
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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Do most of you feel that some how you are differen't? Do you feel that there is hope for everyone but you? I never downplay anyones feelings no matter if is is the grief of losing a child or being sad for no particular reason. Yet I just feel empty and that everyone is better than me. I dont feel like I am here for any reason.
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
You might also trying simple exercises to help you regain an awareness of your ability to choose and reinforce the value of your own self-image. One that a therapist of mine started me out with was going to a store and picking out a paint chip sample that I decided - without conferring with anyone else - was my 'favorite' and carrying the card around in my pocket as a reminder. The exercise demanded that I not confirm or even reveal that I had chosen a favorite color. The choice and the value I placed on it were all mine.
I hope that helps. It was a place to start for me.
I can only tell you what I think and feel at age 53, but my Grandmother, who lived to be 90 told me when I was 26~ and had just bailed out of my first marriage~ she gave me some very simple (and profound) advice.
She said: 'Just be happy.'
I scoffed at first in thinking about it and really didn't even understand why she said that to me. As time has gone on and I have had my own battle with depression. I can honestly tell you that her advice was spot on...and it's not easy for the majority of us to find happiness, let alone be happy, when the world seems to set-up for misery and failure.
What I now believe is that on some level, we personally choose our situations~ good, bad, sick, or sad, and unless we are willing to accept it~ then we will not be able to change it. Am I talking about faith in God or a higher power~ you betcha~ but I'm also talking about faith in me~ my soul~ my creation and how I can be a better person no matter what.
I believe age provides maturity and perspective and I am grateful to be older and hopefully, a little more accepting of some of the things that I can change and let the rest of it go.
Example:
10/29, 10 a.m.-Friend called to cancel our get-together for tonight./Thought: She probably doesn't want to be around me because I'm a downer./Feeling: Sad, unwanted./Alternative thought: She probably DOES want to hang out, but might have had an unexpected situation come up.
Another example: 10/30-2 p.m.-Boss pointed out errors I made on my paperwork./Thought: I'm such a screw-up. Can't do anything right./Feelings: Incompetent, useless./Alternative thought: Ok, so I made a mistake. I'll just be more conscientious next time. I know I'm pretty decent at what I do, but hey...everyone makes mistakes.
There are some web sites that actually have worksheets like this, but I don't have them handy. I can dig them out if anyone is interested.
I know it's frustrating and it is hard work. But if there's hope for me (the former queen of pessimism), there's hope for anyone. : ) ~Laura~