You said:
When I was in a deep depressive state, I thought no one cared about me, but the truth be told, there are people who care about me. I did not have the energy to care about myself. Now, I care about me and I can feel the care from others.

I agree. When I am hurting, I have one person in my life, who ALWAYS is there for me, who will always love me no matter what, and who always tries so hard to bring me out of the darkness, yet I still, in my warped little mind, can make myself believe that no one cares. I know I am not correct, but the depression can still make me believe it. It makes me sorry for the friend who always tries to help me. Sometimes, depression can just do awful things to our minds, and our well being. I have been working on being more aware of how my mood, when depressed, affects others. I'm trying to make positive changes.

Thank you cinnamon, I have so much compassion for what you have written. I am so proud of you, too. You're a wonderful person with much wisdom to offer. You're very insightful, loving, caring and supportive

(((((((((( many hugs)))))))))))

I agree 100%. I found that when I was in pain, and I gave myself that things are horrible not going to get better, I was setting myself up for disaster. I thought it was because no one understood me or wanted to avoid me, but it was because I made it so difficult. When I hit my all time low, and was lonelier than hell, I kind of had to deal with myself so I saw how I treated myself and thought that it mustve been bad with others.

Thank you for sharing your story, amyrh. It's very insightful and I understand it very well.

Are you talking about empathy. I feel that way often. If someone hurts I hurt because I have been there before and understand the pain. If they are happy, I am happy for them. I am not sure what you are asking. It is too early in the morning and I have not had my coffee yet.

couldn't hug you back smuggers but I love random hugs too. Here is one for you...HUG HUG HUG

Thank you ZAZAS for your great reply....You're such a wonderful person.

I agree. You could have been reading my mail. If we do not make the effort to see the reflection of ourselves in others, we are headed for sickness. We are far more like our fellow creatures than we are different. Once we overcome the "terminal uniqueness", we are ready for fellowship. The ds fellowship is the most healing community I have ever encountered on line. The most healing fellowship I have found in the "flash world" is Al-Anon, or any 12 step group that is dedicated to the solution of the Spiritual Malady.

Grace and Peace

Thank you Bob for sharing your insightful story.

Hi dave, thank you for sharing.

I'm looking forward to your post.

I agree with what you are saying. Kindness towards others be-gets kindness. But, we must never forget to be kind to ourselves first. I know from my own example. I am a kind person. I like to make others feel good & happy. But sometimes there comes a point, no matter how good you are to another person, there is no pleasing them. Then, you run the risk of becoming lost or the other person sucks all your energy out of you....

Thank you patty for sharing, I appreciate it.