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.
Hi everyone,
I am new to this Support Group. I have been having sad thoughts lately, but not really depression. I just thought maybe this group might help a little.
My husband who is now 63 has had Parkinson's for 4 years. It is a slow progression, but life has changed for us in the past 4 years. We've moved from the country to the town because he couldn't handle the jobs outside the house such as cutting grass for 4 hours or fixing up the house. He is retired so he doesn't have to work. One of the symptoms is fatigue and lack of energy.
He tires very easily and things that he used to do take longer and he doesn't have the same strength. Things bother him more than ever and it takes him longer to read and write and yes, getting dressed or taking a show. Parkinson's has even affected his eyes.
He was always a quiet man and had a deeper voice but Parkinson's is affecting his and it's much softer. He finds it difficult to express himself at times, especially in a group because he can't find the certain words. For example, he'll be telling a story and a simple word which he should know, won't come to him. It is very hard sometime so I think he's basically given up trying to talk much in a group. Rather than embarrass himself, he talks less. I talk mostly and try to bring him into the conversation, but sometime I feel as if I'm prompting him to speak.
.
He's okay with our old friends but making new friends is more difficult for him. Also whenever I talk about my day or tell him something that I've done,etc. we don't have much of a conversation. I am just feeling more lonely each day and sometimes I want to cry.
Sometime I feel as if I'm talking to myself.
I hope by looking at the various discussions, maybe I'll understand what I am going through.
I know I'm feeling sorry for myself, and hopefully this new year will bring some better changes. I just have to take one day at a time, the way he does. I don't know what he is going through and what I would be like in the same situation.
Take care everyone and thanks for listening.
I am new to this Support Group. I have been having sad thoughts lately, but not really depression. I just thought maybe this group might help a little.
My husband who is now 63 has had Parkinson's for 4 years. It is a slow progression, but life has changed for us in the past 4 years. We've moved from the country to the town because he couldn't handle the jobs outside the house such as cutting grass for 4 hours or fixing up the house. He is retired so he doesn't have to work. One of the symptoms is fatigue and lack of energy.
He tires very easily and things that he used to do take longer and he doesn't have the same strength. Things bother him more than ever and it takes him longer to read and write and yes, getting dressed or taking a show. Parkinson's has even affected his eyes.
He was always a quiet man and had a deeper voice but Parkinson's is affecting his and it's much softer. He finds it difficult to express himself at times, especially in a group because he can't find the certain words. For example, he'll be telling a story and a simple word which he should know, won't come to him. It is very hard sometime so I think he's basically given up trying to talk much in a group. Rather than embarrass himself, he talks less. I talk mostly and try to bring him into the conversation, but sometime I feel as if I'm prompting him to speak.
.
He's okay with our old friends but making new friends is more difficult for him. Also whenever I talk about my day or tell him something that I've done,etc. we don't have much of a conversation. I am just feeling more lonely each day and sometimes I want to cry.
Sometime I feel as if I'm talking to myself.
I hope by looking at the various discussions, maybe I'll understand what I am going through.
I know I'm feeling sorry for myself, and hopefully this new year will bring some better changes. I just have to take one day at a time, the way he does. I don't know what he is going through and what I would be like in the same situation.
Take care everyone and thanks for listening.
I will keep your and your husband in my prayers.
I had a friend whose husband had the PD for 10 years and suggested going to a Support Group. I went first and mostly there were couples with either a male or female spouse with the disease. I was probably the only one there without her spouse. It was okay, but I just kind of felt left out although they were a friendly group. We had regular meetings every other month where a speaker came or we had discussions. They had a facilitator but eventually she was taken over by one of the Parkinson's guys and it kind of went down hill, however, I think it's getting back to a better group. Also every other month we meet at a restaurant for lunch a little program after we ate.
As I said, my husband didn't go, but finally agreed to go. He went for 2 or 3 meetings, I think and one Christmas meeting. He said he didn't really enjoy it and announced it was the last time. It made him feel badly seeing people worse then him. He isn't very talkative, and isn't out going, so I guess that makes the difference.
You have to be in his situation I guess and since I'm more outgoing, it easier for me to make friends. I have stopped going also, as sometime I felt like it wasn't helping. It seems like everytime we had a meeting, I had something else to attend at our church, so it didn't work out.
I find more support with Daily Strength and if I want to start a conversation about something, I know you will support me or repond in some way.
I thank you very much and I will continue to stay on here. I know that this Depression Support Group
isn't for caregivers or people with Parkinson's but I also belong to that group too.
Being sad or lonely, I guess, is one symptoms that I have sometimes, so I know I'm not alone. Everyone has their problems in life, don't they? We need each others support and I know it's here for one thing.
Thanks again.
Lynnie