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.

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MultiColorDreamer
MultiColorDreamer

I was on DS about 11 years ago, with a different account and pretty much a different life. I have been struggling with depression off and on through the years, and it is recently come to a head. I've found myself in an isolated work/life situation, with very little to no personal support, and certainly no outside friends or family to speak of. 


Over the last 11 years, life has done what it does, and has left me with an immediate (and extended family) of two (my dad and his sister). I have connected with my birth mother's family (both birth parents are deceased). Check out my first journal post for the full summary of the last 11 years.


Back in September, just after Labor Day, I was diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) from a tick bite in mid-June (yes, I kept going with it for just over 2 months with it before seeing a doc). Since June I have struggled physically in ways that I never imagined. Now I am to a point where I need support, someone to talk me off the ledge every now and then; I'm isolated from my friends and family and don't have the physical strength to visit them or do the things that used to keep me sane.

annieheart
annieheart
Im sorry things have been so rough. I am happy you made it back here.
Fighter1986
Fighter1986
No strength to do what you used to be able to do? That's rough. I've been dealing with that for the last 7 years and I still cannot wrap my head around it. You kind of have to refocus what makes you happy and go from there. I used to go outside and work all the time. Now, I wheel out onto the deck and enjoy coffee and my dog plays while I'm out there. Not the same thing, but related and it helps with the stress at times. Also, since your situation has been forced on you, it is very important to try to find new things you can do that you find fun. Drawing, painting, putting together models, video games, or other hobbies.
It is almost impossible, for me at least, but try to not let the fact that what you used to be able to do and what you can do now define you. It doesn't matter what you used to do to make you happy. Now you need to find what makes you happy in your current situation.
enaid
enaid
I can sympathize with your feelings of isolation. I’m not lonely because I keep busy but the only family I have is my brother who is not speaking to me. I do however have acquaintances (not to confide in) here where I live and I try to spend time with them when they gather in the furnished lobby of my building. (I live in government funded housing for seniors). The incident which caused the rupture in my relationship with my brother was one in which he and his wife treated me in such a way which suggested they were looking down on me and judging me, which in turn triggered my own feelings of worthlessness.
Jacaroo
Jacaroo
I'm so sorry you are struggling so much and feel so isolated. Don't give up! There is a purpose for your life. I am a woman of faith in God and I couldn't make it without Him. He is my only hope and salvation-- spiritually & emotionally. He gives me the strength I need to trust Him. A hope that goes beyond circumstances to know that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I can't rely on circumstances or other people for my own happiness. I can trust God to see me through whatever is before me including loneliness or illness. I know that He is near the broken hearted and those crushed in spirit. I want that same hope for you.
If you have a chance to reach out to a community of faith, I encourage you to do that. Take steps to connect to people who can really care about you and vice versa. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace as you find your way--- keep reaching out to others and seeking JOY in life.
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