I volunteer at the Methodist homeless mission downtown every Thursday morning. I LOVE doing it, and it really helps in bringing meaning to my life. I did have some problems with my mental health earlier this year, and I was also drinking too much, so I ended up having to take about six weeks off from volunteering. After I got myself straightened out and came back, I just told anybody who asked that I had been suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. So nobody is the wiser as to the real reason I was out. If I were you, I would go ahead and take the plunge and volunteer. The worst that can happen is that you have to quit later. But chances are that won’t happen. Maybe you could start small. I only work three hours a week, so it’s a pretty easy commitment, depressed or not.

Volunteering has been a great source of pleasure for me. I volunteer at two places...one place they email you and you can come in if you have the time (or inclination) the other place I have a set time/day that I go in. I don't think every place is the same.....you'd have to do some research but look for ones where you pick if you go in or not. Less pressure. If I didn't have my volunteering to look forward to I'd "go nuts" what would I do? It's good to get out and be with people for awhile. If you have any other questions just ask me.

A good friend of mine was volunteering at his local food bank. Did odd jobs fixed computer issues etc. The last three years he’s been really going through a lot. But the place he volunteered was more like come when you can. Anything you can do to help. He now works for mental health housing. I want to volunteer as well and I’m nervous about the same thing can I be reliable enough. So I think I will start small. Still just started new meds and having a very hard time of it but that’s my plan as soon as I hopefully level out some. Good luck 🤗❤️

I'm in the same place too. I'm a retired RN and would like to volunteer but I can't commit to anything because I never know when my Bipolar and/or anxiety will flare up. A paradox for sure!

I know what you mean. I think about volunteering but realize that I don't think I can be counted on to show up.. And I would hate to disappoint anyone.
About your dad, he may need you more than you know. Just lived through my dad being in a nursing home for 1 year b4 his death and altho he didn't always remember everything, he did appreciate every visit. And my hubby's mom has dementia and doesn't know him, but he still goes and hangs out with her. Sometimes she responds and sometimes she doesn't. He holds on to the hope that deep down she knows he is there.
Anyway, if you solve that volunteer paradox, please share it!