Advice needed

[Jme01]

Hi I am getting in touch because I am struggling. So I currently don’t work and don’t have a car and I live at home in my own studio down the backyard. I don’t really have any interests and hobbies, I also have a fantasy addiction that I am working through so I am in a tricky spot. I basically watch tv all day because there’s nothing really else I can think of doing and it’s making me feel down, flat, tired and can’t think straight.

Now it’s also important to note that I have ADHD and with this fantasy that I have that I indulge in It gives me an unhealthy level amount of dopamine which I like so at the moment because I’m so used to reaching the heights I do with dopamine and I’m not reaching those because I’m trying to stop the fantasy stuff. It’s causing everything else to feel boring and meaningless. Which will last while before it improves but this is a hard situation where I’m stuck at home. Just basically watch TV all day. Trying to overcome an addiction and nothing really else to do. I’m just feeling down flat not suicidal or anything like that but just down and flat I’m looking for guidance of how to get through this tricky season

[Ru-bee]

Hi @Jme01 

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

It sounds like you're going through a bit of a detox period at the moment. I wonder if it might be a good time to look at different ways to support yourself through this period like trying to focus on some of the health basics - like improving your sleep, trying to be active, eating nutritious meals, basically just trying to do things that are going to support you feeling good in the long run and ensuring that you're not feeling worse while you go through this period.

I hear you don't have any current hobbies, maybe it could be a good time to try out some old hobbies, if there's any that you've tried in the past, or new ones. It might feel like a real effort initially, but I'd encourage you to try to push past it. Sometimes when I'm going through a really hard time I find it really hard to summon the motivation or interest in my hobbies, so I kind of have to force myself to do it because I know that ultimately it's good for me and will help to get me out of my slump.

I'm sure that some of our other lovely members will be by soon with some more suggestions

[Jme01]

Thankyou very much for the reply 

[Jme01]

Thankyou very much for the reply

[MJG017]

Hi @Jme01, welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your situation.

I can understand how not working (either am I) or having a car can really limit your options of other things to do.  You do seem to be in a self perpetuating cycle of satisfying the fantasy and depression due the feeling of there being nothing else.

The only advice I can think of is to continue to try and reach out like you have here and try to build more connections with people and build a bit of a support network... even if it's mainly online to begin with.  I've been trying to do that this year and have found it has helped me to deal with my own issues a lot better.

You said you don't really have any interests or hobbies.  Was there anything you used to enjoy that you could try to go back to?  Is there anything you might like to try?  Also, do you have any professional support, or even friends/family you could talk to?  I know it's not always easy.  It took me over 50 years to learn to reach out for help, even then there weren't many options to go to so I know that can be extremely difficult.

[Jme01]

Thankyou for your message, I’m hoping you will be able to get my reply as I’m not sure how this thing works. But thankyou for your reply. I can’t really think of anything to try or do and sport was my main interest but gave that up a while a go.

[Ru-bee]

I know it can be tricky getting used to the forums but you're doing great @Jme01 

What sports did you used to play? Is that something you could try to get back into?

Otherwise here's a list of hobby ideas I found online, maybe some of these will appeal to you?

[Jme01]

I use to play cricket and footy but I think those days are behind me
(I’m only 22 but just don’t have an interest in playing again

[tyme]

Hey @Jme01 ,

Welcome to the forums. Do you have supports around you such as family, friends, or support workers?

I know in my local area, we have community events every week that are there to get people out and about. These events are free of charge or low cost.

I read that you want to see changes in your life - is that fair to say? Or are you okay with watching telly all day?

I guess it's important to know what your goals are and what you want to work towards.

Thoughts?

[Jme01]

Hi thankyou for the reply. I do have family and friends but I see a counsellor. Also no I definitely don’t want to live like this, thankyou.