You are correct ... it's hard. You have had a double whammy at a very young age. I think I know how you feel. In any case, .. Depression (not to mention stroke) is very hard on the subject as well as the people around them.

If I had a solution to Depression, I would be a multibillionaire and the DS group would not exist. I do however, have a lot of experience with it.

No one wants another's depression. Try to give it to 'em and they leave ... eventually. We have to own our depression. No one else can really help us with it ... if you have not realized that already.

If you are clinically depressed, you must get a diagnosis and an effective treatment plan ... usually medication. I have been on medication for decades and I VERY rarely feel depressed. I also keep myself busy .... to the point where I don't have TIME to be depressed.

My advice to you is get some professional help, don't splash your depression on others, and stay busy.

We are here to HELP each other ... but TRY what I suggest and of course splash HERE all you want.

Thiis is the best advice I have for you at the moment. Will watch for some feedback from you as you work on this.

Good luck to you. see you around here again ... if we can be of further help.

I am very sorry to hear about what all is going on.
Depression and anxiety are very difficult things to deal with. With depression we tend to assume that we are a burden to others, making us feel as though we are unwanted, unworthy, or that people don't like us. With that being said, depression can also make us try and cling onto those who help sometimes and we want them to fix us, even if we don't realize that we are coming off that way. I am sure your friend enjoys being there for you, and truly does want to help. The thing is though, she can not fully help you, and if you put too much on her she may be unable to handle both her own world and yours. But please do not get down on yourself for it, depression and anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. I think discussing this with her would be beneficial, just to check in on how she views the situation - ask if it is too much for her at times.

I would advise seeking professional help. They would be able to help you figure out how to deal with all these problems that are occurring all at once. Counselors are there for you, and there is no shame in seeing one to help improve your quality of life.

Other things outside of counseling is just surrounding yourself in positivity. Watch videos on affirmations, take one day at a time, don't get down on yourself, and remember to live. Maybe make a list of things you want to do, even if they are small bucket list items, and go and do them. I find that always helps remind me that I have a life to live outside of sadness and how beautiful the world can be if we take advantage of its opportunities.

Good luck. Hope you seek some help in assisting you with your current struggles.

-Renee

Definitely seek professional help. Ask your doctor's for the
names of places that could help. Possible medication and
talking to therapist about your feelings should be helpfull.

There are people out there that can help you our. You need someone who can listen to you and provide support to keep moving forward. A Pastor or Counselor are good places to turn. They can pray with you - that really helps. Also, I like to try and find little things to be Thankful for - it's amazing how being Thankful can add Joy to my day. It is not easy - but so worth doing. Tell friends that you so appreciate them. That will make them feel good too and want to be around you more. Good luck my friend! Prayers for a successful year ahead!

I'm sorry for your multiple losses. Having a stoke, in itself, can bring emotional changes (the stroke can affect mood). I'm sure the loss of your wife has struck of many feelings of grief and loss. Often times when we feel lonely and depressed we seek the comfort of family and friends which is very normal. With so much happening at once, it might make sense to break things down a bit (like seeking support for the stroke, the loss of your wife, trying to find help for your depression and isolation).
Glad that you came here for help. It's a great group and let me know if I can help with anything

me too~