| Comment | There definitely are befriending services. Because of my line of work, all the ones I know of are for people aged 60 and over, but mental health charities (like GAMH already mentioned) do offer them. A lot of the charities I know of are taking a very long time to match people with befrienders because there are so few volunteers at the moment. Which brings me to my next point
Would you consider applying to be a befriender yourself? You would get just as much out of it - probably even more I think, it would be structure, social contact, you'd be supported by a co-ordinator, you'd get a huge amount of satisfaction and increased self-esteem.
I am someone who struggles with social anxiety too although my situation is different, I also have literally nae mates. And I massively relate to your struggle to connect with your counsellor. My advice there, if you're looking for it, would be to approach a few different counsellors until you find someone you connect with. It will happen I am sure, and most people offer a free, or heavily discounted, first session because it's understood that the therapeutic bond is so important that nothing good (and a lot of bad) can happen without it.
Look after yourself. I wish I could give you an awkward hug. x |
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