@ReaDyO I swear you understand everything! It doesn't sound weird because we understand eachother! I don't even remember the last time I've had a hug. And I always felt like I shouldn't hug people and I should learn how to be tough and chin up, hide how I feel, act like everything is together even if it's not, etc. And look at me now. I was almost at the brink of losing my shit when I felt the anxiety attacks for the first time. And I'm realizing now I have to retrain my brain and way of thinking because the way I was taught was all wrong. It fucks with my creativity, goals, happiness and my vision. Again, I'm getting better now and I'm starting to live and enjoy the moment but it's not 24/7. And that's what I'm aiming for. So I'm gonna continue to get out the house and face fears that holds me back. I know I'll be great! Thank you for that! Seriously meant a lot!

I have found gettingnout in the sun really helps, exercise can help and doing something to express your creativity or personality can really help!!!!!

Yes it truly does @mekula

Hey!

Find things that you like to do! That's helped me a lot. Also staying busy. When im busy I don't have time to think about if im happy, if I want to die, or any of those other depressive thoughts that linger around in my mind.

When Im not busy I try to find things that make me happy, or think about happy, hopeful things. Like getting a dog, decorating, and living my dreams.

Depression sucks, but it's made me live more firecefully. And for that im grateful.

Yes. Agreed! ^

@dan_99 So true. I will keep trying.

Getting motivated is hard for me, and the fear of having an attack once I leave my house. I have good days, ok days. I do know one thing is we should each pat ourselves on the back for any little thing we do.

Exactly @mlm52 !

1) I don't watch the news or pay attention to politics.
2) I count my blessings each day.
3) Exercise outside. It doesn't have to be hardcore exercise. Take a 20 minute walk.
4) Don't gossip or cut others down. This can really bring people down.
5) Open curtains and bring light in to your home.
6) Talk to your kids often. Mine are adults, so they don't live with me.
7) Spend time with your dog....hopefully you have one!! They're such great therapy.
8) Journal. This is a good way to get things off your chest. Then you can burn it later.
9) Buy yourself some new clothes.
10) When you need to let off some steam, watch a sad movie and get some crying out.

Just want to say that there were lots of on point suggestions on this post and I couldn't agree more. @brigie101 and @ReaDyO youth suggested thought provoking path to happiness. Thank u both

I know you've heard happiness comes from within before, right? That's a hard concept for me to understand. I've always felt I couldn't be happy unless everyone around me was happy, starting with my mother. She passed away almost 10 yrs ago, may she Rest In Peace, and I'm not sure if she was ever happy. She said she was when I would ask her, but she kind of acted like it was a ridiculous question, she lived a hard life. I'm trying to think about what makes me happy, I know sometimes I am. But I've heard people say that we can't always be happy, I've been there, too. I tend to isolate and believe that it's okay to do so. Not many others would agree with me, I know. But sometimes I like to be left alone with my thoughts, maybe it's easier not to have to worry about pleasing someone else.
Hey, you really got me going with this post! Believe it or not, that makes me happy right now :) maybe happiness comes around when we we least expect it?

Agreed ^

I don"t feel happy nomore these days, just sad and lonely.

It is easier said than done, but we all have to force it, and when we do pat ourselves, it's so hard for me to leave my house, but I do I have to in order to keep moving. I don't work now but will have to eventually, but it's every minute, every day.

@mlm52 I love that you wrote that. I can tell you mean it. Because I feel the same. It's not easy just getting out not really knowing what to do or expect but you know in doing it, it'll pay off. We know that getting out and finding a job and not being hard on ourselves and regaining our confidence back are all the right steps. We don't give up. That's what real champions do!