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simsian t1_iwbqk5o wrote

I was isolated throughout my childhood, and while I did go to in person public schools I was bullied and isolated there as well. Diagnosed with depression at 16, 39 now and still struggling.

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Coraline1599 t1_iwbyfff wrote

I am an only child and we lived in the industrial part of town above my father’s garage (he was a car mechanic), I think the nearest kids were at least a mile away and due to how dangerous the neighborhood was, no children were allowed to come over and I was an outsider. I was bullied, mildly and infrequently. Mostly, I just never belonged in any friend group.

I managed to entertain myself and was a quiet kid that didn’t complain so my parents let me be and didn’t sign me up for any activities or push me to make friends. But started showing symptoms of depression at age 9 and have had severe struggles over the years.

To this day I have no real life friends and have nor been able to maintain any romantic relations.

I really wonder how much was my isolated upbringing.

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simsian t1_iwc1d7p wrote

I'm an only child as well. My mother specifically refused to let me interact with peers outside of school. I was frequently punished/grounded from interacting with family other than my parents outside of school as well.

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kifn2 t1_iwbywmo wrote

You’re not alone. I have struggled with loneliness, isolation and deep depression all my life and i’m a little older than you.

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OrganicPumpkin9156 t1_iwck6zz wrote

My parents loudly and publicly abused me throughout my childhood, and every schoolyard bully did the same - with entire communities cheering all of them on.

I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD and that's never going to go away - especially since people are still trying to make sure it stays put.

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Disastrous-Carrot928 t1_iwf9z00 wrote

Have you looked into EMDR?

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OrganicPumpkin9156 t1_iwfms9w wrote

Yes - my memories have already been processed, and I've been trying to forget things since they happened. EMDR can't retrieve anything.

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thor11600 t1_iwcj8ju wrote

You’re not alone - literally - I grew up isolated. I was lucky enough to get a second chance when I moved away for college. I can’t imagine where I’d be in life if it weren’t for those 5 years

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