For those of us with MS, or for anyone with chronic illnesses, with depression or anxiety, this time of year can be really hard. I think feelings of loneliness, grief, pain, separation, and anxiety can be enhanced when it seems the rest of the world is celebrating. Part of that may be sadness that we can't physically or emotionally participate in all that others seem to be participating in. Part of it may be comparing our situation to the "perfect" Facebook-like lives of others. Some of us may be in constant pain. Some may feel a sense of the holidays being little more than a burden with to-do lists that we simply don't have the energy to fulfill. Many of us are stretched financially.
I hope that everyone who feels that way will feel free to share that here with people who understand. I also hope that no one leaves depression or anxiety untreated. There are people who want to help us if we will give them the opportunity. So please ask for help. Each of us is precious and valuable.
There is the national suicide hotline, which is available 24 hours a day:
1-800-273-8255
I know there are some brilliant, compassionate people here who will share some ways they have of dealing with the temporary blues. If you have learned some ways you find helpful, please share them here.
I'll start with one thing which works for me. Doing something for someone else is an enormous lifter of my mood. It doesn't have to be anything big, but just something that gets my focus off of myself and my current mood.
Late Christmas wishes.
Joining at Christmas time
Merriment of Christmas Eve 🎄 😷
True Christmas Funny...
Thank you for sharing that xo
How are doing? I know it’s been tough lately.
Hi not great..it just keeps comn im prayin an old filling feel out couple years ago..went to a bad dentist tht didnt xray it..well yesterday it fell out again she wouldnt see me within an hour i was so sick pain n weird dranage..find a dentist tht takes Medicare he stayed after hours and did xray this whole time the nerves have been infected he put tepoary stuff on it n root canal is Friday..makes me wonder these few past years if tht infection has been the whole problem..talk to ms dr and its possible..so im praying thts been whts really been doing me in ..thank you
Teeth can really do us (or anyone) in and make them sick if not taken care of. I went to a new dentist earlier this week and found out I have an infection in a tooth, a cracked tooth, and some root canals that may need to be rodone
I really liked this new dentist office and the dentist I saw. So happy I finally made the decision to go in and start get this taken care of.
Gentle hugs to you luvhair
Jessie
Yes i.agree..get the root canal done today scared this new dentist im see img is surr awesome