Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
Most days is a struggle to get out of bed. In fact, I always consider that a win. I actually got oil it of bed early today and did a workout. I was in a surprisingly good mood and got myself together and to work on time. That is a rarity. However, as the day has progressed, I'm back in my depressed pit. I'm currently working with a therapist. She is one of many over the last several years. I've dealt with anxiety and major depression since I was little. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can lift my spirits during the day?
When I was far more depressed - I noticed that my thoughts were pretty negative, in the past, stuck on grief, ruminating on regret, and feeling that I had no control of my life.
Despite knowing these thoughts and feeling were bad for me, they were somehow very familiar and comforting. I had gotten so use to feeling bad, that feeling good was weird.
If you have been struggling with depression for awhile you may have felt the same way at some time.
You have to break the pattern. You exercising, making changes - gave you a "good" feeling. You have to start doing more things or create more space for positive loving thoughts.
I used affirmations, and when I wanted to dwell on grief...I said stop and thought about something else that was more positive.
It's hard to fight the programming, but others have done it, I have, and you can as well.
So today - when you started to feeling bad again...you could have reflected on what you did this morning...and re-experience how it made you felt...a memory is very powerful. Then you can get excited and plan out some more mini uplifting ideas.
When the negative thoughts creep back, say stop. End it in it's tracks and try to think about something positive or a good experience you had or say an affirmation.
Just a few tips! Sending you light and love!
Breaking the pattern is going to be so hard and it scares me, but I know that I have it in me, even though I don’t feel it right now, to persevere and get through this. Your response was so comforting and needed.
Sending you light and love as well…
It was hard for me to see my sister going through difficulty. I sent her messages about anything just to let her know that she’s not alone. I also encouraged her to join a life group. At first, she was hesitant to share her life to the group but eventually, she enjoyed it.
Little by little, her mood has improved. She volunteers, has pets and enjoys gardening. She has beautiful plants and she enjoys taking care of them. When there are times that she starts to get sad and worried, she has a trusted friend that she talks to.
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles. Continue to exercise. I’m happy for you that you can do this. Keep sharing. Online support groups like this can help you to be less lonely and not alone. That’s my experience when I went through empty nest syndrome. I was comforted after I posted in one of the parents online groups. I hope you will be comforted here as well. God bless.
I would like to add something I do sometimes when I want to banish the negative thinking.
I just put a rubber band on my wrist, and when I think negative thoughts about myself, I snap it. Not too hard, but repeatedly.
It's behavior modification that's often used with people with borderline personality to modify their negative thinking patterns that cause their negative behavior. Either way it works for me.
I do still have depression, but I am able to stop the negative thinking in its tracks and be able to work WITH myself, instead of against myself.
I think it is great how supportive you are with your sister!! That makes me smile. It’s so nice to have that one person that you know you can rely on. I don’t really have that at the moment. My hubby and family are amazing, but it is harder to express myself with them for some reason. I do have a good friend who lives about an hour and a half away and she is really supportive. I know she has her own issues and I hate to burden her with my problems
I am getting a rubber and right now (I am at work lol), so I can start snapping! I’m willing to try anything. I’m just so tired of being on so much medication. You all have been amazing and your kindness and support has definitely given me a reason to smile. Thank you for that!