Need to not feel alone... Like everyone, right?

[Cheesy]

Hi there! I'm looking forward to connecting with this community. My biggest challenge is loneliness and not seeming to be able to forge meaningful connections in real life. I assume I am not alone.

I grew up with one alcoholic parent and another high control religious parent. I was bullied by students and teachers in public school and was terrified that anyone would discover my secret, that I was gay (though I refused to apply that word to myself until i was in my twenties).

I've struggled for decades from the effects of various traumas, in all aspects of my life: career, education, socializing, and relationships. I've been in trauma therapy for almost two years now. I feel some improvement, mostly in emerging from debilitating depression.

I laugh all the time to cope. I honestly think it has saved me in many ways. I'm always trying to find something funny to laugh about.

[Blueberry]

Welcome to the forum Cheesy

Correct, you are not alone here with loneliness.

This forum is a really supportive place. I hope you soon feel the support.

[NarcKiddo]

Hello, and welcome. I'm glad you found us.

I also use humour to cope.

[Papa Coco]

Cheesy,

A very warm welcome to the forum. 

I resonate with your struggles at school and with the life-or-death secret that you had to keep.

I'm glad you found us and I hope you find the friendships and support you are looking for here.

[Cheesy]

Thank you all for the warm welcome!