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[Knicole94]

Hello everyone, I’m new here and I’m just curious as to what some of the ways that you actually deal with your depression, or any of your emotions. I’ve struggled with this my entire life, and my most used method that I think works (but also doesn’t) is to recluse. Usually, I can just let it run its course, but honestly, I’m the worst person I can be alone with. Thanks for listening and I’d be glad to read what any of you have.

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

Sometimes going away from social media and whatever is good for the mental health.Sometimes hiding away just taking a break from it all. Unfortunately a lot of us aren't millionaires and we can't hide away.

I try to do things I like. Reading books, playing video games, talking about said video games or whatever I find interesting. Watching my favorite movies or TV shows. Going outside once & a while. Lighting candles cause I like fire 🔥 😂 and I have a dog so playing with her helps with the melancholy.

[Knicole94 in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

Thank you so much ! I do also do those things while in isolation and they do help, but sometimes I’m still just empty inside while doing them. I can 100% say that YES, having a dog helps. I was never even a dog person but almost 6 years ago I actually rescued a puppy, and she’s probably the only reason I’ve been able to fight through. We saved each other.

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to Knicole94]

Yeah animals are great! They don't judge and they love unconditionally. Sometimes yeah we can't help those feelings of being empty or just plain weird. But it's okay. Eventually you'll feel again. That's why depression is hard for people to understand cause it does go through cycles. You'll be okay of like you said you have methods that help you out but sometimes it doesn't help. You just feel like your on E.

Btw the puppy you recused, what's it name?

[Knicole94 in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

Her name is Sarah ❤️ She’s my little angel, my saving grace. She is a PittBull/Beagle mix believe it or not 🤣

Bday

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to Knicole94]

Adorable 🥰 with her little crown. My dog won't let me put anything on her. Is that her birthday outfit? So cute. Love the name. Makes me think of the song Sarah smile. My dogs birthday is next month. She'll be 15! Perhaps I should throw her a quinceanera 🥳🎉 ooh her name is Chiyo (Chee YO) named after the lead character in the movie memoirs of a geisha. The character had blue eyes

Husky dog

[Knicole94 in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

Oh my goodness what a pretty baby !! My little girls birthday is also next month, on the tenth she’ll be six. People sing that song every time I tell them her name lol Though she was named after a song it wasn’t that one, it was the song Sara by starship only I spelled her name with an H. Her middle name is Minnelli after Liza Minnelli lol I hope your dog has the best quince ever !! ❤️

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to Knicole94]

I wonder if she'll let me put a lil birthday hat on her 😂 probably not. I'll have to Photoshop one on her 😂 but I will get her a lil doggy cake and make some doggy brew 😂

And I hope your doggo has the best birthday ever too! September babies in the house! 🥳 🎉

[101315]

Depression affects people in different ways and it is no easy task for most of us to conquer it. Isolation is a very common method but it can have adverse effects. Being alone means your thoughts are your only company (dogs and cats excluded) and if those thoughts are dark, your experience might be unpleasant. One way to mitigate this is to isolate, but in a public place. Take a trip to walmart and go tinker with the toys. Try on all the shoes. Sit in your vehicle and watch the odd ducks come and go. Play with your pet.

It is ok to be alone and it is ok to have sadness in your life. You are not broken, you are more normal than society allows you to believe. Taking charge of your healing process is what gives you the strength to overcome the obstacle.

[Knicole94 in reply to 101315]

Wow, thank you for that ☺️ I guess I never really thought about being in a public place, though I have I guess done it while not knowing it. It does help sometimes going out and just doing things. Looking back, I can recall my spur of the moment decisions like that help bringing me back into the world.

[101315 in reply to Knicole94]

I am glad you were able to recall moments of this nature. I used to go to malls and sit on the bench with friends and make up games .. blue shirt vs red shirt competitions and such .. you could do the same and take notes on your phone. Could be a great way to kill time and make decisions. If you see 25+ people with red shirts, its spaghetti night. 25+ blue shirts, mac and cheese … your imagination and willingness are the only things that can slow you down.

[Knicole94 in reply to 101315]

I truly appreciate you for your input, that actually sounds like a good idea. Your insight is promising

[blue-green-purple in reply to 101315]

I love the mall idea also! As teens, we used to hang out there after exhausting ourselves shopping. It was so much fun to people watch. I totally forgot about how entertaining that can be. Thank you!

[AnxiousSilver]

F&F, (first and foremost) welcome to this site. This is a good community here.

.

" I’ve struggled with this my entire life, and my most used method that I think works (but also doesn’t) is to recluse."

Second.. Being a "recluse" isn't a bad thing, especially if you're an introvert, because sometimes it's OK to want to be alone. (I do it too when I get down in the dumps)

However, if there's one thing that the pandemic taught me is that going isolated and alone for too long is not a good thing either.

Communication, even if it's online is needed.

I think a good example of this is Tom Hanks in the movie, "Cast Away" where he needed to talk to that volleyball from going nuts.

.

Either way.. Have a look around.

This site has a lot of threads with good information on both anxiety and depression.

[Knicole94 in reply to AnxiousSilver]

Thank you ! I agree sometimes it’s needed as I am more of an introvert, though when I’m around people I’m also a people person ! When it gets bad enough I know I can’t be alone.

[AnxiousSilver in reply to Knicole94]

"I am more of an introvert, though when I’m around people I’m also a people person !"

I get it. I'm more of an introvert too, but when I'm outside and in the mood, I can make small talk with literally anyone.

Like.. I don't care if the person is homeless or rich. I can make small talk with literally anyone.

.

But then.. There's "those days" where I want to be alone.

My primary issue is anxiety, (specifically GAD with Panic attacks sometimes too) but depression is common to have with anxiety since nobody likes having anxiety.

It's a little rough on my small circle of friends, because they know and understand that I have severe anxiety, but then they also see me "on my good days" (which is more rare post pandemic but whatever) and I look and act like a normal person.

Whatever.. GAD is complicated, but I definitely know what it's like to have depression as well.

.

Either way.. This is a good community to visit when you need to communicate, communicate your problems, or simply feel the need to help others.

[Knicole94]

Thank you PurpleBones !!

[blue-green-purple]

Hello and welcome Knicole. I can relate to what you're saying. I isolate which makes me feel better/safe initially but ultimately makes it even harder to socialize if it goes on too long (and it almost always goes on too long for me). I have difficulty with motivation. I think my 2 dogs are the only reason I'm still here. It's all about them and I'm ok with that for now. Sometimes just taking them for a walk is impossible. Going out that front door...fear of...fear??? I can be my own worst enemy with self talk so I listen to a lot of positive, motivational talks over and over. One day I may actually believe it. This is a good place to be. Great support, very safe. Glad you're here. Hang in there & hug that cutie pie fur baby!!

[Knicole94 in reply to blue-green-purple]

Thank you so much and I will hug her 💕 I do often because sometimes that’s the closest thing to love I feel. Even though it’s given to me by many, for some reason when it’s from her it’s the most special.

[Stippler]

Welcome to the group! I also tend to isolate, and it probably is not the best thing. But because of covid, I stay home almost all the time. Online support groups like this are my lifeline because if I stay too withdrawn, my mind wanders into some "bad neighborhoods." I hope you can get as much support and friendship as I am beginning to find here. As I said, this is my lifeline. Sending hugs and wishing you the best.

[Knicole94 in reply to Stippler]

Thank you !! And I haven’t even been on here twenty four hours yet and I’m already feeling a little better. I’m so glad I found this site, if I’d have known this Godsend existed sooner, I may be just a little better off.

[Call_me_anything]

Hello 👋 welcome to the forum