New arrival

My therapist gave me advice that helps me. Start everyday by getting up and getting dressed as if you have something to do. This helps me gain some energy.

When I'm at a point where even my favorite activities aren't capturing my attention then I treat myself to something I don't get to do everyday. I'll go to a movie, have a get together with my friends, buy a new book, take the kids on a nature walk at a nearby state park, etc. it can be anything. The other day I decided that the kids and I would sort all of our clothing and donate what we no longer wear. That was a nice activity.

Maybe take your dog on an outing. There are so many cute pet stores geared toward dogs. These shops will let you bring the dog along. Maybe get the dog a new toy or collar or try a new doggy shampoo. They also make cute clothes for dogs! It could be fun to dress the doggy up. (My kitties are completely jealous of all the cute doggy clothing). Lol

Hi Carol,

Welcome to the forum. I am glad that you found our little corner of the world. It is awesome here.

Do keep posting. I think you have gotten some wonderful advice. I go for walks often when I am down, I take my dog. I am a dog lover too, so is Rob. They give you the unconditional love that you can't get from a human. As we all make mistakes.

Take care and do keep on posting, it does good.

Hugs, Karen...

Hello Carol,

Welcome to the forum. like the other outside is a good one for me I have 3 dogs.

I also paint, crotchet, read, I work on my depression with mindfulness and meditation daily [prayer]. Also, I am teaching myself how to play the piano. Although I might bend a little and get a teacher.

DBT and CBT skills are also great to practice so you have them down pat when you need them in a crisis.

Hope you are feeling better today.
Peace
Trina

Hi there Carol,
Having to suffer for 20 years today must've sucks so bad for you, but do not be afraid, this forum full of wonderful people and I would be glad to help you.

I think it's kind of normal to have any amount of stress send you to the edge. I used to have that too and it's really stressing. This is what I do...
I don't go to counselors etc... so yeah... but this is what I do: I post a thread in this forum. Yepp, you heard me right, I post a thread in this forum. You would be amazed on what can this forum and all the good, understanding people around you could change.. well, your life!! Uh-huh, you heard me right buddy. Just post a thread whenever your feeling down in this forum, because it helps me a lot and I hope it would help you too. But other than that, I also take a nice hot and long shower too. It feels really soothing because you could feel the tensing muscle in your body relieving the stress in you.

Looks like we have something in common, you like to make greeting cards, so do I. Well, I just simply make anything that comes in my mind. When I was depressed, I don't enjoy making any craft either. But now I've learnt that during my depressed moments, that me is not the real me, in fact, it's the other way around. It's another version of me in another dimension. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, depression also could make you feel more tired and everything you do just seems to take a lot more effort than usual. It's okay.

Dogs are always a good companion to people. They never let you down, they are very loyal and super friendly! They just never fail to make you put a smile on your face, don't they ??

May I ask on why are you very depressed ?? Thanks for reading this post, I'm looking forward on your next post and have a pleasant day (:

Much love,
Joanne

P.S. I forgot to mention that I am also wearing a heart monitor. I will be returning it on Tuesday after wearing it for 2 weeks. I've had trouble breathing so my doctor sent me to a specialist because my mother died of a massive heart attack. I think it's the depression because when this hit me 20 years ago, that was one thing I remember feeling like an elephant was sitting on my chest.

Thanks for "listening".
Hugs, Carol

Hi again Carol,
Well, I wish you a very good luck with your therapists. I hope that you'll also be able to walk on your own without anyone's help anymore in September and so on.

You know what ? I found something in common with you again. You live in a condo right ? Me too.. well not really. I have 1 bungalow and one more condo. I live in a small city in Malaysia and often goes to the big city here so that's why there's to houses.

Any who... My brother has a pet dog too, it's a westie and it's inside the condo. Pets aren't suppose to be allowed but we were always able to snuck her in and hide her from the cameras. I once remember that when Libra was only a few months old, we put her in a bag and zipped it until the elevator ride's over because there's cctvs in there... It was a funny trip from the elevator. (:

I hope you get well soon Carol and have a wonderful day !!

Much love,
Joanne

Hello carol

I am not a long term member. But I guess in the last 12 months have improved and I have much remission from anxiety and depression. So in the good times I examine what is pushing my buttons causing me anxiety and depression. Recently I discovered it is something very simple for me, change. So I journalist this, and when my girlfriend got a new desk I went through much anxiety and I knew I was over reacting, and now change still affects me but I recover quicker. Sorry for the long post. My psychologist has helped me allot, but when I was really distressed I wasn't ready to listen.

Goodluck, try journaling.

Beagleman,

Is your name Stephen??? It seems it is, but I may be remembering wrong...

Hugs, Karen...

Hugs back Carol!!

Have a great day, enjoy your manicure....

Huggles,

Karen...

I'm using PSPX5 in Windows 7.