Stress Center Peer Support

Hi All,

I have been doing great lately. I wrote a huge 4 hour exam yesterday with a 3 hour drive there.. 4 highways.. did great, no imodium or pepto needed, it was a HUGE FEAT! (I tried to blow it up and went to bed last night telling myself how proud I am of me..). However, today I feel depressed! I stopped my meds over a month ago and am worried that is what is happening.. however I even made it through my period and exam without phasing me (2 bad times). I just ended my relationship and used all of my savings to move out- is this one of these times when I am supposed to say to myself " I am going through something tramatic and I have a right to feel depressed?" why now though? I spent the last week being great, found a place, paid, studied, ended my relationship (which is touch b.c. is isnt bad, just not great)wrote the exam, even went on a little 'date' with a friend and was great! My ocd got bad last night and I had a hard time self talking out of it.. I feel like I have lost my light, I am depressed about my relationship, the exam being over (i spent a year preparing) and the move.. could all of the stress added up to now and I am exhausted and feeling it? have I made a bad decision with things and am feeling the remorse?

can anyone relate? is this normal? any inspiration or advice? I feel like I fell (which I thought I would eventually) but cannot get up and fell hard, I cant see any light at all.. now I feel depressed, lonely and lost, doubting my decisions, even my job which I loved till today.. and to top it off I am moving alone to be alone in an remote area with no friends or family close by.. help?!

Hi Mae,

Time, Time, Time, give yourself time. of course your going to feel like this with all that going on, don't let it spirel into more than it is. I always feel "down" after an event expecally one you planned for a year. thats normal, anyone feels that. give yourself time to deal with all that, if you freak out because of the way you feel you will keep freaking out until everything you have down will come undone and be back to point one, remember your coping skills and use them often. give yourself a treat like a massage, or have your nails done or anything "just for you" and remember, YOU ARE A GREAT PERSON!!!!!

Take care
Anita

Maeggie

First Congratulations on all the positive changes you have made in your life. You should be really proud of it all. I agree with Anita its natural to feel the down of the high youve been on. Youve been doing all these really big lifechanges, stopping your meds GREAT!, changing your relationship, the test the driving all of it.....thats growing! But our bodies can only take so much of running on a high even if that high comes from good.

Give yourself some time to adjust to life as it is. This would be a good time to really push your relaxation cd and relisten to the lessons that you found comfort in when you did the program.

The difference now is you have these wonderfull skills to talk yourself through the rough spots and you have this chat and forum to come to when your having a little doubt.

Ive had this too and I will again....its just how it goes. Life isnt one straight road lots and lots of twists and turns. You are just going through some of those twists and turns. Think of it as peace. Enjoy the down time while you have it!

You may have had a terrible night but you DID make it through. Thats Huge in itself.
Your doing a great job.
Dodger

Maeggie,
Bless your heart. You've been through so much lately that it's normal to feel a "let down" when you made it over the hill after taking those big steps. You said yourself you've made it a while without your meds so don't doubt that getting off them was a good idea.
It's ok to feel anxious about moving to a new place and living alone. Just think of it as an adjustment and use your skills. Keep focusing on what you did accomplish, which is outstanding- out of a not so good relationship, made it through the exam, all set up in a new place, friendly "date."
Let yourself wind down. It's been in overtime. Enjoy getting settled in your new place and enjoy time with your new friend.
This is not a setback, just a little bump in the road. You are a strong woman and will come through this just fine and a better, happier person. Take care, Beverly

hi Dodger, Beverly, and Mamabrd:

I appreciate all of your encouraging responses. I am 'surviving' I suppose. I wish it has gotten better since last Friday but it hasnt however I am trying to find that faith to say it will get better eventually. Thanks again for the positive feedback and responses.

Best wishes to all!