Jacklyn Kester6 months ago"Hi, I’m a 25-year-old female, and I’m in need of some advice. In high school, I had a toxic relationship. I wasn’t a good girlfriend, and neither was he a good boyfriend. We broke up halfway through senior year, and from that point, I was heavily talked about by his friends. Our town was small, with only about 80-90 kids in my graduating class, so this gossip was widespread. As a result, I ended up with only a few friends by the time I graduated, and many people distanced themselves from me. After graduation, my friends moved to different cities for college, and we kept in touch occasionally. Fast forward a bit, and I went to college while he joined the army. Both of us are now married with kids. Over the years, we’ve each reached out separately to apologize for how things ended between us and for the way my last year of high school played out because of him and his friends. We both accepted the apologies, and we’ve fully moved on. Now, my husband and I have moved back to my hometown for family support after having a baby. Since moving back, my mental health has taken a big hit. While I stay in touch with friends from other cities and work, nobody here seems interested in interacting with me. I work from home, so I rarely leave the house except for family visits, and it feels like I’m back in high school again. I’ve been thinking about moving again, even though we just bought a house here. I feel isolated as a mom with a work-from-home job, and it’s really lonely. What should I do? Should I reach out to old friends again? Should I consider moving? What steps can I take to feel more connected?" Answer: It sounds like you’re feeling a lot of emotional weight from returning to a place where you’ve had negative experiences, and on top of that, balancing motherhood and a work-from-home job can amplify feelings of isolation. Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation: Reevaluate your connections: While moving back home was meant to bring you family support, it sounds like your hometown hasn’t been a source of the support you were hoping for. Consider reaching out to old friends one more time, but also think about forging new connections. Look into local mom groups, parenting classes, or community events where you can meet people who are in similar life stages. Social media groups for local moms can be a good resource. Focus on your well-being: With your mental health taking a toll, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that help you feel refreshed and recharged. Even small things like going for a walk or spending a little time alone doing something you enjoy can help reset your mindset. If you’re comfortable, consider seeking therapy to talk through your feelings of loneliness and your past experiences with isolation. Join local community groups or activities: Since you’re working from home, it’s understandable to feel disconnected. Look into local meetups, events, or clubs related to hobbies or interests you enjoy. You could also find volunteer opportunities, which can be fulfilling and connect you to new people. Joining activities that focus on your passions will help you feel more engaged and connected. Talk to your husband: It’s important to share your feelings with your husband since you're navigating this together. He may be able to support you in finding ways to get involved with the local community or make your home feel more lively and connected. Having him as a partner in finding solutions will make you feel less alone in tackling the challenges you’re facing. Consider long-term goals: Moving might seem like an option, but before making such a significant decision, reflect on your long-term goals. Does staying in your hometown align with your and your family’s future? If it does, maybe the focus should be on creating a new environment for yourself rather than running from past experiences. If not, it might make sense to explore other places where you might feel more at peace. Ultimately, what’s most important is your happiness and well-being, both for yourself and for your family. Take small steps toward feeling more connected, whether it’s through local interactions, online communities, or focusing on your mental health. 1306
Jacklyn KesterJacklyn Kester