Family chaos

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Just heard some things about my extended family. My couain-in-law decided she no longer wanted to be married to my cousin...shocked him so much that he thought about suicide. My other cousin who was disowned by his family is being thrown out of his apartment, at Christmas, and no one knows where he will go. He has been fighting depression and joblessness for years. Another cousin sold all his belongings and business and moved to Las Vegas. No one could find him for months, he just left. Another cousin, a police officer injured on the job will be going on permanent disability. Two uncle's and an aunt are having surgeries in the near future. My best friend has MS and her brothers think it is best to sell her home out from under her. She has to pack a whole house, sort what to take to one bedroom at her cousin's home and what to donate. I am 1800 miles away and can't so much to help. I have my own issues with work, money, anxiety and depression. I am totally overwhelmed.

[Hidden]

Hi Lazy_dog_lover:

With the knowledge of such family matters. Especially the quantity you are dealing with can really escalate your anxiety and depression. You are overwhelmed do to dwelling on everything taking place in your family. If you want to help help one at a time. Whoever you find to have the most serious issue contact or take care of them first. That is if it doesn’t escalate your anxiety by getting involved. When in contact with that family person try to keep everything on the positive side so it can benefit the both of you at once. It will most likely decrease your anxiety by knowing you have helped someone as yourself by doing so. Keep focused on success and not failure. You need to show the others you are the strong one here and set a good example for them. You will feel much better about yourself and your days will be much brighter. Stay strong as to confident. 😊

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the reminder not to take it all on at once. Most I have zero control over. Once my great grandma passed away at 102, she was our matriarch, everyone went in their own direction. I haven't felt like we were a family in a long time.

[Hidden in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

Your very welcome on the reminder. If you mostly have zero control you need to find that specific way, your way to take more control. I know how you feel about everyone going in there own direction. My family has been the same since day one. Growing up and not being able to be around family much is difficult. I know exactly how you feel. I know it is tough. You are not alone in feeling the lack of connection to family. I too am the same. It adds even more anxiety, but deep in my heart I still feel that connection. A connection in which I can only recognize and feel as a confirmation my family is still there for me. I believe you can do the same. It is in you, and for sure you will find it. When you do you will know. 😊

[Ann10]

Your extended family is going through hard times. It is difficult when you don't live close by, and you feel like you can't help at all. People who are hurting like to talk out their feelings, so a lending ear is always welcome. Your friend is fortunate to know you because you sound like you care about others a lot.