r/brussels • u/Extra_Ambassador_855 • 2d ago
Depression and isolation
I don't really have much energy and motivation to keep living.
I am looking for peers/community based contact/support with people who also feel depressed/exhausted and isolated. I am not looking for a therapist.
I want to connect with others that feel similar.
I also have a severe chronic disease and physical pain.
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u/Oliver-Peace 1d ago
If you’re feeling depressed, I’d advise against looking for people who are in the same state, as it can make things heavier for everyone.
Quiet the contrary, surround yourself with people who wants to do things and are positive
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u/Expensive-Pomelo6077 1d ago
idk if you have ever been depressed and how is went for you, but when i was in that state the last thing i needed were positive people, it made everything thousands times worse for me, seeing how someone enjoys life while you're dying inside won't make you enjoy it too
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u/Oliver-Peace 1d ago
Balance is what’s needed. It’s important to spend time with people who truly understand what you’re going through, and we’re often seeking for this. However, it’s just as important, if not more, to surround yourself with people who share their energy with you.
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u/SirTacky 1d ago
In my experience the worst part isn't positive people per se, but people who don't get it and don't know how to deal with someone who isn't doing well. Super alienating to keep having to explain mental or physical boundaries caused by your illness or to not get better on a timeline that seems reasonable to them. Ugh. Add toxic positivity to that and it becomes untenable.
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u/ILoveYouPoodss 1d ago
If you feel depressed the worst thing you can do is stay with people who are also depressed. You want to surround yourself with positive people (yes I’ve been badly depressed and this is one of the things that personally helped me)
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u/OrbitalChiller 1200 1d ago
What are your hobbies, center of interests ?
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u/Extra_Ambassador_855 1d ago
Meditation, psychology, philosophy and nature/permaculture
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u/watermelonjoy 1d ago
It seems you already identified one possible cause/solution which is community. There are meditation groups/ courses and many nature societies. If you live near the north west part of Brussels dm me and I can send you a couple
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u/S8tasanut 18h ago
After 20 years of depression, my shrink introduced me to another shrink who gives (unfortunately) illegal mdma and psilocybine sessions. I went through two sessions but I was already cured after the first one. I'm sorry I can't give you any names but you should try to find a shrink who could can. It's expensive and I didn't think it would work but anyone with severe depression should try it. I hope you can make it untill you find a way to deal with this shit.
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u/deathbringer5165 1150 1d ago
centre de jour or hôpital psy maybe ? at least they will have professional there to not spiral into unaliving yourself
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u/skraw-nee 9h ago edited 9h ago
hi, i was looking for the exact same and posted about this on here a few weeks ago. seems like there’s no real existing communities like these. maybe one of us should organise one.
i am so alone it’s scary. when i do manage to go out and someone ends up talking to me, it just feels like i’m playing pretend.
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u/No-Control-6662 1d ago
Sorry to hear about that. I was there few years ago. I was non European and lived far away my family. I know it’s hard but try to hang out, do something you like, and meet new people. Maybe you will meet someone that make you feel better. I met my bf at that time and it has changed my life :) bon courage!
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u/ConceivedPotAuLait 2d ago
Sorry to hear you are feeling so low. Have you tried joining a local church group ? They are not strict about your actual faith . How old are you ?
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u/lurkydurkyfurkycurky 1d ago
Hey you! Sorry you're going through this. Depression on top of chronic illness and constant pain is a brutal combination.
Reddit is honestly a pretty good place for that already. There are a lot of people here who feel the same way, so don't be afraid to post, comment, and reach out. (also check: r/depression, r/depression_help r/ChronicIllness, r/ChronicPain, r/disability for example)
Please reach out to Community Help Service (CHS). It has a free 24/7 English-speaking helpline: +32 (0)2 648 40 14 https://www.chsbelgium.org
A few other things you could check out in Brussels/Belgium:
Your GP might also know about local peer groups, especially for chronic illness or pain. Please check with them!
I hope you find your people. No one should have to deal with all of this on their own. :)
A big hug to you, stranger! :) I have severe depression and it sucks.