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.
I'm not really sure if I should be posting this here or in the anxiety forum, but a lot of my depression seems to be fuled by anxiety. Earlier this year, I was doing really well. I'd finally figured out a career path I was excited about, my anxiety and depression were better, I'd found a good schooling program I got into, things overall were looking up. Then a suppressed memory of my sister abusing me came up, and it kind of feels like my whole world got turned upside-down. I've started journalling again, and I'm trying meditation. I've calmed down a little from when the memory first came up, but the depression and anxiety are definately worse. I can't currently afford councilling, especially with school.
The worst part is, I keep noticing little inconsideracies my sister does, and I keep wondering if she's still abusive. I've always thought of them as no more than regular inconsideracies that most people living together for a long time occasionally do, but now I'm not so sure. She does things like always burying or throwing out things (like utensils or spices) I use in the kitchen, always barging into my room without asking even when she knows I don't want her there, demanding that I let her hug me (or other casual touches) even when she knows I don't want her to, or making fun of my ideas or anxieties that I share with her. I don't know if it's at a pathological level, but now I wonder, and it makes me feel like an aweful sister.
And then I keep getting bombarded with all the bad news. First the burning of Notre Dam, then the two shootings, and now the burning of the Amazon. It feels like the world is literally ending, and it feels like I'm partially guilty because I can't do anything about it. While this thought is not nearly as strong as it was when the memory first surfaced, I find myself sometimes thinking, "We're all going to die anyway. Why wait? Why not just get it over with?" I ended up blocking a friend on social media because they were posting about all this stuff non-stop. And now it's on the Yahoo news feed. I just can't seem to escape it, even for a little while.
As I said, the journalling and meditating is helping some, but do you guys have any book reccomendations on processing trauma? Or any other suggestions?
Don't watch the news it's depressing and you get only half the story anyway. There are positive news websites as an alternative . Goggle them
There must be low cost /free counselling in your area. Goggle that. Most colleges have a councellor. Have you enquired?
I hope you find some support.
You can try to call your state for free or low-cost counselling. You can also try to talk to any spiritual leaders. I’m very sorry you are going through this, I hope you can get the help you need.
You might consider to join a support group that you can meet in person. It will help you to feel less lonely. Being surrounded with people who will encourage and pray for us during difficult times is very helpful. Try also to do things you enjoy. Walk outdoors if you can especially when there is sunlight. According to some research, sunlight is useful in uplifting someone’s mood. I pray that things will go well with you. Take care. God bless.