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 don't know where else I can go. It's been two years now since I lost my family. I'm totally and completely alone. This is just a miserable existance. I do have a job and I go through the motions. People are very nice to me, but they don't undersand the pain I deal with every minute, hour, day that I endure. I often think, why do I keep going forward? Why do I keep this up? I don't see a point behind these struggles that will probably lead to nowhere.
My depression has been astronomical. I'm a 53 year old man, a professor at a university, a tutor, and a person who is supposed to inspire others. However, nobody is around to inspire me. I have nobody that I can lean on. I have nobody who gives one crap about what happens to me. I'm completely and totally alone. This misery is now going on 2 years. I dont know why I keep going through this.
I used to have a family. That's all gone. I keep asking myself.....why am I still here?
Please don't respond that there's some sort of God that's hanging around to help, if there is one....he hates me. Do not elaborate! I live in the real world. No God or Jesus advice would be appreciated. Please keep any religious stuff out of this. I could use actual and real world advisement from any who actually deal with this sort of depression.
I hope this made you feel better!
I know how you feel about loss and the depression that comes with the loss. I had lost a parent, and the pain was unbearable. You would feel so numb; there is no joy nor colour left in your life. You live and go to work because society expects you to, and you are not given enough time to grieve. I am telling you now, it is alright to grieve and to cry over the loss. Perhaps you may like to read about the 5 stages of grief by Kubler Ross so that you would know the emotions that you are having now are quite normal.
One day, when you have accepted the grief, then you may be open to the idea of finding another family of your own, so that you will have somewhere/someone to belong to once more. 53yrs is only half of your life, the remaining half may be happy. Don't look at life too fatalistically. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, as Scarlet O"Hara has said: "tomorrow is another day". Take care.
Maybe we can inspire you...
Here is one of my experiences:
I have Social Anxiety and I would never in a million years just walk up to someone I don't know and talk to them. A few months ago, I was walking to get the mail and I saw a woman crying in her car. Surprisingly, I walked towards her and asked if she was okay. She was struggling to find who she was and wanted to know if the man she was going to marry was right for her. She was also struggling with other stuff but you said to keep religious stuff out of this. I spoke to her and tried to listen. Her car was loud and she was quiet but I did my best to listen. We ended up talking for a whole 30 minutes. If I hadn't gotten past my fears and talked to her, she would've kept going in her life feeling alone. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Just keep living and be strong. Life may be tough but everywhere you look there are people who will listen. Talk to others. Explain what you are dealing with. Remember: You are never alone. There are some people here whose sole purpose is to help others when they are in their darkest hours. Try and find them.
I'm a 52yrs old Mental Health professional of 30yrs. I recently was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety.
I know all the 'text book' answers. But they don't prepare you for actually going through it!
The healing path is it's own process. Different for everyone. I wanted answers as to "Why now"? "What am I doing wrong"? In time I came to find that in order to 'move forward' you have to accept the moment and keep balanced.
I think we'd all agree 'Talking is an excellent tool in our resource'. As to the whole self expectation thing...You have to allow yourself the permission to acknowledge what you are feeling. Then maintain a balance around it.
You should really consider some sort of support network. e.g. Counselor, therapist, trusted friend.
Lets be clear you are NOT admitting weakness. We demonstrate only strength to battle this 'thing' that has such impact on our lives.
I wish you well! I hope that you find the support you need.
P.S. I'm sorry I'm doing exactly the opposite of what you wanted, but I will defend God at all costs and I want everyone to know that God loves them, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE OR WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH. The Adversary can be brutal at times but don't give up hope and never give up on God.
It's a terrible existence.
I miss companionship, I miss a partner to relate to, I miss kids to have fun with all day, then watch them fall asleep in my arms. I miss holding someone I love at night. I miss having a woman to take care of me, and I miss taking care of her when she is uncertain or hurts.
That was my life before. It's all gone now. Why do I keep moving forward? What is the point of this?
Sure I'll keep posting here and do the best I can to help others, but for me......love is gone now. I don't see it coming back anytime soon. With that fact, I now have nowhere else to go.
I'm on this site for a very good reason, it's sort of a last hope.
And remember: You are never alone. We are all here for you.