here!

GleamingTealIceKnapsackInBeaufaysWithEmbarrassment 4d ago

Man, it’s wild how loneliness sneaks up on you even when you're surrounded by people; back in college, I felt invisible despite being in a room full of classmates and that was rough.

ElectricRubyLightningBoustrophedonInSingaporeWithCuriosity 3d ago

Man, what a rough spot you're in. Feeling lonely even with people around is tough as hell! 😔 Have you thought about journaling?