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.
Over the summer, I had a fantastic opportunity to climb Mount Yusemite in California with my aunt, cousin, and immediate family.
I had never been hiking before, and didn't expect anything more than a couple of hours of site seeing. As it turns out, the hike was a 13 hours, 18 mile long treck that began at 5:30am. The first quarter of the hike was brutal, to say the least. My entire family moaned and groaned as we climbed up countless "stairs" that were formed in the rocks. I remember knowing that I just was not capable of going another step. But right as I was about to voice my failure, we reached our first resting point by a beautiful sparkling waterfall. The mist from the fall cooled my body as we sat and ate some trail mix. The view was so breathtaking I forgot all about the pain and misery of the hike thus far. Sunlight poured through the rocks and the water as dawn broke. My negative feelings melted away and I was left optimistic and even excited about the views to come. My aunt warned us that the hike would only get steeper and harder from here, but I was ready to push myself.
After many hours of climbing, and countless words of encouragement from my family, we had reached the final stretch. This, my aunt informed us, was the most difficult quarter mile of the entire trip. The stairs we had to climb were extremely steep and waist high. I knew that this final push would hurt the most, but I was ready. My thighs burned and my heart raced as I pulled myself to the summit.
We sat and ate our lunch on top of sun covered rock. My dad even took a nap. Every direction I looked was filled with beauty. The hike was more than worth it. Now that I had reached the top and was looking back, the hard part actually seemed fun in its own way.
Probably the best part about the whole hike was the way back down. Not only was this the easiest portion of the hike, but we got to give encouragement to the people we passed who were working there way up. I remember several people who would top and ask me if the hike was worth it. I urged them to keep going. "I know it hurts now, and it feels worthless, but don't give up! The top is more beautiful than you can imagine!" With a smile, they capped their water bottles and continued on.
That night there was a celebration dinner held for those who had made it to the top. It was there that I made the plans with my aunt to return this following summer. I knew now that no matter how bad the trip up the mountain hurt, reaching the top would always be worth it.
(There are a couple of pictures in my photos if anyone wants to see)
I had never been hiking before, and didn't expect anything more than a couple of hours of site seeing. As it turns out, the hike was a 13 hours, 18 mile long treck that began at 5:30am. The first quarter of the hike was brutal, to say the least. My entire family moaned and groaned as we climbed up countless "stairs" that were formed in the rocks. I remember knowing that I just was not capable of going another step. But right as I was about to voice my failure, we reached our first resting point by a beautiful sparkling waterfall. The mist from the fall cooled my body as we sat and ate some trail mix. The view was so breathtaking I forgot all about the pain and misery of the hike thus far. Sunlight poured through the rocks and the water as dawn broke. My negative feelings melted away and I was left optimistic and even excited about the views to come. My aunt warned us that the hike would only get steeper and harder from here, but I was ready to push myself.
After many hours of climbing, and countless words of encouragement from my family, we had reached the final stretch. This, my aunt informed us, was the most difficult quarter mile of the entire trip. The stairs we had to climb were extremely steep and waist high. I knew that this final push would hurt the most, but I was ready. My thighs burned and my heart raced as I pulled myself to the summit.
We sat and ate our lunch on top of sun covered rock. My dad even took a nap. Every direction I looked was filled with beauty. The hike was more than worth it. Now that I had reached the top and was looking back, the hard part actually seemed fun in its own way.
Probably the best part about the whole hike was the way back down. Not only was this the easiest portion of the hike, but we got to give encouragement to the people we passed who were working there way up. I remember several people who would top and ask me if the hike was worth it. I urged them to keep going. "I know it hurts now, and it feels worthless, but don't give up! The top is more beautiful than you can imagine!" With a smile, they capped their water bottles and continued on.
That night there was a celebration dinner held for those who had made it to the top. It was there that I made the plans with my aunt to return this following summer. I knew now that no matter how bad the trip up the mountain hurt, reaching the top would always be worth it.
(There are a couple of pictures in my photos if anyone wants to see)
deleted_user
So great to read and envison -thanks for the encouragement
deleted_user
Yeah it's funny how sometimes these experiences don't fully help you until later on in life
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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...
