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.
Good morning,
Posting this is hard to do but I feel I need to do something that will help me. A few years back I suffered from a very deep depression and I was able to come out of it by finding information on my personality type. The problem is that information can only do so much and then I feel stuck again. I realize that when I have a lot of deep, frustrating moments - it is due to my being fatigued - but it doesn't help that I feel those feelings for a reason.
Yesterday was a very bad day for me - one that I had not felt in a very long time. I have awoken before with feelings of boredom and hopelessness but this time, I awoke wanting to die. This morning I had the same feelings. I realized that I felt those feelings prior to going into the deep depression I had a few years back and I need to speak about it and express it before it spirals out of control.
The problem I have is that there is no one who hears me when I ask or express what I need. I don't feel as if I am heard or taken into consideration. My feelings are dismissed, overlooked, and never validated. It's hurtful because I see and feel the pain of others and work to provide what they need but my needs are not acknowledged. I feel alone - not lonely - just ALONE!! I don't have anyone to whom I can turn and pour my concerns out to. There's no one who is able to provide the emotional support I need and I can't deal with it anyone. What is devastating is the accepted advice is to think about other people or volunteer but I don't have the strength or energy to do that at this moment. I am the one who needs the help. At what point do I become the "other person" that someone can think about and provide assistance?
I don't know what to do and I don't have the ability to provide the help and support to myself anymore. I am crying as I am writing this post and I am seriously at my wit's end. I am tired of hearing that I should pray - that doesn't work. I need a verbal response. I need someone with a listening ear. I need someone with viable advice. I need help.
We all have those bad days--that's life! Life is full of valleys. We all have valleys that are dark and deep. They feel liker they will go on forever.
But, when I am in those valleys is when I rely on my friend Jesus the most. You see, it's during testing times the teacher is quiet...but there!!!
I hear you are tired of hearing "pray". But, for me, prayer is just talking with my Friend.
Then, I can see the mountaintop!!! Climbing the mountain can be rough, too. But, there are soooo many things I see and learn climbing the mountain. Then, I finally reach the mountain top---and oh the things I see....the view I have!!!
Then, there is the decent from the mountaintop.....the next valley can be seen!
So is life.
a lot of us have thoughts like you. It's not the thought that becomes the issue. It's the deciding to stop, and dwell on that thought that becomes the issue. Don't dwell!!!
Easier said--then done! I know. Believe me, I know!!
Can we connect. I would love to be one who encourages you!!!
That is a blessing in a way. Knowing this means that I do not have to understand your issues to know just how serious they can be to you. But on the flip side, I may not be able to fully respond to your issue because I have not waded through it.
But on the good flip side, odds are very high that somebody here has struggled with almost the exact same issues that you are.
So please feel free to vent as much as you wish!
I also find it helpful to read the posts of others. If I have dealt with their issue, I can share that. If I struggle with that issue, I can share what does and does not work for me.
And we can always listen, just what you asked for!
I do know that there is a balance. Some of our issues are so deep, complex, or out of the realm of experience for others that they don't know what to do or say. So we need to scale back on our expectations of them.
It sounds like some of the people you have encountered are emotional vampires. They are more than willing to share their issues with you, but are the first to leave when others have issues. They can be very toxic to other people. Sometimes a simple "this is a two way street, I'll support you but you have to support me" will work. If not, then dropping them as a friend may be necessary.
Sorry to just jump in and drop generalities, looking forward hearing more from you.