Need a female friend / Want to be a friend

[MMoth]

If my brief biography resonates with you, please PM me. I am in need of a friend outside of my daily circle and want to be yours.

Christian female, age 50

Married for 27+ years

Loving husband

3 amazing kids

Raised by loving parents

2 fun brothers

10 sweet nieces and nephews

Teacher for 29+ years

Hobbies: gardening, decorating, reading, planning family events, antiques

Guilt-ridden because of feeling anxious and depressed with so many blessings.

Age 11- first panic attacks

Teen years- normal stuff

Freshman year college- anxiety and depression; managed with LOTS of exercise

Married and happy

Baby #1- postpartum depression

Baby #2- postpartum depression worsened

Baby #3- postpartum depression was unbearable. On Paxil for 2+ years.

When baby #3 was 5 months, husband deployed to Bosnia. Came home 9 months later.

I “crashed” about 6 months later. Deep depression. Painful anxiety. Back on meds. This time Zoloft.

When baby#3 was almost 3, husband deployed to Iraq. Came home 18 months later.

Many other shorter-term deployments. He retired in 2015. Marriage has been wonderful.

Have increased my meds to 200 mg Zoloft. Okay most of the time, but anxiety comes and goes. It’s bad right now.

[MMoth]

Thank you. You are kind for replying, and I appreciate it more than you know. Your simple words brought tears.

[BluePeppermint]

Welcome to the group! I'm 44, divorced, no children, and not very religious, but I'm out here, also dealing with depression and anxiety that recently renewed themselves in my life. My family has been my rock during the last couple of months. It also helps that my ex husband that lives with me is also my best friend. I'm not sure how bad things would have gotten for me if he wasn't around.

[MMoth in reply to BluePeppermint]

Thank you for your kindness. My husband is my best friend too.

[MARYRD27]

I'm sorry to hear about your anxiety and depression. I had my first panic attack around the same age as you. I'm 70 with two adult sons (one with autism). I have 5 brothers and 1 sister and grew up in a pretty dysfunctional, but intact family. Despite my depression and anxiety, I got an MBA and had a successful career until I had children. I was overwhelmed by my children's needs and stayed home with them. My marriage ended after 10 yrs. My anxiety was the worst and I was on Xanax for 5 years. Fortunately, I was able to get my anxiety under control through the occasional Xanax, but largely due to The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne. I highly recommend it.

I'm glad to hear that your husband is no longer in the service. Those long deployments are so hard on families. You should congratulate yourself that you got through them. People who have never experienced anxiety have no idea how bad it can be. Xanax saved my life. It isn't a good long-term solution, but it can tamp down the anxiety long enough for you to remember how normal feels. But get the workbook. It will give you the tools to manage your anxiety without drugs. In the meantime, stay on your Zoloft. Zoloft was very helpful for me. Good luck.

[MMoth in reply to MARYRD27]

Thank you for sharing part of your story. Be blessed.

[Marysblue]

You can message me anytime.

[JW621]

I’m a make from nyc. I sure do need a real good female friend. Is that you?

[MommaLovesCats]

Hey! You found me on my post. I am female, 56, married 30 years so far, atheist, daughter of Air Force officer (great family life), postpartum with both daughters were two of the happiest times in my life (pregnancy, very unhappy!!), lots of exercise, have "crashed" a couple of times myself - so scary!! Looks like we have some stuff in common and some not. I am here to chat if you want!! I am so sorry it is bad for you right now. With a recent increase in my meds, I THINK I am moving out of the pit. A little too early to tell, but I am hopeful.

[Hidden]

You sound like a lovely person. My hubby was 21 years AF. It resonates with me what you wrote about the ages of your wee ones when your hubby went on tour and returned. Know that so well... Thank him for his service from us. Hugs!