Support circle for depression

pecos · Post by **pecos** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:00 am

I made a note on my calendar to think of you both tomorrow at five pm. If you can, do take some photos today of your dear little friend. Those eyes will always tell you how much you were certainly loved unconditionally. My family always had a belief about animals: When we eventually die, all the animals we ever loved will be waiting for us on the other side of a rainbow bridge, and when they see us, they cross the bridge and meet us, to walk across with us, as devoted in death as they always were in life. Take care.

Lambert · Post by **Lambert** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:47 pm

Hello.I would love to be a part of this supportive forum. I have struggled with depression since I was a teenager and now into my late twenties. I've always been very aware of myself, very emotionally intelligent, intuitive BUT just unable to get to the next level as to how to change my negative thoughts/reactions to what happens externally. With these tools I am confident I WILL get to the next level, I a fed up and tired of not loving myself.

pecos · Post by **pecos** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:03 am

Hi Lambert, from all of us here on the depression forum, Welcome and accept a big hug. You are young and your mind is certainly more pliable than my own, and I am progressing every day. This program works if you work it, and we will help you with support and when you need it, with your program guidebook homework. Remember, too, you can always PM anyone here. We are all in this same boat. My goal is to learn to always paddle down stream, and stop this upstream without a paddle way of living. You can change! You will be so much happier for this effort. Again, welcome!

happy2b · Post by **happy2b** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:33 am

I'm having a difficult time this week with Labor Day being over. I get sad at the change of seasons, and we're leaving to go on a trip, and I'm feeling soooo anxious. My husband's business is struggling, and I'm afraid I"m getting in this depressed cycle again. Does anyone feel that the program makes them more anxious ? I guess I should go over it again, but I hated the anxious feelings it brought about. Thanks for your encouragement, Bonnie

Susan Edminson · Post by **Susan Edminson** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:10 am

I'm not to sure were I need to go but I saw this circle and thought I would say hy. My name Susan Edminson I've had the mail program for awhile and it is great but I never did get online till recently. I do have problems I know and just want to meet people that are out there that we relate

pecos · Post by **pecos** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:31 am

Hi Bonnie. I don't want to suggest you become more anxious. I do believe your mind is trying to trick you into staying anxious. The increase in anxious feelings may very well be simply the thoughts of hanging on to old ways instead of letting them go and tackling the work of acquiring new ones. It's difficult, and often not very comfortable, but I do hope you stay with it. For all that I missed the first time around, I will finish this program, and then do it again. Depression is a terrible place to be, and I am progressing. I hope you will make enough progress to turn these feelings of anxiety into excitement.

Welcome, Susan. You will meet people here who can relate to your problems, too. Nice to meet you.

Lambert · Post by **Lambert** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:46 pm

Thanks for the welcome and encouragement Pecos!

Bonnie, I agree with Pecos in that you need to try to stick with it and not give up, however hard that might be.It is not easy to break habits and perhaps even sometimes things get worse before they get better.I would suggest you keep a journal if you are not already and use it to record your feelings and identify patterns, I also find journaling to be quite therapeutic in itself, just getting your feelings out.

Re: your husband's business not doing so great. Personally, while we always want the best for our loved ones, sometimes I find a crisis in a loved one's life is good for me b/c it forces me to not focus on myself so much but to focus on the other person and what their needs are and helping them.Not focusing on myself makes me feel good about myself, which is a big part of what combating depression is, self-esteem!
You could focus on supporting your hubby right now through this difficult time, surprise him with a night out or something that would mean a lot to him.Also make sure to communicate with him as it sounds like you really need eachother during this time.

Take Care Bonnie, I hope you have a day filled with Hope tomorrow.

Angela aka Lambert

happy2b · Post by **happy2b** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:35 am

Thank you Pecos and Angela for your support. You are right, I need to face what is making me feel this way. I worry too much about everything and everyone. I let other peoples problems bother me as well. I've been listening to Lucinda's tape on worry, but I still get carried away. I have been back and forth with this depression for over 40 years ! When will I ever learn ? That thought even scares me. Thanks for listening and I hope you both have a good day. Bonnie

Ashlyn · Post by **Ashlyn** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:47 am

Happy2b, Your comment " when will I ever learn" shows just how hard you are on yourself. My mother used to say to me, "You should have known better, when will you ever learn? I was 6 years old! Take 30 minutes and talk nice to yourself, things like, "I did a good job doing the laundry" or "That bath or shower felt so good, I feel so clean!" It is small baby steps but do it for 30 minutes, and continue as long as you can. When you forget (and we negative thinkers do) start again. You are in the right place and BE GOOD TO YOURSELF. You are worth loving and are important to all of us. Ashlyn

Ashlyn · Post by **Ashlyn** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:51 am

To Susan:
Welcome! I have not been involved for about 8 or 9 days as I just put my beloved dog to sleep and it has been unbearable. Look at the letters above and you will see how much support I received from these beautiful people. I am back on line and in 1 hour my husband is bringing Jessie home as we had her cremated. Good luck and stay up there! We love you! Ashlyn