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've been wondering that lately. My job is gone, my health, my family relationships are awful or non exisitent, my finances are not good, I'm 100 pounds overweight and gaining, I have no friends, blah blah blah. Poor me. but I wonder why I am here. It's like I am just feeding this body and moving it around a little bit each day because i have to. I have not purpose or passion or happiness. It's weird, when you do less and less you notice it doesn't slow down or stop time like you think it might, time still passes by it's just like you aren't doing anything with it if that makes sense. I'm so very discouraged and lonely and sad and agitated and angry all at the same time. Nothing makes me feel ok anymore.
Like you, my problem also included family. I felt abandoned by my family which caused me to feel as if I was a reject.
But I found a few things helped me while I was going through those hard times, I adopted a kid, I started doing yoga, and I tried meditation.
My kid took my mind off of the situation and provided me someone to love. And the yoga helped me when my kid isn’t available. I also tried guided meditation because it sounded cool, and I think initially it did help.
I’m not sure if my response is helpful. But I hope things get better for you.
Understand the whole 'what am I do here'. Do you have a diagnosis?
I've had to fight to be alive today. Many here are in the same situation. You are never alone in your life! There are many just waiting/hoping to be invited in.
As the rule in therapy is use "I" when talking about life and stuff. I believe you as a human being are just as valuable as anyone else on this planet.
Start with one thing, just one step. i.e. start liking yourself. (for me that comes and goes).
Give yourself a hug!
The world will throw sh*t at us all the time. You've obviously had a time of it!
But Anna!
It all start with one step. One small step for Anna. One giant leap for life and recovery.
(((Hugs))
Depression enhances our negative and insecure thoughts about ourselves. What has really helped me is replacing negative thoughts about myself with positive ones. At first this is really hard, but after time it gets easier. At the beginning I was thankful that I had a sweet cat, or a comfy chair to sit on, but later I was able to say I am thankful that I am a nice person and that I care about people.
Journaling really helps me. I call it my gratitude journal (or good vibe journal). I write something each day that I am grateful for. In time that becomes a healthy habit and makes me feel better. I also write out my thoughts which eventually became a prayer journal and I take the hurts out of my mind and put them on paper.
Lastly, any hurt from the past I try to let go of or anything that is causing me to feel negative about myself. I actually do a visual exercise where I write those things down, one by one on a paper, then I crumble them up and either throw them in the garbage or burn them. This is my way of letting it go to God and not taking those hurts and thoughts back. It is very freeing.
Just know you are not alone. Reaching out here is a good way to let go too and also know you have other people who care and can relate to your struggles. I will be praying for you. Hugs and God Bless
Don't be afraid to talk to someone about it. Doctors and psychologists have had a lot of experience dealing with these issues. They can help.
Another thing that helped me was getting a dog. I got a dog 7 years ago after I retired. I got another one in August. It makes me happy to watch them play. It makes me happy when they just want to curl up next to me. They have brought much joy to my life.
I just joined Weight Watchers, and my plan is to stick to it. It was very helpful when I gained weight 30 years ago. I quit smoking and immediately gained a bunch of weight. Weight Watchers got me back down to where I was comfortable. I followed a Keto diet for almost 2 years. I lost about 15 pounds right away but didn't lose anymore. Eventually, it started causing me all kinds of digestive issues. Weight Watchers is a lot easier for me.
As someone else mentioned -- baby steps. Maybe tackle one thing at a time. For example, talk to a doctor about how you're feeling. Next, start walking every day (maybe walking a dog?). Then start working on the weight issues. That's what I've done, and I feel pretty good about myself most days.
You are not alone. You have support from both your doctor and the people here. Don't give up. I love the meme that says "On my darkest days, when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am, and I straighten my crown."