Lost purpose - lost excitement
Hey everyone,
I am Canadian and currently living in the Caribbean with my husband. He's attending medical school here while I stay at home and do my master's schooling online. Before coming here, I worked full time as a social worker helping individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. My life had so much meaning and purpose. I loved what I did and I miss it every day. Now that I'm on this island, I've tried to remain connected to my line of work by doing my masters in mental health, and I've started an addiction medicine club at the university here, however, there aren't many people who share my passion and I'm feeling greatly isolated. The longer we're here, the more isolated and lost I become. Nothing excites me anymore, I've started procrastinating or completely neglecting my duties as a student, wife, and overall human being. I've fallen into a great depression and I have trouble getting up every day. My husband and I got married since moving to the island and I can't even say I was excited for my own wedding. That being said, I know I married the right man and I love him deeply, but nothing, even my wedding, excites me anymore. I'm not motivated to do anything. I've tried implementing routine, yoga, meditation, journaling, reading... I've tried whatever I can think of and yet nothing sticks. I know it's starting to negatively affect my very new marriage and I resent that I'm missing out on newlywed bliss. Has anyone gone through something similar and gotten through the other side? I'm in need of help
It sounds like you are having a lot of adjustment issues., especially with having to leave a job you love. You are in a new place physically and mentally and all your recent changes are big adjustments. I don't know if it will help but maybe you could look to the future and understand that your situatiopn is not forever. Have you checked into social work jobs in your new enviornment? Maybe that could be helpful. Are you staying in touch with friends and fellow workers at home? I'm sorry this is so hard for you and I hope for the best for you.
@LilLisa1
@swanflyinggracefully Thank you for your reply. I have tried looking to the future but the thought of making another big move is causing me a lot of anxiety as well. Once we're done on this island, we will be moving to one of the most dangerous cities in the US. As a Canadian, I have a lot of fear of going there after hearing about the rates of shootings and crime. I've tried educating myself on the crime rates in the city to convince me that I'm being irrational but everything I learn just amplifies the fear. As for looking for work here on the island... There isn't much in the way of social work on this island. My friends back home keep reaching out to me but I'm so withdrawn... I just don't want to engage in conversations with them. Ugh, sorry I'm feeling overly negative... I do appreciate your ideas <3