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.
It seems every time I post, I have to concede that I am usually the Invisible Man on the boards and so I'm probably doing nothing but taking up others' time. I also probably need to concede here that I recognize a lot of you are tired about posts regarding the Boston Marathon bombings by now.
But I can't hold this in any longer. :(
I don't live very far from Boston -- less than 10 miles away -- and my commute to campus doesn't leave all that far from the heart of the city. Boston, as capital cities go, is small.
I say this because the bombings a week ago hit my heart a lot harder than anything than on 9/11 did, and 9/11 was a hard one for me to handle. It has to be because it was much, much closer to home. It amplifies memories that I want to forget but are a part of me forever.
In high school, I had to go through a smoke bombing in my freshman year. Three years later it was rumored that I was going to be a hogtie target in a scavenger hunt (later proved untrue, but I didn't know until after the fact). In particular these two things gave me the hard impression that people are only out to hurt.
The bombing amplified those feelings. Before last week I only felt that a handful of places could be viewed as relatively safe. Now there isn't a place on earth that feels safe anymore, because something like what happened in Boston can happen anywhere.
All I want to do now is hide. I know it can't be like that, but I'm just so so scared because every place feels like a danger zone now.
So I hate to put people through this, but...how would you rebuild even just a little sense of safety?
But I can't hold this in any longer. :(
I don't live very far from Boston -- less than 10 miles away -- and my commute to campus doesn't leave all that far from the heart of the city. Boston, as capital cities go, is small.
I say this because the bombings a week ago hit my heart a lot harder than anything than on 9/11 did, and 9/11 was a hard one for me to handle. It has to be because it was much, much closer to home. It amplifies memories that I want to forget but are a part of me forever.
In high school, I had to go through a smoke bombing in my freshman year. Three years later it was rumored that I was going to be a hogtie target in a scavenger hunt (later proved untrue, but I didn't know until after the fact). In particular these two things gave me the hard impression that people are only out to hurt.
The bombing amplified those feelings. Before last week I only felt that a handful of places could be viewed as relatively safe. Now there isn't a place on earth that feels safe anymore, because something like what happened in Boston can happen anywhere.
All I want to do now is hide. I know it can't be like that, but I'm just so so scared because every place feels like a danger zone now.
So I hate to put people through this, but...how would you rebuild even just a little sense of safety?
Best wishes and be well !
The one thing I try to remember, as the images of that day flood my mind, is the images of the helpers. The GOOD people who ran toward the blast, instead of away. The hundreds who rushed to area hospitals to give blood. The SWAT officer who delivered milk to a family with young children, who were locked down in Watertown. These are just a few examples. So many well wishes have come from all over the world. People love Boston. Try to think of the good, as hard as it might be.
If you really find yourself struggling, maybe you could see a counselor, just to talk through what you are feeling and get help coping with what has happened. I understand the feeling of wanting to hide, but that's no way to live. Take baby steps. Try a walk around your block, and in doing so, notice the bright sky, the birds singing, the green grass and flowers...the beauty in the world. Maybe when you are ready, a stroll through the city could be cathartic, and help you to heal further.
You are certainly not alone. Maybe we should start a group here on DS for Boston Strong, dealing with the aftermath.
May the days ahead bring you peace and comfort..
So I'll just add "Gentle hugs" and hope that you can rebuild your feelings of safety brick by brick!
That said I do appreciate the input from all three of you, and hugbook entries of some kind are coming if you haven't gotten them already.