Recovering

[mmaier2189]

Hi fellow survivors, my name is Mallory. I lost my only sibling, my brother Max, to suicide about 1.5 years ago. Losing him has made me confront my own depression and social anxiety, which I've tried to undermine for about 15 years. I'm finally seeing a therapist who I feel safe with, I'm off all medications, and I've stopped drinking within the past year. Although I have amazing parents and an incredibly supportive boyfriend, I struggle with loneliness. I've always been an introvert and keep to myself but I'm slowly trying to turn the tide.

These internal battles we all fight are not in vain! Recovery is often a slow process and it takes dedication. Please keep fighting for yourselves, you matter and your life is valuable!

[Windy101]

Thank you, Mallory! I admire you so much for all you've accomplished and for your courage and strength regarding the loss of your brother. I'm also an introvert and incredibly shy with other people, no matter how much I like them. There are so many of us here who struggle with this symptom that I know I'm not alone. I don't wish this suffering on anyone, but it helps to not feel like an alien. I hope you'll stick around - you can find more support here and friends who understand and care.

[mmaier2189 in reply to Windy101]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words, I often don't have people who understand what it's like to have an introverted personality while feeling isolated. Sometimes I really do feel like an alien but then connecting with some people on here might help

[Dubba61]

Hello Mallory, what a lovely name😊. You have been through such a lot. N I'm glad that you have good supportive Parents and boyfriend. It's great that you've given up Drinking. Which in my opinion is the most underrated and damaging of Drugs. I don't drink and to be honest I'm scared of people, when they drink. Even at my age I have never overcome my social anxiety. I am shy and awkward around people. But it doesn't do to be too isolated, so I've learned little ways to cope with it. Your last paragraph was lovely and positive and shows that you are a caring person who thinks of others. Thankyou for that. You will find many kind and understanding People on here. N always someone to talk too. My best wishes.😊✌️🌻

[mmaier2189 in reply to Dubba61]

Thank you so much! I know that although each day is a challenge, it's also an opportunity. Thanks for your kind words! I'm also trying to practice little ways of coping but some days my depression is too powerful and I reside to staying inside all day watching tv. Being socially anxious definitely doesn't help but I hope that by writing about it maybe I'll be able to connect with some people here ✌🏼

[Dubba61 in reply to mmaier2189]

Sometimes I do that too Mallory😊 lots of us, on here do, so your not alone. You've gone through so much, n need to heal. If that means chilling back and switching off, then that's allowed. I find that the online hypnosis of Jason Seally is really good at helpi

[nightingale1977]

Halo there, thanks for sharing your story. LIke you, I lost my Brother to suicide 3 years ago. I was not extremely close to him but it was still traumatic nonetheless. I also started talking to a therapist 1 year after he passed. Coupled with several of my issues and his suicide, I spiralled down into depression for years. But you are right. We are confronted with internal battles every day. We should keep fighting for we matter. I hope you know that your message will bring hope to those who are struggling. You have just made my day a bit better already. Be well and take care. God bless!

[mmaier2189 in reply to nightingale1977]

Hello, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I can imagine you've been through a lot of the struggles I'm facing now, and it's overwhelming. I recently started talking to a therapist and it's helping a little bit but I'm not sure I'll be able to afford it in the long term. Little ways of coping seem to be the best way out of this black hole, like writing and trying to connect to people through my story. Thank you for your kind words, I only hope I can bring some light to others. No one can really battle these feelings alone, and that's something I have to trust in as far as connecting with others

[Hidden]

I wish you the best! I'm so sorry you lost your brother, that's a tough one! I wish for you peace & happiness! XXX

[Hidden]

Hi!

I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother in such a traumatic way. I lost my only sibling, my sister, last December and I too have struggled with loneliness since that time. We were close. My parents have also passed. I have found myself committed twice just this year for depression and suicidal ideation. I truly believe the only thing that is really helping me is cultivating my spiritual life. Now, I’m never alone! You sound like a strong person and I know you will come out on the other side with peace and experience. I think our difficulties help us evolve!