Isolation and depression: Scared of the coming winter

Posted by jamsie @jamsie, Aug 22, 2020

I am in my 60's and have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years. I find myself unable to cope with the loneliness that has come with COVID. Although married, it is one of convenience, and there is no help from my husband in that regard, or for that matter, in most everything. I have also gained about 25 pounds during this time and my self esteem is at a low. I eat and eat and am never full. I quilt and hand sew for hobbies, but have now lost the interaction of those friends due to COVID. I am scared to death of what a Minnesota winter will bring. I need someone to talk to.

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@colleenyoung

@jamsie, I read your message with joy. What a lovely friend who seems to have been sent to you just at the right time of need.

You ask "How do you take that step when you need to?" You take it one step at a time. Like they say, you can eat a whole elephant, but only one bit at a time. Don't think about ALL the things that need to get done. Just make the first step and make an appointment with your family physician. That seems like a big step, but really it's only a phone call. You can do that. In fact, I'll wait right here while you do it. 🙂

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I waited too long and there is no way to reach my physician today. I hope that on Monday I will make that big step. Thank you for your support.

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@jamsie

I waited too long and there is no way to reach my physician today. I hope that on Monday I will make that big step. Thank you for your support.

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@jamsie It's a difficult step, I know from my own experience. But please congratulate yourself for having decided to make that call! For today, breathe deeply, take a walk outside, write down things that concern you, things that you want to review with your doctor. Be gentle on yourself.

Please come back and tell me how you are doing today?
Ginger

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@gingerw

@jamsie It's a difficult step, I know from my own experience. But please congratulate yourself for having decided to make that call! For today, breathe deeply, take a walk outside, write down things that concern you, things that you want to review with your doctor. Be gentle on yourself.

Please come back and tell me how you are doing today?
Ginger

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I am hoping that tomorrow when the clinic opens I will still have the strength to make that phone call. Your words of concern and empathy made me feel like someone does care about me. I am more sure than ever that my husband's indifference is starting to make me crazy. He cannot even hide the fact that he doesn't love me anymore, and yet he won't even discuss it with me because he refuses to change our relationship, Feeling trapped and scared for my future. I know I am telling you more than you expected, but I feel safe here. Thank you so much.

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Toxic relationships can really keep you less than your worth- if both of you work together to Help make your relationship better then go for it. If not; decisions have to be made. Things can get tough finically but what is more important. I had to let go in order to be okay . I am better for letting go of my parents.

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@jamsie

I am hoping that tomorrow when the clinic opens I will still have the strength to make that phone call. Your words of concern and empathy made me feel like someone does care about me. I am more sure than ever that my husband's indifference is starting to make me crazy. He cannot even hide the fact that he doesn't love me anymore, and yet he won't even discuss it with me because he refuses to change our relationship, Feeling trapped and scared for my future. I know I am telling you more than you expected, but I feel safe here. Thank you so much.

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@jamsie There are no doubt several people reading your words, and nodding their heads, saying, "yes, this is my story, too". You are paving the way for someone else, not just yourself, in taking the next step to be better. You are an example of strength and self-awareness, and deserve applause!

What did the doctor say for getting you in on an appointment?
Ginger

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@bookysue

Toxic relationships can really keep you less than your worth- if both of you work together to Help make your relationship better then go for it. If not; decisions have to be made. Things can get tough finically but what is more important. I had to let go in order to be okay . I am better for letting go of my parents.

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@bookysue Yes, I got a divorce after 18 yrs of marriage because it was seriously affecting my health.

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@jamsie

I am hoping that tomorrow when the clinic opens I will still have the strength to make that phone call. Your words of concern and empathy made me feel like someone does care about me. I am more sure than ever that my husband's indifference is starting to make me crazy. He cannot even hide the fact that he doesn't love me anymore, and yet he won't even discuss it with me because he refuses to change our relationship, Feeling trapped and scared for my future. I know I am telling you more than you expected, but I feel safe here. Thank you so much.

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If you haven't made your call, go ahead and do so knowing that you have the support and prayers of MANY people. I can assure you that I have never seen so many replies to your notes and situation as I have to yours so go forward with our thoughts, prayers, God's grace and love. Let us know how it goes!

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@gingerw

@jamsie There are no doubt several people reading your words, and nodding their heads, saying, "yes, this is my story, too". You are paving the way for someone else, not just yourself, in taking the next step to be better. You are an example of strength and self-awareness, and deserve applause!

What did the doctor say for getting you in on an appointment?
Ginger

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I finally emailed his office this afternoon, so hope to hear from him tomorrow. It is a hard step for me. Thank you Ginger for your encouraging and kind words!

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@buyearly

If you haven't made your call, go ahead and do so knowing that you have the support and prayers of MANY people. I can assure you that I have never seen so many replies to your notes and situation as I have to yours so go forward with our thoughts, prayers, God's grace and love. Let us know how it goes!

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Thank you so much. Emailed his office this afternoon, so hopefully will have an answer tomorrow!

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@buyearly

If you haven't made your call, go ahead and do so knowing that you have the support and prayers of MANY people. I can assure you that I have never seen so many replies to your notes and situation as I have to yours so go forward with our thoughts, prayers, God's grace and love. Let us know how it goes!

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I promise to let you all know what happens when I hear from him tomorrow. THank you for your prayers!

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