Thank you for the emails

[Muirwoods]

Thanks to all who have emailed me. It feels good to be connected to folks. I have been so isolated that I forgot how wonderful people can be.

Mw

[jMadsen0]

I understand what you are saying I am the same way I have severe anxiety disorder and severe depression and I am bipolar too. I have a hard time being around people. Since I started on my medicine I am finally able to go places without having too many anxiety attacks.

[Muirwoods in reply to jMadsen0]

I am going to have to work on getting out more. I have let isolation become part of my life. I need to break out of this cell that I have created and be more involved in my community. A good goal.

Mw

[breianne]

Hi there!

A (((BIG HUG)))).

I am sorry that you are seeing a difficult time and situation and that you have been through so much and appear to still be. This must be a very difficult time for you in many ways and also what you are going through. It sounds as if it must be very hard to deal with. As I read your post, I wanted to reach out to you. I cannot say for sure, obviously, but I wonder if others (e.g. family, friends etc.) would also reach out to you if they knew the extent of what is happening for you.

You’re not alone in feeling like this. Many people struggle to cope at one point or another and going through a range of emotions during this time is common. You can contact Samaritans any time you like or you might also want to speak to someone else you trust like a family member, your GP or arrange to see a counsellor (if you do not already have or see one).

When people are going through a tough time they often experience negative thoughts about themselves and feel they have no-one to turn to.

Though it may seem like it, these feelings may not last forever. Everyone feels low at some point in their lives and if you’re struggling to cope it may be difficult to see beyond your current situation. Talking about how you’re feeling can help put things into perspective and help you to feel more positive about the future.

There are all sorts of reasons why you may be finding it hard to cope but there are lots of things you can do to help yourself.

Make time for yourself, relax and do things you enjoy or want to enjoy. Eat healthily; get plenty of sleep and exercise. Spend time with people you love. Talk about your problems with people you trust. Be proud of what you’re good at, as well as aware of what you struggle with. Pay attention to what you’re feeling. If you’ve stopped doing things you usually love, you’re tearful, not eating or sleeping properly, drifting from people close to you, taking alcohol or drugs to cope or self-harming, then talk to someone you trust.

Even if you don’t have family or friends close by, you are never alone. Samaritans volunteers are here for you every day of the year, round the clock. If you have something specific that you’d like advice on there are many charities and organisations that offer support and information, such as Mind, Befrienders, Turn2me.

Suicidal feelings are, in and of themselves, traumatic. After they subside, you need to continue caring for yourself. Therapy is a really good idea. So are the various self-help groups available both in your community and on the Internet. Your GP is also there for you. Don't stop going to him or her. That's what he or she's there for, and you need help at the moment.

People often turn to suicide because they are seeking relief from pain. Remember that relief is a feeling. And you have to be alive to feel it. You will not feel the relief you so desperately seek, if you are dead.

The best way to get relief from depression is to take steps towards assuming more responsibility for your own life.

Please don't kill yourself – it would be such a waste. What a waste it would be if you were to give up on life now. Suicidal feelings are, in and of themselves, traumatic. After they subside, you need to continue caring for yourself.

Depression can drain your energy, hope and drive, making it hard to do what you need to feel better. Look after yourself - mind and physical to get wellbeing.

When the world appears bleak. It won’t last forever. Remind yourself that change is constant and that you won’t always feel this way. Be patient and do your best to look after yourself in the meantime. Get a decent amount of sleep. Sleep and mood are closely connected. Inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being.

Eat healthily (not missing meals), some exercise even if its a short walk, be around people who make you feel good, do things you enjoy, use to enjoy or want to enjoy.

Listen to music that you like. I've always thought of music as food for the soul. An upbeat tune can change an atmosphere instantly and create a more positive vibe. Listening to upbeat, happy music alters brain chemistry and can improve your mood.

If possible, do your best to distract yourself from over thinking. Your thoughts are your enemy when depression sets in. Play with a pet (f you have one) or go for a walk. Read a book if you are able to concentrate or finish a puzzle. Do anything that takes your mind off your fears and worries. Keeping busy is an effective way to overcome depression, e.g. watch a fun or feel good movie or comedy! if you like drawing/painting, this is a great way to express inner feelings/emotions/stress etc., - let those run riot through such expression.

Write a Journal. A journal can work in two ways. Use it to write down fears and worries. Sometimes, having an outlet in this way can be soothing and ease your mind. Another good way to use a journal (I prefer this way) is to write at least five things down every day that you are grateful for. This forces us to think more positively and can help to remind us that things are never that bad. In a gratitude journal, you can write about anything that happened in the day that made you feel appreciative. A stranger smiling at you, the sun shining..anything positive will do!

Forgive others. When we hold a grudge, we are the ones that feel the anger. The person whom we are angry with is probably merrily going about their business completely oblivious to your feelings. Don’t allow others to have this power over you. They have may have caused you grief in the past, try not to allow that grief to continue – it only affects you, not them. Find a way to forgive – they are not worthy of your time. Lighten the emotional load and you will improve your mood and help you to overcome depression. AND IMPORTANTLY.... FORGIVE YOURSELF. No one "can beat us up better than we beat ourselves up."

Don't hide away - Depression can make you want to hide away from the world and disappear. It’s okay to take some time out but give yourself a time limit and then do something productive to improve your mood. Depression can be well managed (I know this from personal experience) and there can be a wonderful life beyond depression. Hang in there and keep the faith.

Connect with family and or friends. Isolating oneself from others may seem a good idea but put a limit on it and then get out there again. This can have a huge positive effect on your mood.

Depressed people tend to see the world in a negative way. When things go wrong they blame themselves and when they go right, they put it down to luck. Depression reinforces self doubt and feelings of worthlessness.

Monitor your inner negative talk and make allowances for this type of thinking by reminding yourself that your thinking is that of a depressed person, not a healthy functioning person.

Don’t take your thoughts seriously when you are feeling low. Acknowledge the thoughts but this doesn’t mean you have to believe them. Keep perspective. If thinking or feeling negative thoughts and actions, distract by focusing on other thoughts - in the present moment (not past or just gone!).

Practice on engaging your senses in the moment. Focus on touch, taste, sight, sound and smell. Engaging the senses leaves less time for worry. Use Touch - Therapies to consider include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, reiki and reflexology.

Research has shown that depressed people often lack a fatty acid known as EPA. Participants in a 2002 study featured in the Archives of General Psychiatry took just a gram of fish oil each day and noticed a 50-percent decrease in symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. Get omega-3s through walnuts, flaxseed and oily fish like salmon or tuna.

In this world - Who hasn’t felt a lonely or sad at times?

All I want to do now is give you a forum hug and a forum shoulder to cry on..”

Each and everyone of us can’t really fully understand what you are feeling, but can emphasise and offer compassion. Each of us can only imagine what it’s like for you and how hard it must be.

You are important like we all are. If you need a friend….. we are all here and 'listening' because each and everyone of us cares.

God Bless.......xxx