Hopeful

I just wanted to pass on some hope. After my dip I am very slowly moving back up. Ive decided to do some volunteering and have an appointment next week. This has lifted me because I will be giving something back as well as meeting new people and getting out of the house. I'm trying to find positive things that I like to do. I try to keep away from negativity although I know this is virtually impossible which means I have got used to my own company. I now watch TV on the odd occasion as it all seems doom and gloom. On speaking to someone at yoga about what we put into our bodies I think this in my case is to be true. Eat rubbish, feel rubbish. Just wanted to share my thoughts.

[Piglet12]

I totally agree with you about the food thing! I have put on so much weight over the last couple of years because I just didn't care about the way I looked. But I actually cried myself to sleep last night because I made the mistake of looking in the mirror before I went to bed! I hate the way I look at the moment but because I am depressed about it, I just eat more crap and drink more wine which makes me feel even worse!

But how do you break the cycle?

[Hidden in reply to Piglet12]

Hi Verity. That's exactly it. I hate how heavy I've become and how I look. I keep being told that we have to learn to love ourselves somehow. Only we can do something about this. Food has been my comfort. I have kick started this healthy food thing more because of my mood. As you say the more crap we eat the more depressed and angry we become. We can do it Verity. We have to x

[Piglet12 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I know, its easy for people to say it but alot harder to do! I am trying to eat a bit healthier too but my main problem is the wine! Can't seem to stop!

[Jurisdiction45 in reply to Piglet12]

I've been there. First, I avoided looking in the mirror. Then, gradual started o began to walk more. Not exercise, bit walk. If you think of it as exercise then you will contribute it as a chore and won't be consistent. But just walking whenever I can. It worked. Remember not to look in the mirror. It only frustrates! Good luck!

[Hidden]

I know you won't believe me but when you're in a better place you will cut down on the wine. When I went through my divorce years ago I used to drink a bottle of wine per night to block out my evenings. I would then go to work the next day and focus on my job. I have no clue how I did it. Don't get me wrong I still enjoy a wine or two or a couple of gin and tonics but I don't drink like I used to.

[kenster1]

hi that's a great way to channel your mind.i was the same I started volunteering one day per week now its four days and one night.good on you.

[Hidden]

Thank you Kenster1. You hit the nail on the head about channelling my mind.

[kenster1]

no worries.i had been in a really dark place for years and volunteering has made me feel alive and wanted again.so much so ive been offered a full time job.lets hope something like that happens for you also.

[Hidden]

That's fantastic news for you. I would love it if that happened to me.

[acsmith8213]

I'm so glad you're starting to feel better. Volunteering can be so rewarding if it's something you enjoy. As far as TV goes, I never watch the news as it depresses me and stresses me out. I like to watch movies, American Pickers, and things I learn from. I actually have no idea what's going on in the world right now other than the hurricane in the Atlantic. Food is one of the keys to mood!! Healthy food, healthy us. You got this!

[Hidden]

Hi ACSmith. Thank you for your reply. Where are the comedy programmes on TV? The soaps are over the top doom and gloom. The news is definitely full of horrendous events. Even Alan Titchmarsh gardening programmes have us in tears. What the heck? It's not easy trying to maintain positivity these days. Apart from healthy food I find that laughter which happens for me on occasion definitely leaves me upbeat. Good loud from the belly laughter is the best medicine and we all need it.

[menagerie11]

I don't watch the news or upsetting programs or movies. I intentionally seek out things that are beautiful, calming, inspiring, uplifting, etc. There are scads of calming music sites and beautiful photography on the web. Keeping these images in mind makes a big difference to my mood and thinking processes.

[gogogirl]

I've had slides in my life- and more than moments of shame.

[Hidden in reply to gogogirl]

But you're better now?

[Steph2293]

I'm starting volunteering work on Monday. I'm little happy because after reading your post I know I'm making a good choice to back on my feet.

[Hidden]

We have to take little steps in things we want to do to get ourselves better. One positive thing at a time. I know next week will lift me. Helping others and also meeting people which will help me