Coping with living alone
 

So, I have an application form for the YMCA, I want to apply... I do! I'm just...I don't know...I don't even know how to phrase what I'm asking but I guess this hits the mark the closest.

How do you live alone? How do you cope? There seems to be a difference between "being" on your own, in a house with your family, and "living" on your own, in a house with...just you.

I don't always eat, to be honest I only do so in this house to please and not worry others. On my own, there'd be no one to try for.
I don't always go out, or get out of bed. But I feel like I need to live on my own to get more independence for myself. I don't know what to do...for the best.

Have you heard of independant living or a group home type of situation. I don't really know much about it but I've been vaguely thinking about it as kind of an inbetween living with people and living alone independantly. I think they have staff how check on you, can control medication and that kind of thing...

that would really help. I don't feel confident or safe enough to live on. Do you know if they have a website?

sorry i don't know. where do you live? i would probably speak to your cpn/therapist/gp whatever as i tihnk you'd probably have to go through them

I have been living on my own since December, I was totally dreading it and thought there was no way I would be able to do it but i've found it a lot easier than I imagined and I actually enjoy it, it's made me a lot more responsible and independent, worth a go imo!

I have lived on my own for a year and a few months now.I much prefer living on my own, as with others my mental health stopped me doing things, like I wouldn't go intothe kitchen or lounge of my last flat when my flatmate was around because I was just so paranoid of seeing him, so I would go long periods without drinking or eating. I like living on my own because I can do whhat I want when I want, without the fear of upsetting anyone else. Although it is hard at times, because I'm very depressed I tend to not tidy and keep the place clean and because it's only me and I don't seem to care, it doesn't really matter.
I think the only reason I can live on my own is because I did it gradually. I lived with my parents and sister up to the age of 18, then moved into halls, sharing a flat with 3 others, did this for 2 years, then moved into a flat with one flatmate, then where I am now.
Things like bills really stressed me out just before I was going to move in on my own, but they have been really easy to sort out.

As musicmad says, it might be worth seeing if there's any supported housing or similar in your area. I moved out at age 21 and lived in supported housing until a few months ago. They left me to it a lot of the time but I had appointments 2-3 times a week to sort out things like bills, cooking, shopping etc. and they helped me emotionally too.

I still see them for another few weeks, I'm seeing them on average once a week at the minute and will switch over to 'floating support' who will do something similar soon.

I find living alone a mixed bag. It's so nice to be able to just have your own space in which to do what you want. I like it, if I can't sleep, to be able to just wander round the flat, make something to eat, watch TV etc. without disturbing anyone. Bills aren't too much of a worry and I can sort out my own furniture and make the place my own.

On the flip side, you have to be careful about making sure there's a reason to function on a relatively normal level. I struggle with this, still. I often find myself just sitting on the sofa talking to myself for hours, or staying in bed until afternoon, and the place is usually really untidy and I rarely cook (but do manage to eat). I find it helpful to have a reason to get out of the house each day and to make sure I socialise where possible - a timetable to structure your day and evening can be helpful if you stick to it.