tears

[Eleison]

I feel so alone and sad and depressed and tearful.

Anyone else?

[christin1225]

If yesterday counts, I raise my hand. I didn't sleep last again, so this morning I'm just numb.

At best, it seems insincere to say, "Merry Christmas." Doesn't it? But, I'm saying it anyhow.

I'm sorry that you're so sad today. I wish that I knew what to do say. I've been reading and hearing so much about "living in the moment" but if you're like how I felt yesterday -- who wants this moment? So, I guess in this case, we should encourage each other to look forward to a better moment.

It's not much in the way of "advice" and I'm afraid that it's obvious that I haven't slept. Sorry if I ramble and make no sense.

I hope that your day gets better as the moments pass.

[historyteach]

Good Morning, and Merry Christmas, my friends!

I'm sorry you're both having a difficult start to this day. Not everyone has that "Hallmark" Christmas. And if our expectations built us up unrealistically, then we are bound to be disappointed and upset that this special day for Christians is not all that Hollywood made it up to be for us. Add mental health issues, such as depression, or anxiety, and it becomes that much worse. But *often* the issue lie in our expectations itself. (Please do not mistake this statement with issues of severe depression itself, that greets everyday with saddness and tears.)

If the issue is one of our expectations built around this one day, then, or even the holiday season, what can be done? Begin by accepting our feelings. They are what they are. And release the tears. It's a great stress reliever.

Then, access our lives more realistically. What are the areas we can change; what must we accept? We have alot more power over our own lives than we think. It takes a decision, planning, the decision to do things differently, and a review to see we remain on track. It's not always easy, but, it is do-able.

Finally, no matter what the day, it's always important to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Please spend some time today doing some good things for yourselves in these areas. And most of all, remember to be as gentle with yourself as you would be with a good friend who was feeling down right now. You are worth it.

Remember, you are a child of G*D,
worthy of all that is good in the world.
Have a blessed day.
Shalom!

[Eleison]

It's not just today.
I've lived with depression all my life. So please don't minimise that.
Today just intensifies it.
There's a lot of complexity around it. Including a 3 and a bit week therapy break. [2 more weeks to go]. And my flatmates being away for a month from tomorrow evening.

I'm dissociated, panicky, alone and tearful. And it's real.

[christin1225]

Originally Posted by Eleison

So please don't minimise that.
I'm dissociated, panicky, alone and tearful. And it's real.

Eleison,

Sweetie, I don't think that anyone meant to minimize or to imply that what you're feeling isn't real. However, I would venture that your sadness and pain are so deep that anything seems shallow by comparison -- even well intentioned attempts to cheer you. I am so sorry that you are so alone and sad. Do you have anyone around since your flatmates are gone? If not, please stick close to these boards. I know that there are others through the day who will reply to tears.

All my best.

[historyteach]

(((Eleison)))

It's not my intent to minimize your pain. As I said,

(Please do not mistake this statement with issues of severe depression itself, that greets everyday with saddness and tears.)

I understand quite well the reality of depression and anxiety. And I'm sorry you're in such pain.

What have you learned from your therapy that is helpful? What can you do to asuage those panicy feeling? For me, deep breathing and meditation, along with my medication, helped. Do you find that helpful? I also used aromatherapy and one of those tabletop waterfalls. I created a very peaceful environment for myself, and reduced my stress that way.

Be gentle with yourself, Eleison. And be good to yourself. You are worth it.
Continue to talk it out.
We care.

Shalom!