Long-term depression
New to the group; would like to ask how others find something to look forward to in life? At my age, there's nothing to hope for, except death. I am a born-again Christian, so I know there is an escape from the physical pain and limitations brought on by illness, and escape from daily depression and motivation to continue. I try to remain active and do have interests, but sometimes the depression is too much. I have also realized when others say they care, etc., there truly is no one who means what they say. It's "We care, so long as you just keep doing your job here, but don't bother me - but we love you!" I'm old enough to know this is not true, but a method to keep a warm body in a position to get a job done. One of my 92 year old neighbors happily moves along, although she tells me almost all her friends are gone, etc. I can't ask her what motivates her. How do others have hope for anything after their families are gone and there is nothing else?
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@parus Right on!!! I especially like your last sentence "I am me and this is the best I can be." Family can sometimes be the most toxic people in your life. You cannot choose your family, but you can choose your friends and make them your family. I have a sister that I have not seen nor spoken to in 8 years, and it has been blissful. My brother has recently joined my exclusion due to having a very bad moral compass. It is important to surround yourself with people that have good energy and compliment your life; not complicate. I struggle with a chronic illness that saps my energy, so, I really have very little patience with non-sense anymore.
@parus
I sense in both your thoughts expressed in your words, and in your attitude, a move in a positive direction since we last talked. You go!!
I keep thinking that I've released myself from the control of people who have hurt me deeply. Then, up pops a reminder, and I let it go one more time. If only it were an instant, one time action.
I agree with you. My therapists over the past 12 years have worked with me to accept myself as is. Progress has been made in both of us.
Jim
Replying to @parus, you are you, and perfectly imperfect but greatly loved, exactly as you are! It amazes me how people do not value the importance of simply being yourself.
I cannot pattern myself after anyone else. I have family that I have chosen to let go, because they dumped me into the throwaway box many years ago.
All I can think is that most of them care only for themselves. The Times we shared are erased from their minda, just as I have been erased from their Christmas list.
There are homes I have never been in. Family members who show up now and again at funerals, speak to me as if we lived just around the corner. I don't buy that anymore. I have cried and been heartbroken too many times
The only crime I have commited is being on the Spectrum. I don't fit into their society. So I make friends with the dreamers and the doers, the poets and the writers. The musicians and the counselors, the pastors and the teachers. And every one in between.
I read, paint, listen to music, and practice self care. I read everything I can on Narcissists. I have a good life, even though arthritis rears its ugly head in retaliation to my Fibromyalgia being calmed
You are so right. We cannot change other people. Especially people who don't even know they need to be changed I welcome change.
Love and virtual hugs to you,
Mamacita Jane
@mamacita
I'm glad to see that musicians and pastors made your list b/c both have been my life for nearly 50 years.
Jim
@mamacita There are those who help me realize how special I am...
@jimhd Thanks Jim. We are both awesome and have survived many a battle. Good to see you are still with us.
@windwalker Same here. When I need encouragement I know where my friends and let those that have negative attitudes fall by the wayside. Depression is toxic enough and I endeavor not to be too toxic although there are times even little old me needs encouragement. Thank you.
Yes, @parus, I know there are those who let you know how valued you are. You write beautifully about the human condition. You are gifted and wise. Your experiences have given you insight that we can all benefit from. Have a great rest of the day.
Mamacita Jane
@parus All I can say is three cheers for you . I love that you aren't letting people hurting you anymore you are a better person for this revelation. If people cant see you for you and accept it That is there problem not yours . Good for you I'm proud of you for realizing this
@mamacita I always heard from my father "blood is thicker than water" and "always stand by your family". A noble thought, but after one-too-many deep hurts because I was different/on the spectrum/didn't fit the mold, I had to set aside those family members. Like you, we cannot change others. We can change ourselves, and relish the deep relationships we foster, those that are healthy for us.
We are better together, and support each other here on Connect.
Ginger