Struggling to Make Friends with Mental Health Issues

I can’t seem to find friends either 😅 it’s hard when anxiety gets in the way. I think maybe a phone app may work best. Even Facebook has a “dating” thing that people use to look for friends with.

I agree, I have big problems meeting people. Technology make interacting somewhat more difficult because you meet people who are not in your area. I've met some great people online that I chat with- some are somewhat local, others in other states, but most are far enough away where I can't just say "hey, jets meet at (insert local coffee shop here)". Church dosent really work for me, but I think historally that was a place to meet. I think we need more community events that are not polarizing for people to just talk. I don't have a good answer, but I don't think this is uncommon. Hi DanaCakes!

I kinda have the same issue with making friends. Thats why i also got this app to make friends that have same experiences as me

Ohh, saame! And when I do meet someone new, they're usually put off by my honesty, adrenaline-fueled bouncy nervous energy-wreck that I am in public, or think that I'm on drugs bc of it, or think I'm too intense. Online is sooo much easier until someone gets to know you for real. It also helps trying to connect with people who are alike you and understand what you're going through or at least know enough about mental health not to be all judgemental, for example possibly other people that identify as "neurodivergent" or struggle with their own anxieties. You could also try doing something intense or that takes up your whole focus in group activities so your anxiety doesn't even have a chance to speak up because you're too busy surfing or skydiving or just something else active where adrenaline takes over so you only have to worry about social encounters before and after. Maybe even geocaching, because a scavenger hunt can be pretty intense and distracting, and you can always redirect attention away from you and onto wildlife when you start to feel uncomfortable, especially if they've got a camera. Idk what will work for you. Maybe try a bit of everything when you think you're up to it and figure out what works for you?