Hi I'm new and I'd greatly appreciate friends + support

Hey no worries. I suffered from depression when I was young, but yeah HS is by the far the worse I isolated myself during breaks so I could avoid people. But over time you know going to college and all I met more mature and caring people. I also felt awkward going to the gym, but I just keeping at it. I feel what helped me finally snap out of it was just stop caring what others think. It is really hard, but once you realize how insecure others are as well you will be able to feel more comfortable with yourself. I am a big guy and yeah I have heard every fat joke in the book, but the second I learned to not care about what others said I became a lot happier and was able to focus on losing weight and making goals in my life and now all those that once mocked me, I just see the sadness in them needing to make themselves feel better by trying to crush me. Add me, I am also looking for more people and am on everyday!

Once you believe you can do it, you will. I started out here late October @ 271.8 and I'm happy to say I've almost lost 50lb of that already, but without the support I've received I would probably have given up. Focus on what you can rather than cant do - try see the positives. If you don't want to hit the gym, it doesn't mean you can't walk/jog elsewhere
I know it sucks when you lose friends, but now is the time to make new ones who'll have similar interests or goals & can help you in you're journey. I'm more than happy to be one of them if you like & I'll be here every day

Anyone please feel free to add me. Lets motivate each other!!!

Oh and when I go to the gym I always just have my noise isolating ear buds to just focus on my work out and not all the snarky remarks. Helps me focus. Maybe consider it?

ipods are so great!!! yes!
i get really annoyed at the Y when kids are super unruly/uncontrolled. they literally try to break the equipment when no one is looking. i am not there to babysit, so i put my eyes on the tv and run and cancel the noise out. goals help me focus away from the distractions as well.

yeah if only I weren't so sensitive.

don't be afraid of being out among people at the gym. they're not thinking the negative things you think they are. they're busy with their own thoughts. (i used to think everyone would look at me in disgust, but i know now, they're all working on themselves and they're there for the same reasons i am)

Siena, you might try your local YMCA for fitness classes and their gym. I've been going for 8 years and there are all kinds of people there -- all ages, fitness levels. It's a very welcoming place. If you try a class, go a few minutes early and tell the instructor you're new and need any advice on getting started or proper form or whatever your questions. I started taking spin class and was so scared I'd make a fool of myself. But I found its fun and the accountability of a class has kept me going back regularly. Good luck, hon.