Susanne

Life just wasn't easy for me

Eight years ago, I came to Germany to make a fresh start together with my partner. After four years, however, our relationship was over. I worked as much as I could to provide for my child, even without its father. My family in Poland was far away. I didn't have enough time for my existing friendships due to all my work and the time I spent with my son, and making new friends in Germany seemed out of the question.

I had never felt so lonely

I had always been a sociable person with whom one could have a lot of fun. But suddenly I was the exact opposite. In everyday life I was only able to spend very little time with my son. I had to go to work early in the morning and came home late in the evening. When I did have time for my son, I wasn't able to really enjoy it. He wanted to play football or go to the playground, but I just felt like sitting on the sofa and watching television.

I went to a nearby psychologist

He told me about a group that worked with cognitive behavioural therapy concepts. I thought that the social side to these groups might help me make new friends and talk to others who had the same problems.