Posted by Racer on February 26, 2004, at 18:29:22
In reply to Sad, empty and afraid, posted by tinydancer on February 26, 2004, at 12:48:50
That's a really tough place for you to be in, and I hope it gets better soon. It may not help, but you have my best wishes -- no matter how muddled they seem to be right now.
If it helps any, I've been through similar things. Usually, my response is to try to do something so over-ambitious that it's certain to fail, thus ensuring that I can remain a failure in life and justify my depression and my failures. For example, when I was unemployed in the early 90s recession for a few months, I joined the board of a non-profit organization, as a way of networking within my field. I got so intent on that, that I allowed myself to take on much more than I could chew, and then beat myself up over having overextended myself so much. The only thing I've learned since then is that it helps to have some outlet, whatever it is, and writing stuff down makes it much more real. For the first, these boards are good outlets. The second is harder, because what you write down is likely to vary depending on your moods, your situation, etc. My "cheat sheet" for what I put in writing, actually, is usually based on what topics are going on here.
For example, I offended some people here in the last few days, by something I posted. It was a subject I felt strongly about, have a lot to say about, and it's apparently a subject that I could do well to explore in more depth -- and in another location -- so it might be something I'd write down impressions about, and take into therapy.
In the meantime, have you ever heard about the support groups run by groups like NAMI? They really do provide some great support, and they're face time support. That might help you find some other friends or acquaintances to help you find your feet again. I know that NAMI runs a lot of them, and a few other organizations more specific to mood disorders or other dx, so there are some options for you. Can't promise you'll meet anyone dependable there, but can promise that I know a lot of people who have found it very helpful. (I'm one of them.)
Sending my best wishes your way, and hope the sun comes out again soon.
poster:Racer
thread:317921
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040225/msgs/318026.html