How are you feeling today?

[TopGunGiraffe]

I want to open up a specific post where we can communicate with each other on how we are feeling today, right now. I've been feeling like I don't have a purpose. Like I'm just a waste of space and air. It is a feeling of emptiness. My anxiety and depression have been through the roof. I have decided to stop drinking for now, as I must focus on a healthy state of mind. I know I am not alone in this and it is something I can get through. I have found that what brings me out of this place is talking to others and lending a helping hand to someone who might be feeling the same way. We aren't alone in our feelings, although that's how it feels most of the time. So I'd like to ask how you are feeling and if there's anything I can do to help?

[Kainan]

Yeah. Anxiety and depression can certainly make us feel that way. You are definitely not alone here. Right now, I am feeling pretty good. I just finished a nice meditation and it's put me in a good space. How are you?

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to Kainan]

Oh that's for sure, unfortunately. I'm glad to hear you are doing well! Meditations take practice so I applaud you on that! They definitely have helped me through hard times, as well. Thank you for responding

I am finally feeling at ease, right now. I have been very worked up on and off for the past few days, much more than usual (which says A LOT). But I have spent about 2 hours responding to people on here and working on my profile. Helping others is what truly makes me happy. I want to create a safe place on my profile for people to follow my page and feel like they are being supported, as I also want for myself. I want to be a voice for people who may need some help being heard. Do you have any meditations you would recommend?

[Kainan in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

That's awesome, and it's what this community is all about. I'm glad you're with us. I use a meditation app called insight timer. It has thousands of free meditations, and I find them all to be pretty good

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to Kainan]

Thank you, I'll have to give it a shot!

[Kainan in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

you're welcome

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Just that you stopped in your day and your moment is more than enough to help me. It fills my heart to know that someone cares. I’m good.

Sending you strength and blessings. You aren’t alone.

Doaty💛

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Doaty-

I will always be willing to take time out of my day to talk or listen, if it helps others. Your words mean the world and I am so happy I could get through to you today. Just know I am here if there is anything you need or would like to talk about. <3 xoxo

[tbg1961 in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

I'm also impressed with you. I am not comfortable talking here and I feel nervous about it. But, I am tired of being alone in my shell.

I don't know if I'll stick around or not but, even an old fashioned guy like me knows a classy person when he sees one.

Luck and success to you, TGG.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to tbg1961]

It's always uncomfortable at first but little by little, it gets easier. My private messages are always open if you just need someone to talk to. I encourage you to stick around. Even if it means just reading for a while. You can scroll through and see that you aren't alone in what you are feeling. When you are ready, you can make a post and break out of your shell little by little. I have bottled things up for so long that I finally decided I was ready to shout my truths. I wish you the best. Thank you for your kind words, friend. xoxo

[tbg1961 in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

I am thinking it over. My friend who urges me to come out of my shell practically lives on here. But, I cannot be like that. I think my words over carefully to make them sound as relevant as I can. I'm a bit out of touch with the modern world around me and that makes me feel even more uneasy. But, I'll try.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to tbg1961]

I'm glad you're willing to try! That's the first step. The good thing about this place is that it's safe and you don't have to try to make yourself sound relevant. You are relevant. I promise you that a lot of people are feeling exactly how you are feeling and can easy relate to you. Your friend sounds like a great support system! I hope you feel comfortable enough soon to let your words flow, but only when you are ready. I'll be here rooting for you!

[tbg1961 in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

OMG, those were awesome words and made me feel so much better! Thank you!

[tbg1961 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Well, you're an awesome person, D! Anyone that talks to you will know that in a second. Hope you're holding up well. I'm still praying for you!

[ts116]

I appreciate you for opening up the space. I feel you in many ways and think substance breaks can be super helpful in recentering at least for me when things are tough.

i’ve had a real hard, been struggling for a while and hadn’t voiced it and today i did. that really brought a lot of things up for me and even though that’s hard, it makes my mental health a priority today. thanks for making space to share we are truly in this together.

[TopGunGiraffe]

I appreciate you responding! Thank you for having the strength and courage to open up today. That is what this is all about. I have recently found strength in wearing my mental state on my sleeve and talking about it. It should be as regular as talking about our physical health. I have also been struggling and I decided that to beat it I needed to face my fears and speak up. I'm so happy you did to. It can get hard when a bunch of feelings, thoughts, and emotions start to surface. But we are stronger than the things we are forced to deal with. It has taken a long, long time but we can come together and keep taking steps forward. Thank you again

[All_alone]

Very lovely post. Thank you. Actually today and yesterday have been absolutely horrible. But it will get better.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to All_alone]

I'm sorry the last few days have been rough. I can relate. Sending you love and strength. Take a nice bath, drink some herbal tea, and maybe listen to some meditations and work on your breathing. You're right, everything will get better. You are stronger than you know. xoxo

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

❤❤

[tbg1961 in reply to All_alone]

I am sorry too. I don't know how much I can help you but, at least I can listen if you would like.

[All_alone in reply to tbg1961]

Thank you . I think I'm just going to walk away from everything today and take a ride for a change of scenery. Two years of my situation has taken its toll mentally and physically. I have very little left to give and basically no support system. I'm very tired.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to All_alone]

I understand completely. I moved across the country from the (barely there) support system I had. It's hard to carry the weight on your own and I have also been doing it for years. It feels unbearable at times. But, I know you got this. I hope a change of scenery helped out.

If you ever need anyone to talk to, i'm here for you. You are not alone. We can help you carry some of that weight.

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

The weight has become unbearable. I had a few things to deal with this morning, came in and started getting ready. Halfway through doing my hair I seen I would not leave until 11am. It's an hour ride so I just stayed home today. The hr ride seemed like to much. Then I thought I would try a place about 30 minutes away and just didn't have it in me for that either. I'm hoping I got this. I hope your day was good. Hugs!!

[tbg1961 in reply to All_alone]

I'm really sorry, I can't be better support. I'm usually on overnight EST time. I get kind of afraid to do this sometimes because it's so out of character for me.

My friend here on H/U talks to people all the time. I wish I could but, I can't....

Hug to both of you....Sigh....

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to tbg1961]

You will get the hang of it on your own time. No need to be down on yourself!

[All_alone in reply to tbg1961]

Your words are so kind. You also have to do what you feel comfortable with and that is good.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to All_alone]

I'm proud of you for taking steps towards what you wanted to do. Sometimes, it is too hard. But you will get it next time. At times it feels like I am taking one step forward and three steps back but then I have to remember that, I am still moving forward. And that is all that matters. At my own pace. <3

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

I guess that's all any of us can do. One step forward and hope for none backwards.

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

How long ago did you move across the country?

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to All_alone]

about 3 months ago and I have been struggling. It took me awhile to even hop on here. But so glad I did.

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

I'm glad your here. Hopefully we can be there for each other. No one should have to struggle alone.

[batmasterson]

not feeling good. real dark deep and in slow motion. lots of generalized anger getting deeper every day

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to batmasterson]

Thank you for sharing. It can be hard to do that so I applaud you for taking that step and trying to pinpoint what is wrong and how you are feeling. I have felt this way before and I have had to force myself to practice "letting go." I have said this a million times but yoga and meditating has really helped me through this. It has been a great crutch as I try to release the negativity I am feeling. It was a really hard pill for me to swallow but I learned after lots of practice and mindfulness ( I am still working on this every day) that we have to fully let go of the past to continue to move forward in the future in a positive way. I encourage you to slowly let go, day by day. Write down the things that are making you feel this way. Maybe after your done writing you can take the pieces of paper and burn them, signifying the release you are working towards. Sending you love. xoxo

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

That's one of my issues. How do I let go of the past when I am still dealing with things everyday because of the past. Maybe that makes no sense since you don't know the situation. ☹

[tbg1961 in reply to All_alone]

Yeah, I hang on too tight to the past too. Especially a number of people I can't forgive for hurting me....I should forget, I really should. But, I find it impossible to sometimes....

[All_alone in reply to tbg1961]

Do you think some "hurts" are unforgivable... ?? I sometimes think some hurts are. Any thoughts? I hope your day was good.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to All_alone]

I agree with all alone. We find peace when we forgive others and view them as lessons. I find it that more often than not, forgiving takes up less energy. Although, it can be very hard.

[All_alone in reply to TopGunGiraffe]

Forgiveness can at times be extremely hard and I totally agree with it being a lesson. I probably need to forgive myself more than I do.

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to All_alone]

I may not understand it exactly the way you do, but I understand it in my own way based on my own experience. I see what you mean, I hear you. We have to push through and really work through things in order to let them go. It takes time and practice. Once we start to work through them and understand our struggles and trauma we can begin to let them go. I am here if you ever need to talk. Sending you hugs. You have the strength to work through this and process. I hope you are able to relax today. xoxo

[batmasterson]

thank you. not sure past is the isssue but i will examine it.

[eve2020]

I can relate on not feeling like you have a purpose. I have interest, but I don't exactly think it will take me anywhere work related. I had to stop drinking entirely because I will drink until I black out happily. There is so much alcoholism in my family so I have to be careful. I do feel alone in my feelings a lot fo the time too. My family has depression and anxiety like myself and also take medication. My family as in my mother and brother, but I want words of comfort. They never know what to say to me so they never say anything. I think it has to do with my degree in psychology and what I am studying in graduate school. They for some reason they I have some sort of answers to my conditions and that's not the case. It's not what I am studying, but they hear psychology and think I know the answers. I know of not answers.

[All_alone]

I also love this picture of the two hands reaching out under water. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When I feel like I'm going under it would be wonderful to have that hand reaching out!

[Sunshine425]

I recently quit drinking too. Im glad you posted this🖤

I was in the state of mind for 10 plus years. But once I chose to seek help for my mental health and stop drinking I saw a new side of myself, and I loved her and wanted to take care of her. I found my purpose was inside of me all along. I saw brighter days because each day Im realizing how capable I am. I turn my traumas into comeback stories. That gives the awful parts of my life a meaning. I pray through this site and sobriety you will get to have this awakening too. Dont lose hope.

[MRawPR]

I am feeling so good right now. Yesterday a day of many mixed emotions hanging out with my 4 children and their spouses and kids... I don’t see them as often as I should so it was overwhelming and beautiful at the same time but my anxiety kicked in hard just right before going to bed.

But at this moment all is good. Thank you for being here for us. This ‘thing’ comes and goes but we’re here for you and all those in need. Happy Friday!

[TopGunGiraffe in reply to MRawPR]

Thank you for your words. Even if you feel like you guys don't visit with each other as much as you should, you got to spend Thanksgiving with them and that's what is most important. You can make it happen more often when you are ready. Thank you so much.

[misslillie]

Thanks for asking. My back hurts. I have procrastinated going to the doctor. I have back issues and it is time to go to the doctor again. I could avoid a lot of pain. Why do I procrastinate? Depression keeps me imobilized.