Dear Linda,

I took early retirement from my job that I worked in for over 20 years to take care of my elderly mum who passed away 18 months ago. While I have no regrets that I took care of my mum, I now find myself, unemployed and isolated from friends and family. I feel useless and can no longer see any purpose in my life. I did have a male friend who was quite fond of me, with whom I socialised before my mum became ill, but he no longer contacts me. Please advise. J.