Introduction

[1turtle1]

All I gotta say is, wow! There are people like me out there, not far from me. Wow! I'm not alone. I've been on meds for years, and in therapy even long. I do have moments of happiness, but they are fleeting. My average is content. When I feel all I'm facing, I get depressed. I'm just running and distracting from the feelings, because I don't feel like I have a safe place to really be me. No one wants to be around a depressed person I'm told, but try as I may, I've never been able to escape the depression. I frequently isolate, because I'm told no one wants depressed company. I just want company and I want to be hear when I say how I feel. I just want some validation. I'm not asking for anyone to fix of make things better. I just want to be heard and accepted as I am, depression and all. Depression is a disease and it doesn't go away. It gets managed. Others don't like my management of my disease, but it's the best I can do.

[Starrlight]

Hi 1turtle1! I too see glimpses of joy which I try to hold onto but then mostly searching for it in murky depression and anxiety. I also isolate. I hear you. All we can do is our best to manage. I think you are beautiful. Love your turtle. ❤️

[1turtle1 in reply to Starrlight]

Thank you so much for the validation. Love to you.

[Starrlight in reply to 1turtle1]

Hope you have beautiful moments today!

[Hidden]

Hi!!! Welcome. 😊

[1turtle1 in reply to Hidden]

So glad to be here with others like me.

[Sprinkle1]

Lovely photo, of you and turtle. I have been a life time suffer of depression/anxiety, they rob us don't they? I looked to be content, and could be. In my 40's I got into therapy, it turned my life around, I ended coming out happy, as I got rid of a load of crap that was weighing me down, changed lousy ways of thinking and became free. Because I suffer from Clinical Depression, I need med's. I have just come out of a 3 year trip thru hell, medication was changed for the 9th time?!!! I am now on cymbalta 50 mg a day, with 100 mg trazadone at bed time to sleep. Gabapentine 300 mg 4 times a day. I have a wonderful therapist who has helped me to understand my illness, and Not blame myself. She is there for me, gives me love and support, even makes me hot chocolate!!! Thru a spiritual group I joined over 20 years ago, I learnt to live in the moment, oh it is wonderful. I worry about nothing, 10 mins ago has gone, what is coming has not got here yet....

I could recommend a great book if your a reader, by Dr. Scott Peck "The Road Less Traveled", it helped me a Lot. When it was first published in the 80's it was in the top 10 best seller list for 7 years. Amazon carries it new/used, it is a worthwhile investment.

Talk to us here, we understand how you feel, we will try to be of help, offer you love and support along with big hugs......Sprinkle 1.....

[1turtle1 in reply to Sprinkle1]

Yeah, it's a biological predisposition for depression from my genetics. I've dealt with chronic pain over half my life. Pain was the tipping point. I've been on several different antidepressants, too. I'm currently on cymbalta 90mg by day, and remeron 30mg by night. Took neurontin 3600mg (yes, 3600mg!) for years. I took God knows how many anti-inflammatories before that. I'm currently on celebrex 200mg twice a day. That was a godsend. I'm able to function fairly well. My back still hurts, but, as soon as this pandemic is over, I'll have procedure to severe the nerves to relieve the low back pain. I just need to wait this out. There is one major problem remaining: housing. I was asked to leave the relationship I was in and the shared residence, because I expressed how I really felt, seriously depressed. I was forced into early retirement with the US housing downturn in 2011, and have lived on a pittance of a retirement. Moving is gonna be tough, especially now. It will also mean putting my physical health on hold even longer.

Thanks for your hope. I hope I find some of that soon.

[Agora1]

Welcome 1turtle1 to a safe place

I love the warmth of your smile and the hope in your eyes x

You have come to the right place where people care and understand.

I'm glad you are here. xx

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome Turtle

Stick around

BOB

[kenster1]

hi and welcome to you love the picture as well.

[Hidden]

You are totally validated here but the only important validation is the validation you give yourself. I know depression makes it almost impossible though.

[1turtle1 in reply to Hidden]

Until I can do it for myself, I'll get by with a little validation from friends. Thank you.

[Agora1 in reply to 1turtle1]

turtle, your response brought a smile because it reminded me

of that song "I'll get by with a little help from my friends" xx