Reflecting on what I learned at BlogHer about striking a balance between community feedback and my own story, I thought I'd turn to you, my trusted Beyond Blue readers, for direction. What do you think? Please weigh in by posting a comment.
Do you want to read more in Beyond Blue of:
1) My personal stories and anecdotes
2) Helpful advice and lists of things to do (like 6 Ways to Calm Down)
3) Recent research and studies on depression and anxiety, and links to other knowledgeable sources
4) Your own reader feedback, and answers to your questions--either by me, you, or someone else has the answer
5) A combination of everything (which is what I've been trying to do)
I need your input, please! Remember, I'm all about pleasing as many people I can at a time. That's why I have been in therapy for eight years.
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By the way-LOVE your people-pleaser comment! I can relate! Humor heals, doesn't it? I'm greatful for the sarchasm of others! :)
I concur with Katie; hearing the stories of others (Therese herself and other readers) is what has most helped me since discovering this blog. Methods for combaying the black dog are helpful at times too, but I find that I get those from what all of you lovely people are willing to share.
I can locate other sources on the net or through my therapists's recommrndations and at the bookstore, and when I found Beyond Blue I visited several web sires to help me decide that this was home! my vote is to continue doing just what you've been doing, Therese; I'd feel a great loss if the formay changed TOO much (How's THAT for inflexibility?) As corny as it sounds, I feel like I've made a community of friends her at B. B.;Rvrn though I read almost all comments posted, I actually often look for specific readers' responses because I've read then before and felt a connection! The service you've chosen to prvide to us is prooving to be invaluable to me on my journey, Therese, and I' feel pretty confident in saying that I fon't think I'm alone on that view. I thank God daily for having bfought me to discovering this internet of obviously intelligent anf compassionate individuals. It has become a real lifeline for me, and it isn't only because 'misery loves company', either. If it were possible for me to remove the misey others asre experiencing and shating, I would glasdly do so, so I COULD survive without their company if I needed to. Membership in this club to which we all unwillingly brlong isn't something which I would wish on ANYONE; nonetheless, reading of how others have survived specific circumstances has given me hope where i'd lost sight of it and inspired me to 'keep on keepin' on even when my feet feel as if they're encased in buckets of cement and will pull me under the stagnant water in the bottom of the pit (The resident snakes aew undoubtedly water dwellers!)
Remember writing in high school yearbooks telling clasmates to 'stay as they are' and not change?(Or am I dating mtself here?) That's how I feel about B.B., Therese. I doubt if you have any idea how many lives you've impacted by your presence on Belifnet! It would sadden me deeply for you to change styles (unless you need to for your own well-beibg, of course! That always should come first!
I just started to read all of your comments today and feel quite inspired by all of you! I suffer from chronic urticaria (giant hives) for the past 3 1/2 years on a daily basis, no doctors can figure out what causes it! The quality of life as I use to know it, is no longer there. I fight against depression on a daily basis and pray for an answer that has not come yet. What has helped me though, is realizing how lucky we all are! We could all be suffering from some horrible disease like Cancer, so really we are quite lucky! We need to focus on the fact that God has a purpose for all of us and he never gives us more than we can handle!
Focus on the very special person that you are and how different life would be for some if we were to give up! We touch peoples lives everyday and some of them need us on a daily basis. Nothing lasts forever, not even sickness! I wish health and blessings to all and remember WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS! BE STRONG!
Therese,
I think you have been doing an awesome job! In my opinion, you should keep on doing what you have been doing and don't change a thing. I empathize, enjoy, and am uplifted after reading your blog. Your sharing through writing is beautiful in its honesty, emotions, and humor. When I read it, I feel as if I am sitting on your couch, having a conversation with you as pals. You are touching the lives of many. Keep On Keepin' On! :0)
My youngest son moved out in September because he was to be married soon. On October 25th he was married and his new bride moved in with him. I like her very much and am totally happy for my son because he was always a loner and unhappy with his life until he met her over a year ago. I wish them both the best in the world.
The problem however is that seem to be going through a major depression. I don't know if it can be attributed to empty nest syndrome but I feel that is a big part of it. I was a mother first and foremost for 23 years and now I don't know what to do with myself anymore. I used to be an artist, a pretty good one too but for the past 4 years I have had a creativity block and I can no longer create anything and when I try I find it to be a chore. I miss being an artist terribly. I miss having things to do with my hands. I miss my creative mind. It is difficult for me to even compose this blog .
I have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin and Buspar for many years for my chronic depression and other psychiatric problems although I don't feel like the Prozac does anything for me. I no longer think my depression is caused by a chemical imbalance but by my current life situations or lack there of. I have fears at trying new things and getting involved in new situations and I have only one friend who also suffers from depression and is usually done with her day by 12noon.
I feel lonely and alone and sad all the time now. My children no longer need me. So what is my purpose now? Household tasks have become to difficult to do. My attemtps at art are also a chore. Someone told me to have faith in god but I am an agnostic and do not believe it is probable that there is a god. I envy those with a true belief because it must make life easier to bear if you believe there is a higher power looking after you. I am alone, I have no significant other although I wish I did. I don't do anything to meet anyone new so most likely I will be alone until I can get over my fears.
My depression is so severe that it is considered a disability. Therefore I don't work. I very rarely get out of my house and into public places where I could possibly meet someone. I recently worked up the courage to get involved with a local theatre company and do volunteer work. I went once and they told me they would call me if they needed me. To date, I have had no such call. I go sometimes on Sunday mornings with my one friend to an AA meeting as support for her. I am not an alcoholic although I am a recovered heroin addict for over 12 years now. The meetings don't do me too much good however because they are based in a belief in a higher power. I know I would not likely relapse because my greatest fear is death. Although this is a great fear it is also a blessing that it keeps me from wanting to relapse into my old lifestyle.
All I really have in my life to care for anymore is my dog. She is my world now. But I want to be involved in a bigger world. I need people that can talk with me and spend time with me.
Has anyone else been in such a depression from their children growing up and leaving? Please tell me how to deal with it so that I may overcome some of this depression and be able to function as a responsible and reasonable adult.
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