Alison, I am sorry you are feeling down.Yes you need a place to vent,let it out and don't bottle it up. I can relate b/c I am a family of 5(was),my kids all grown up now and live away. We have a fantastic rel and speak most days but at the end of the day I come home to an empty house. I didn't have the alone feeling in the m though so I think some of your thoughts/feelings maybe due to the anti climax of all your studying plus you still have not got the old life sorted out yet. I am sure when this happens you will feel better and more able to completely let go.
Please don't feel you are the only one to feel this way. Bit clich'ed but count your blessings,small things everyday. Maybe do some volunteer work now you have a bit more time. Lots of people spend most of their time alone but are not engulped by lonliness, maybe thats a personality thing. Why do you think the friendships don't last (I know some are meant to be that way, for a reason or a season).
The sun is shining, B.Holls are hard but it will get better. Got a good book you can escape into? Take care.
