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  • Image of starfish

    About Me

    Tired, and feeling old. Been on the healing and forgiveness trail for over 20 years. I've lost my oldest son to suicide, and have three other surviving adult children. I haven't been able to work since he died, and waiting for my Social Security hearing soon. Wait...wait....wait...wait...

    Interests

    Seeking God for truth and restoration. Not always sure the two are compatable!! My children, sewing, cooking, gardening, journaling, reading, DS-ing. I love cats, horses, and most other critters, too. As long as they are not trying to eat my cats!!

  • Recent Activity

    • Sorry, there is no activity in the My Activity feed.
  • Journal

    • Just so tired.

      Mood December 23, 2008 2:46am

      I wanted to do "just a few things" this year for Christmas, and one of them, was to send as many friends as I could, especiallly those who …

    • Ah, hah moment

      Mood December 16, 2008 7:30pm

      I woke up this AM thinking about stuff -- have you ever had all these things floating around in your head, and then all of a sudden, they all come …

    • Merry Holidays and Happy Christmas.

      Mood December 13, 2008 7:28pm

      Good grief, Charlie Brown.  It isn't even PC to say "Merry Christmas" anymore.  The end of the world MUST be near!!  …

    • It was inevitable.

      Mood November 13, 2008 2:41am

      It has finally come upon me.  The rain.  My parents moved us here from California in 1968 (please don't tell anyone that; it could cost …

    • Sociall Security office lady

      Mood November 11, 2008 12:38am

      She called me this morning and woke me up.  Said she was getting my hearing ready to schedule, and saw my request to have a disk of my file sent …

    Read Journal

  • Hugbook

    Give starfish a hug



    • Hug

      From NANCPATT Today

      One of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is listen to each other's stories.

    • Hug

      From Admiral Today

      Hey Starfish, r u takeing a vacation in hospital? where are you? whats up? did your pc crash? local library may have pc's. Aw your on sofa under elect blanket w long straw to refg & hose out the window,lol or you opt to unwrap duck tape off of leeann,lol. aw man you went on canival crusie w/o me! Let us know how your doing. Take care and be good to yourself for yourself and for us on DS, I 2nd nectar concerns and best wishies to you.

    • Prayer

      From nectar Yesterday

      Hi Star, I'm trying not to become alarmed at your absence . I miss you and just hope you are resting, maybe recovering from the Holidays? In any event I am praying that all is well. For Goodness sakes you need to come back and take down the tree. LOL! Love ya, Eileen. xxx

    • Hug

      From tedibear Wednesday

      Hi, how u been? hugs,tedi

    • Hug

      From NANCPATT Tuesday

      The more I think about it, the more I realize there is nothing more artistic than to love others

    Read Hugbook

  • Support Groups

    • Close Depression
      Type: Clinical (Major) Depression

      So far I have spent 20 years and found nothing that helps relieve my depression for very long. Most recently, I am having to come to terms with the fact that my father was diagnosed with BP disorder, and for years thought it was wrong. Then I found out, after my oldest son committed suicide, that irritability and agitation can be part of the manic phase. Then it all made sense. For my dad, for my son, and for me. But now, I don't care anymore.

      Treatments

      Prozac Somewhat Helpful
      I got relief, but also more extreme suicidal feelings. I felt better and could not longer afford medication so stopped after 7 months
      Psychotherapy Somewhat Helpful
      I have spent 20 + years in and out of therapy. It has been helpful for acute problems, but not for long term results.
      Elavil Not Working
      Do not recall anything specific other than it did not make much difference one way or the other.
      EMDR Somewhat Helpful
      Seemed to help for some specific issues, but overall, did not make much difference.
    • Close Bipolar Disorder

      My father had bipolar disorder, and for years I did not think he really had it. Then my oldest son committed suicide last year, and I found out that agitation and irritability can be part of the manic phase, and the pieces of the puzzle all came together. Unfortunately, it is too late for my son. But now I am so depressed and out of resouces, I don't really care anymore.

    • Open Bereavement
      Type: Loss of a Child

      This is so nice to be able to have online support groups. I am becoming more and more withdrawn, and it is getting difficult to get around - financially and physically as well as emotionally. Anyway, as far as bereavement goes, I am attracted to this group mainly because of the loss of my oldest son last year. But I have many other losses in my life as well, and when they are painful, they never quite go away. After a lifetime of adding up pain and loss, it gets overwhelming to deal with.

      Treatments

      Crying Working / Worked
      I used to get called a "cry baby" when I was a child, which I was. So I guess crying is natural for me. I think it is the best form of therapy.
      Psychotherapy Somewhat Helpful
      Therapy helps, but like finding a good mechanic, if you find one you like, keep them! But they aren't there at 1 or 2 AM when it really hurts.
      Ice Pack Working / Worked
      My dad told me once that ice cream is the best antidepressant. I have to agree with that, especially if it has chocolate in it. But crying has no calories.
    • Open Multiple Personalities

      I've had three good therapists tell me I have it, and two good therapists tell me I couldn't possibly. And one really raunchy one that supposed I have it, but she doesn't count. Does she?

    • Open Military Families

      My mother's father served in the US Navy, as well as my brother and oldest son, Isaac. My now oldest son, James, served in the Marines and is now in the Army. (Isaac passed away 9/17/05) My youngest son Jon is now stationed at Ft. Sam Houston training to be a medic and wants to go to Iraq.

      Treatments

      Prayer Working / Worked
      All I can do is pray for them. The rest is out of my hands.
    • Open Sexual Abuse

      I've been abused many times over

    • Open Pet Bereavement

      I grew up in such a dysfunctional family, my animal friends became my family, and the animals lived in the house, as far as I'm concerned. I have lost many friends over the years. And I miss them all. I have learned a great deal from them about love, compassion, understanding, that I certainly never could have learned in the house.

    • Open Rape

      I am joining this community to post a topic for another member

    • Open Physical & Emotional Abuse

      I am joining this community to post a topic for another member

    • Open Codependency

      Well, yet another crash and burn in my life, and the fact that I grew up with two alcoholics, and the recommendation of the community by one of my DS friends, has finally landed me here. I just recently looked up the term "codependency" and "enabler" after that recommendation, because I have heard the term a lot but never really knew what it was, exactly. So here I am.

      Treatments

      Pets Working / Worked
      My animal friends, especially my cats and horses, have kept my sanity throughout my life.
      Writing Working / Worked
      Journaling has also helped me keep from diving headlong in the shallow end and breaking my neck.
    • Open Endometriosis

      starfish hasn’t entered any details for this support group.
    • Open Self-Injury

      If I have to, I guess...

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