Please help me today

[Mrspjsmom]

Today is New Years Eve and for me it will be a very difficult day. For the past 22 years I have celebrated with my friends and some family at a potluck dinner. My best friend always hosted it. We exchanged Christmas gifts, caught up and laughed so much it hurt sometimes. But my friend has been in the hospital since July 15th. Nine surgeries, problems with infection and more than a month in ICU. It's a miracle she survived and I am beyond grateful for that. But today is rough. After 7pm I will be alone with my depression, anxiety and another year's worth of pain. I will see my friend today but can't be at the hospital after 8:30. My husband will be at work and my children will celebrate the way young people should. I thought I was better prepared but I'm not. I have been crying off and on since yesterday and woke up in the midst of a panic attack. Many of you are kind, supportive, and today I will need all of you. HUGS!

[EleanorRose]

So sorry to hear about your friend. She sounds like an incredibly strong person to have endured all of that and still be here fighting. I’m really glad you’re going to see her still, even if it’s not the same as usual.

It will be understandably difficult for you - is there something you could plan to do now, so that you don’t get to tonight and not know what to do with yourself.

After you’ve visited your friend, is there a favourite meal you could make yourself? A book you could read? A TV programme to watch? Or just run a bath and then get an early night?

It could be anything but having a plan rather than staying up late, feeling sad and anxious might help get you through the night.

Fingers crossed next year your friend will be home and you can be back to normality a bit 🤞🏼

I will be thinking of you today x

[Mrspjsmom in reply to EleanorRose]

Thank you. I am trying to come up with a plan for tonight. Maybe a spa night. A bubble bath, a face mask and some comfy pajamas. There are several things I could watch on TV or some movies. But you are right a plan will be helpful.

[EleanorRose in reply to Mrspjsmom]

Ohhh! That sounds lovely and relaxing!

Do whatever feels right for you. Also, don’t feel under ‘pressure’ to be having a good night ... a lot more people than you think don’t enjoy new year and a lot more people than you think won’t be doing anything special.

[mtnee]

I think a plan will be good for tonight too. I usually don't do anything special on New Years. I enjoy the 'what is it' pictures you post. You could spend some time planning what pictures you could take in the upcoming month or actually take the pictures.

[Mrspjsmom in reply to mtnee]

Maybe I will. For Christmas I got a set of 3 lenses that clip over a phone camera. Haven't had a chance to try them out.

[mtnee in reply to Mrspjsmom]

How did the planning go? Did you try out your new lenses?

[Mrspjsmom in reply to mtnee]

My plans fell apart but in a good way. I talked to a different friend for two hours. Then my son called and asked me if I wanted to go to his house to watch the ball drop at midnight. The weather was miserable so I stayed home but we called and texted back and forth until after midnight. About 5 minutes before midnight my husband called from work and stayed on the phone with me until after midnight. Even though he wasn't here physically he was with me. But I will try the lenses and until I get the hang of using them I have my eye on a few things so watch for photos.

[mtnee in reply to Mrspjsmom]

Glad the New Year came in so well. Looking forward to your photos.

[Hobbitz]

That sounds like such a difficult situation, I'm so sorry to hear that your going through all that.

Christmas and New year is such a difficult time especially for people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Just remember you are not alone and today is an ordinary day just like any other day. We tend to put so much pressure on ourselves during this time, but just remember you are in control of how you feel, don't let the anxiety control you (I know this is sometimes much easier said than done.

You sound like such a kind and caring person, do something really nice to treat yourself, whether its watching your favourite film or eating your favourite food. It sounds like you are a great friend and you give a lot to others. Make sure you take time to look after number one. You deserve it.

Hope you have a lovely evening and that your friend gets better xx

[Mrspjsmom]

Thank you.

[Poodie]

Here’s a hug from me ♥️.

Those are all good suggestions. I also never thought of a plan but it makes sense to do so.

I am sorry your friend has been so sick. Maybe you could celebrate getting thru some bad times and the fact that a new year is starting that will possibly. bring you much more happiness and pease.