I’m fearful about living alone

Dear Coleen

I’m a woman in my mid-30s and I moved back home to live with my parents after a messy divorce, after which I suffered depression.

It’s been 18 months now and I’m feeling much better and stronger, and recently made the decision to go back to my flat, which I’ve been renting out.

It feels like the right decision, but inside I’m worried about how I’ll cope living on my own.

I think I lost my confidence following the break-up of my marriage and I still feel vulnerable. What do you think?

Coleen says

I think it’s OK to admit how you’re feeling and I think it’s also natural to feel a bit anxious about the move. But what’s the worst that can happen – you move back and don’t feel ready, so you go back to your parents. You’ve got a great safety net.

And let your friends know you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by it – invite them over and create some new memories in your home.

And I’m sure if you confide in them, they’ll go out of their way to check in and invite you out, and so on. The same goes for your parents – pop over for a cuppa or dinner, and make an effort to talk on the phone.

I’m sure they’re aware that it might take a little while for you to feel OK again on your own and will be in touch all the time!

This is a really positive thing, so pat yourself on the back for coming this far.