How can I occupy myself better to be less depressed?

[Anonymous]

I am a college student, and I have a girlfriend that I live with. She works full time, leaving me home alone 8-10, sometimes 12 hours a day 5 times a week. She also goes to school part-time. I work from home, but my work is an "on your own time" position, so when I have no work tasks I have nothing to do. I'm in charge of most of the chores around the house as well, but there isn't much to do with just the two of us to care for. I'm noticing recently that I don't go out nearly as often as I did before I decided to go to college and live with my girlfriend. I moved an hour away from home, so all of my old friends are over 50 miles away and can't come to see me whenever they want. I don't drive, I'm not comfortable with it and I'm terrified of getting behind the wheel. I think that being unable to go out and interact with friends and family is taking a toll on my mental health. I only get to see people when I go to class, and even then we don't get to do anything but work. I'm depressed, lonely even, and I tried explaining my concerns to my girlfriend and my therapist, but they weren't much help. I'm hoping someone on here can give me an idea of how I can occupy myself so I'm not left to my thoughts all day for almost the entire week.

[LetsBeHonestHere]

It’s life :( it gets boring the older you get. I moved over 50 miles away as well to my husbands hometown away from my family and friends, and I’m just lazy and hate driving, so I’m the reason I don’t do anything outside of my home. I play online video games since I’m a SAHM. It gives you the interaction with other humans because of voice chat, and your mind isn’t just sitting there with unneeded thoughts all day. I will say though your girlfriend should be of more support especially if you feel depressed because having that is no joke.

[exitseven]

okay- I was teaching at a local college befoe the pandemic. I was laid off during the lockdowns and have not worked since. It has been 18 months.
I was really isolated. I live with my wife who works full time so there are days at a time when I would not talk to another human for days. I started t oslide into depression. I talked to my doctor about it. He took it very seriously and he told me that many people have been experiencing this. If we didn't have the lockdowns I would be teaching my classes and living my life. I reached out to some people I used to work wit hbut nothing really came of it. That is how I eneded up here.
Try and find some other people to hangout with once in a while. Maybe people you know from school. It will help you feel connected and give you some new things to think about.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[KingofCups]

Yea. Unfortunately this is the common story of our Era. You need community and social interactions to be happy. Actively seek out friendships. Go to new places. Try new things. If you stay doing the same things over and over you'll continue to feel the same way. I highly recommend dance classes. Partner Dance, Martial Arts, Fitness, etc. All are great ways to meet people. You can even do something more basic like going to a local coffee shop on a regular basis. Check out places on campus. Join a club or a sports team. I've been in that dark lonely place, you don't want to stay there, it'll fuck you up, and no amount of talk Therapy or conversations with your girlfriend will fix it. You need friends and a social network.

[dovendyret]

As suggested, find a hobby to indulge in for pleasure and find a skill to improve in; preferable in a group setting, since it sounds like you're missing a social circle outside of your girlfriend & class.

[ohshee]

Well if you want to be an online friend send me a DM do you do crafts

[Asker]

I love arts and crafts, I'm really into drawing recently and I'm good at it too

[Anonymous]

Okay firstly, make friends with classmates on a similar schedule to yourself so that you can hang out outside of class times. Secondly try different hobbies and find something you enjoy that you can get stuck into. Be bold.

[Opinion Owner]

Some hobbies are also social so you can meet new people and make new friends there.

[theeliigilbert]

Get some fresh air going on a walk or riding your bike listening to some good music

[DyingLately]

Pick up a hobby of some sort. Maybe building model cars or Lego sets if you’re into that kinda stuff. Video games and YouTube videos are excellent at keeping me occupied.

[scuff1986]

Have you thought about taking up a new hobby? Or exploring the local places you can get to on foot?

[IsoUser]

Why don't you find a fix like I did my hands free Robotic friend heats up to 98.6 degrees speaks in three languages and always makes me cum twice

[In_Trance]

Where do you work?

[Asker]

I have a online job with TELUS International

[In_Trance]

I'd recommend getting a job that you need to get up and leave the house for everyday.

[jahaims]

Get a hobby