looking for some regular support friends

[Gary]

hello everyone. I'm recently retired from the U.S. and I'm now living in Ecuador. I've been here 1.5 months.

I've always struggled with depression and a lack of energy, but on the other hand I've managed to hold down a job, volunteered teaching English one day a week for 12 years, traveled to a variety of countries and did one year teaching English in China. Kind of a paradox.

But I know I have depended very much on good friends for moral support and encouragement.

Now - I am in a different country, learning a new language, and feel very much alone and isolated. So it would be great to find some supportive people who I can share with from time to time. Thanks .

Gary

[hollyann]

Hi Gary. Welcome to the forum. This is a very supportive place and so is our chat room if you haven't checked it out. Both can be very useful. It's nice to meet you.

Retirement can be hard if somene is already depressed. Have you been able to find hobbies where you are at? I hope you have an easy time learning the language

Keep posting
hollyann

[Gary]

Holly - thanks for the reply.

I am definitely facing big challenges in a new country. One of the issues is that I am trying NOT to hang out with the American crowd too much because I want to get better in Spanish and many retired Americans (good people for sure) tend to stay together in a bit of social cocoon.. if you know what I mean. So I try to meet and make friends with Ecuadorians. This is hard work and communication is slow. So there is a big danger for me of being isolated and I often feel doubtful and worried about how I will cope here. But little by little, I'm making progress...

I thought sharing my feelings with a group on an ongoing basis would be very helpful. I also need people who I can feel responsible to based on my own commitments and values -- I want to be reminded of what I said I want to accomplish and how i want to live a responsible life. Thanks

[balcony]

Hi Gary, welcome to the forums. Congratulations on retirement, it sounds as if you had a magnificent career. I understand your reasons for not wanting to spend too much time around Americans. You are correct, when one has that 'crutch' it is very hard to learn another language. I lived for a time abroad and my personality was too shy to really work at becoming fluent. I did find Americans and use English more than I should have in retrospect.

I hope you find solace and company here..lots of nice people. You might want to take a look at our chat room as well. Chat is another resource to exchange information and receive/offer support.

Best of luck in your new living and new life...take care

[Gary]

Hello again. It's been really comforting to hear from people so quickly. I really appreciate the possibility to share with you all and to find support from people who know the pain and struggle of depression.

I hope also that I can contribute my own experience and also be helpful in return.

I'm really glad this group is here.

Gary