Empty Nest Mom

[MichelleDenise]

Hi,

I am a 48 year old stay at home mom that is currently trying to find myself right now. My daughter recently finished college, got a job and moved out all within a couple of months. I now find myself lost and not knowing where I belong in this world.

I have very few friends since I quit work when my daughter was 10 to stay at home with her. I come from a very dysfunctional family, so I don't have a close relationship with my sister. I have tried very hard in the past to have a good relationship with her, but she is having a major drug problem. It is prescription drugs that she has a problem with right now. I have intervened several times and taken her to the ER for in-patient treatment, which has not worked for her.

I have suffered from major depression and anxiety. I am in therapy and have a psychiatrist treating me. I just have not had any luck finding friends since high school. Currently the hgh school friends have moved on with their lives and have children at home. My past friends seem very involved with their children and do not show any interest in doing things with me at this time.

I have tried volunteering in the past, but I didn't find that it offered much socialization for me. It was mainly doing work by myself at an organization. I am searching for an activity that would help me meet new people. I have looked for women's groups in my community but there are none. I have discussed this topic at great length with my therapist, but have not come up with any resolution.

In the area of country I live in most women are busy working and rearing their children. I do have a pet. I have a husband, but he is very busy working and have only a couple of hours of time with him in the evening during the week.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to meet new people or find a time consuming hobby that doesn't cost a fortune? Thank you in advance for reading my current situation.

[Obayan]

Hi. Welcome to the forums. I can tell you what i did when i was in the same situation.... I volunteered at the local pound. I go down and i help walk the dogs outside. They are always understaffed and the dogs never get a chance to play while outside. It was fun and i adore the love i recieved from the animals. Also, i volunteered at a local retirement home. I would sit and visit with those people who don't have any family or who's family doesn't come to visit anymore. It was very rewarding for me. I also come in here to the chat room. I've made a lot of close connections here. I hope you find what you are looking for hon.