new here, where to go for relief during the days?

[loneflower]

Hi,
I am new here. I have suffered from depression off and on for years. I am in my early 40's. My first husband was bipolar and, tragically, committed suicide almost eight years ago. I have been remarried for three years. Now that my youngest child has gone off to college and I don't work, I don't know what to do with myself. I don't have any family where I live. They are not very supportive of me, anyway. I have lived in my current city for twelve years and do not have one friend.
I have felt "different" from most people as long as I can remember.
I don't really have any specific interests. My interests always used to be doing housework and managing my household while the kids were at school, then going to all their school functions. My life used to revolve completely around my first husband and our kids. My first husband was my best friend and was so much fun.
Now life feels utterly empty. My new husband is a good man, and I do love him. I just so miss all the fun my first husband and I used to have. All our laughing. We could totally relate to each other and we both understood depression.
Where do I find friends now? I've joined church groups and tried other social groups, but I can't find anyone that I can relate to. I've tried starting "hobbies", but nothing has interested me. This loneliness is getting to be unbearable. I just wish there was a place that depressed people could go to during the days to be with other people who could relate. Face to face contact is healing. I just don't know where to go.
I have pretty much lost interest in life.
Any suggestions?

[Obayan]

Hi. Have you spoken to a counselor? Sounds like some type of group support might be helpfull for you. We also have a Depression chat room here too.

[balcony]

Hi loneflower..I just replied to your post in another section. Sounds like you are trying lots of good things. Meeting people with whom you can relate is always a challenge. As Obayan said, try our chat room here at DU, and see if it is something that works for you. Maybe you could look into a class in your community. You might not realize what your interests are anymore. I understand how it feels to spend most of your hours taking care of the endless needs of home and family. Mothers so often place their interests and needs aside for the sake of others. See what your community has to offer through its local community colleges or recreational centers. Take care.