COMPLETELY!

I have to get up and go to work, no matter how awful I feel. There are many days that I have no idea how I have gotten through the day.

I have had to take days off due to crushing depression, and it does frighten me...it frightens me to think that I could just crawl away and never come back. But I won't, I refuse to let it take me over.

I dont know, I think we can learn to work through some of our issues and realize we can let them go because we have no control over them. Others are a work in progress. We develope coping skills to deal with things, like laughter and fun activities or coping skills for our life.

Sometimes when things are let go too long they are more difficult to deal with and our brain chemicals are a mess. It is easier to crash when we are like that, in overload.

I think we just have to find the coping skills that work best for us and use them. Healing and forgiveness have been key for me. That and the serenity prayer which is so true for our lives. Hugs

You are so right!!! I have been depressed at home...don't really know anyone..and I just ....ummm..... kinda gave up I guess!!!????
Even though I recently got my disability and a car due to it....and things are sooooo much better than they were......sooooo what's the deal???

Well I just got back from a 3 day 3 night "vacation" with a friend in a small town, McGregor Texas....I HAD A BLAST!!!!! We BBQ'ed ..I mean brisket, pork and beef ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs. So NOW I hope to go volunteer someplace or something!!! I told my roommate (also disabled) that even if we go to a park and just hang out...like outside and get out of this house .....it is SO much better!!!! SO we are going to try to tackle the " just hanging around the house thing!" ...Well I am!!!

So c'mon peeps let's get out and try to enjoy at least the sun!!!

Much love & God bless all!
Tere

Hi Sabrina, I totally relate to what you're saying.

I think all of us, if we had the choice, would prefer to go through life with a happy disposition and carefree heart.

We don't choose to have depression. There is often a genetic predisposition, and there is a definite difference in brain chemistry (dopamine). Traumatic experiences, whether acute or chronic, alter our brain chemistry as well.

Those of us who live with depression share a common struggle trying to function in society. We find ways to cope, and laughing and joking can help us get through the day. There is social stigma about any kind of mental illness, so we mask our feelings.

I've just come through a difficult few weeks when I didn't know how I would make it through work, and was dealing with a lot of anger, frustration and despair. I think it is somewhat cyclical, and we need to remind ourselves that we will feel good again. When I start having negative thoughts, I consciously try to remember things that bring me joy, or get out to nature, even if it's just to look up at the sky.

One thing that I've started doing lately is just smiling. I have a coworker who constantly scowls, and every time she walks in the room, she brings an instant bad mood with her. I find when I smile, people usually smile back. It's a reflex. Babies naturally smile at everyone. I make a point of giving warm smiles to seniors, and often see them brighten up. A sincere smile at the right time can really cheer up a vulnerable person. I know it's worked for me.

When I'm really despondent, I'm not likely to smile of course. I don't even like to go out in public or see people. This still happens sometimes. I think self-care is critical in healing, making sure we eat healthy food, sleep well, exercise, and be kind to ourselves.

I wish you more bright days, Sabrina. You've cheered me up many times when I've been struggling.

Hugs,
Ani

I thank everyone who has responded to this discussion, and I respect and appreciate everyone's individual circumstances. It helps to know that others are also coping, and managing day by day...one step at a time.


Sabrina

Sometimes its hard for me to function in my support groups, at church or with my peers because depression comes on suddenly; and I'm one of those types that tries to make everyone else feel happy before myself. So then I go home and isolate, or when I'm at a support group I bury my face in a book and isolate from others. I also deal with PTSD and Major Depression and sometimes I too, wonder, how did I make it through the day. But I do my best and take each day at a time and know that each day, I am a step close to recovery....although some days, it may not feel like it, but I am.