Happiness: A One Week Journey

Dottie, You are doing the right thing by going to see your doctor about your depression concerns.
Hugs,
Rosemary

The ones of us that know anxiety and depression know full well that everyone experiences it. It is not "if" someone will, it is definitely when. The trick is to accept it fully. That sound counterintuitive but explore that thought. It is here to teach you what you need at this very moment. Sometimes it is patience and sometimes it is to see our own behaviors and only our own. Expectations of life and love and others behaving badly really trips us up. It can be due to the dark years when you deal suddenly with a childhood abuse or neglect. It of course can be death of a loved one or betrayal, both equally nearly impossible to handle. Many books help depending on your own experiences, but acceptance of the tough time is key. If you are thinking your house is suffering, do one simple thing like making your bed and be grateful that you accomplished just that one thing. Pretend you are okay once in awhile, and take a short walk outside. Start small and be patient with your recovery. It hurts physically and your health suffers. Reach out and help someone else, that sends great hormones and the rush you get will help you to help yourself. Meds are very important but so is getting back in the saddle. Mimic your old self throughout the day and you will feel empowered. If you always feel sad and lonely remember that saying "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional". That is a big bite of that elephant you have to devour, but just let it swim around your thoughts a bit. Wake up grateful for one simple thing. Force a smile and one happy memory. Take walks or just get your walking shoes on, sometimes just doing that lightens your suffering. You WILL feel better but it is a constant battle, make peace with the chaos. Life is messy hard and wonderful every single moment.

Thanks. You have helped me,too. My meds are finally working properly, but I, too, have not got a handle on my house. I make the bed, I get the wash done, I get the dishwasher loaded and unloaded. I cant get past that, even on a gym or exercycle day.... Once I go out, I come back and just want to crash from tiredness. I spent too much effort while I was out. I am borderline in and lut of anemia due to Ulcerative Colitis. I am just SO disappointed in my inability to do more in the house. At least, my hubby is understanding. He still works at 68- a retirement job that started part time but worked into full time.
Still, I am letting myself down- my standards, my ability to find what I.need, my lack of interest at the moment, all concern me. Is it aging or depression or my chronic medical issues?
Thank you for giving me some thing to think about. It may be time to.hire.someone to clean once a week. i am 61... We will think about that too.

You are doing amazing!!! You are way ahead of the curve!!! Whatever that means!!! Housework can be meditation or a nightmare!! I tried getting help twice but ended up with a bigger mess when they were done. I got several ibots, vacuums and dry and wet mops. I get everything done every week or every other week now but the floors are always clean which is helping so much!!! Make a plan that works for you and relax about an occasional mess or unfolded clothes or a few dirty dishes in the sink. We all get tired of routines as we age, mix it up. Get help once a month if that helps or a live in maid, we all do that differently. You are an inspiration with working out and maintaining, give yourself a big pat on the back!!!!

Helping others is the best medicine. Feeling sorry for myself was just keeping me in the dark pit. I thought life had treated me so badly and I wanted to wallow in my self pity. However, I found I was hurting no one but myself. I found unconditional love from my God and that is sufficient. He is so good to me and I want to pass it on. I was so disappointed at one time because I felt I could trust no one, but now I know we are all human (including me) and God still loves us. His first desire for me is to love Him and others. Know why? It causes us to love ourselves and forget our hurts. We didn't deserve to be loved, but He loves us anyway. Let your hurt go, my friend and enjoy the precious gift of today.

@missdeejon

I've been taking antidepressants for a long time, and I've learned that meds alone don't usually do the job. If it weren't for the therapists I've seen, I'm not sure I'd be alive today. Before March 1, I went for 18 months without a counselor, and I told the man I'm now seeing that he saved my life. I was really depressed, and yard work was way behind. Sound familiar?

It does get better. I know it does because I'm in a better place now than I was 10-15 years ago.

Are you seeing a counselor? They can be a big help.

You know, there are worse things than a house that isn't as clean as you'd like. Sometimes we just have to take a break and give ourselves some time to regroup.

Jim

I signed up for the course. It was an email sent every day with sage advice from wise man. I got a lot out of it when reading. This is kind of stuff you need to read every day to sink in but it eventually will over time. We all have bad tapes running in our heads that need rewriting. So its good to put good food into your mind.

I want to thank you for your advise, but I have medicial problems as well, my blood pressure goes up to 192/165 which is not good, and so many other things which I don't want to go into, I will try your advise and see how I feel, dottie

I believe in god he has always been my best friend, he has guided me through a lot of tough things in my life, I pray to him every night, I've just have so many things happen to me in a short time that it finally has gotten to me, and Im trying every day to get it together. dottie

@misdeejon42, I want to repeat that I am happy that you are going to see your doctor. He/she will, hopefully, be able to help you to get yourself back to a comfortable 'normal'.
You are correct to be proactive in seeking medical advice. Be patient because it can sometimes take a while to get everything sorted out. You have experienced a stressful recent past; I hope that you will begin feeling better soon.
I admire your faith and trust.
Hugs and prayers,
I want to add my thanks to all who are reaching out to dottie and to each other. This is what Connect is all about! I'm smiling because of all of you:-)
Rosemary