Sad and in need of moral support

[Depressed_Single_Mom]

Hello. I’m a new member, and suffering from depression. Looking for support to help me not feel so alone. I’m 41 and seriously falling apart, emotionally and spiritually. I’ve been battling with PTSD for years, and my depression has distanced myself from loved ones. If anyone knows of any support groups in the Las Vegas area, or simply wants to be a pen-pal - I would greatly appreciate it.

[weegmack]

Hey there. I’m so sorry you feel so alone and terrible. Sadly, I’m so far away from you (I’m in Scotland!). But you can talk to me. Have you always had depression, or has something happened in your life recently? Xx

[Depressed_Single_Mom in reply to weegmack]

For the past 15 years, I’ve fallen into depression 3 times (this being the 3rd). Seems as if each time, the symptoms worsen. Emotionally, I’m just a mess, and I can’t seem to pull myself together. It’s just really hard, and I feel so alone. On the outside looking in, I manage to appear to be ok because I don’t want anyone to know I’m broken; but it’s getting obvious to my son. Seems like everyone else is just too busy to care or notice.

[weegmack in reply to Depressed_Single_Mom]

I know exactly how you feel. It’s such an invisible illness and nobody seems to notice or care. Even though we apparently live in more progressive times, I still find a lot of people just don’t know what to say or how to handle what’s happening to us.

It’s so draining, having to tell yourself to keep going everyday. I’m in that place just now too. I feel like I live by the hour - just keeping going. How old are you kids? I have two teenaged daughters and they are very aware of it.....it’s so hard being a mummy and having depression.

Do you have any sort of friend group or family support? Are you afraid to tell people you’re depressed? Xx

[Depressed_Single_Mom in reply to weegmack]

Sorry for such a delayed reply. It’s been rough. Thank you for your motivating words. It’s just hard to keep going when emotionally I’m drained, and every inch of me is filled with loneliness, confusion, and frustration. No close friends where I live; I moved here just shy of 2 years back and haven’t made any friends. I’m just so busy. Youngest is just a child, and my other kids are 18+. The hardest part is all my weight gain in just a matter of months😢 I’m just not wanting to put myself 1st, 2nd or even 3rd.

[Hidden]

I’m sending lots of big hugs toward your way.

[Depressed_Single_Mom in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Depressed_Single_Mom]

I wear that happy somewhat face too. I wish I could put makeup on haha o could really create an image for others to see.

It’s funny, the other day I told this girl I have anxiety. She was like umm I thought white people had perfect lives. I told her. No bbgirl we all suffer.

[Depressed_Single_Mom in reply to Hidden]

Yes I’m suffering. I don’t think I’ve hit rock bottom since I’m still able to fake a smile do others won’t notice but I don’t think I can hold up much longer. It’s just such an intense feeling of hopelessness, especially with all that I’ve got going on at the moment.

[JLoInCali12]

Hi! Sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time. I don't know your situation, but the following have helped me:

Exercise - helps to get me breathing deeply and also gets the good brain/body chemistry going. I focus on breathing deeply in through my nose and out through my mouth for the first 5 minutes or so. Several studies have shown a positive connection between exercise and improved mental help.

Getting out in nature - studies show that nature helps elevate mood. Even a park with trees, plants and birds can help.

Meditation/guided meditations on YouTube/affirmations on YouTube - search "meditation anxiety" or "affirmations for anxiety" or similar search words. I sometimes listen to guided meditations to get to sleep.

ACA meetings - adult children.org I've attended live meetings and phone meetings. Both have helped.

Inner child work has also helped. Google "inner child work" or "talk to your inner child" for guidance.

Self-care - sometimes I just need to wrap myself in a blanket and drink a hot cup of tea. Sometimes I just need to journal. In the past I've gotten a massage. Do whatever is productive and brings you some comfort. Last week I had a big bowl of ice cream - not really productive, but not really harmful either...

I'm not sure if you're in therapy or on meds/seeing a doctor, but both have helped me.

My heart goes out to you - I know how it feels. I hope that what has helped me can help you too!

[JLoInCali12 in reply to JLoInCali12]

and keep reaching out!

[JEG325]

Hello Depressed_Single_Mom. I have been through the 'falling apart' stage before. I could probably give you some pretty good advice. I'm pretty sure I can help you. I will leave you a message on my pm that might help quite a bit. If you do not know how to access your pm, let me know and I will tell you how. In the meantime, enjoy all the support our community has to offer!

[hypercat54]

I think we have all been through the falling apart stage and we all help and support each other on here. Just post anything you want and there are always members who will listen to you. Remember though that none of us on here are medics or trained counsellors, just fellow sufferers. The best way to make friends on here is to join in with others and when you find people you like you can private message them. Do exercise caution online though and keep your private details safe until you are sure you can trust someone. It takes time to make friends and it can't be done in a day or two. x

[sunandbutterfly]

Welcome, sorry to hear of the depression that you have been experiencing. In the times that your depression has worsened, have you ever spoken with a counselor? Perhaps your counselor would be able to recommend a good support group in your area. If not, Focus on the Family offers one-time complimentary consultation with a licensed counselor from a Christian perspective. Their phone number is 855-382-5433. They should also be able to provide you with information about groups in your area. I hope that this is helpful for you.

[Depressed_Single_Mom in reply to sunandbutterfly]

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it. Will definitely contact this individual.