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.
I have read many threads and posts on here - and feel like I know people based on how they respond. There are alot of caring people on here - who are very selfless - always thinking of their loved ones instead of themselves.
I kind of feel like a turd for thinking about myself. Don't get me wrong - I love my kids, family, etc., but I feel like all I talk about is me - maybe because I'm trying to understand me.
I don't know - I just feel really self-absorbed lately = and I dont like it - but I feel like I"m acknowledging what's going on with me - instead of ignoring it.
Sorry for the ramble - just something that popped into my head.
I kind of feel like a turd for thinking about myself. Don't get me wrong - I love my kids, family, etc., but I feel like all I talk about is me - maybe because I'm trying to understand me.
I don't know - I just feel really self-absorbed lately = and I dont like it - but I feel like I"m acknowledging what's going on with me - instead of ignoring it.
Sorry for the ramble - just something that popped into my head.
Hey can I join the terd family?
I assume it is obvious, but those who are busy, active, and engaged seem to avoid or emerge from depressive episodes much more so than those who are isolated and idle. It's not a criticism of those who are isolated and idle, I say it only as a perception of "how we're built".
Idle hands may not be the devil's workshop, but they certainly might be fertile ground for bad brain chemistry. Perhaps you could try to strike the right balance - become introspective and "self-absorbed" only up to the point that the result is action - a decision to do something about your anxiety or depression - whether it be short-term or long-term (e.g., "I'm feeling low, so I'm going to take a walk to shake off the gloom", or "I'm really depressed, so I'm going to see a psychiatrist"). If your introspection is only leading you into a constant re-run of how miserable you feel, then it is no longer productive and now is part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. In these cases, you need to develop a strategy for getting your mind focused on something else - even if you don't "feel like it". Depressed brains don't ever "feel like it", we know that. It requires a calculated, conscious decision to go do something that your brain would otherwise avoid.
There have been numerous suggestions by members of this community on activities that lead to social interaction - but suffice it to say that almost anything that occupies your mind is better than allowing it to obsess over sadness. If you aren't inclined to go out and be among the masses, then you'll need to find alternatives. My own current preference is to read books or watch DVDs or programs on psychology (LOL), philosophy, history, and religion. For whatever reason, these things interest me. Certainly not for everyone, but again, the point is to simply do something, forcing the depressed brain to fire different neurons, and distracting it from its otherwise rather nasty habit of making us hermits.
I understand that "being active" and "taking positive action" are utterly contrary to how depressed people are inclined to behave, but there is simply no choice. The goal here is to get better, not to explore every possible characteristic of a depressed state. It sucks to be depressed - nuff said.
Peace.