[Sammyyy]

I'm 19 and it's been 9 months since I moved from Australia to New Zealand. Moving was probably the best thing I did in my life so far. Before I moved I worked about 25hrs a week but when I wasn't working I'd lock myself up in my room and spend hours on the computer.

I've probably had mild depression since my Grandmother passed away when I was about 14 however I never went to the doctors to get it checked out (I now wish I had) and since then I've found out that my family has cases of Heart problems such as Heartattacks and in my father's side there's Anxiety, High blood pressure and depression. I'm not the skinniest person in the world but last year I lost 25kg and since then I've put most of it back on. On top of that I have severe ankle problems where I twisted it when I was young and it never really healed properly which makes it hard to be active. I used to love playing soccer, cricket, netball and tennis and now even if I go for a simple walk it swells up.

When I moved over to New Zealand I had few friends (2-3) here. I saw them a bit and now not at all, they've moved towns or are busy all the time. I've been unemployed for about 2 months now as my contract ended and I haven't had any luck with it at all. It's really bringing me down and making myself think I'm not good enough and I don't want to think like that.

Because I'm unemployed and can't get help from the government until I've been here for two years so I have no spare money to do anything or go out as I need to pay rent.

I need to seriously find a hobby that keeps me occupied and interested other than gaming and find some work somewhere to get an income and be able to do stuff I enjoy. I suppose my question is.. do you have any suggestions, hobbies or ideas on something I could do or to help me find work?

[teacherjenn4]

Do some volunteer work. It will not only help you feel better, but it will help you meet new people. If you work hard, you may get recommended for a paying job. Good luck and I hope you find work soon.