DISQUS

L'Tanya · 10 months ago

Thanks so much for this. You know my situation. I just found a swarm (support group) that may be able to give us a boost. We'll see how it goes.

pearl_mattenson · 10 months ago

There is more to come dear one... swarm away...

carolynn · 10 months ago

A private person with loner tendencies, as soon as my husband walked out the door, I seemed to instinctively know that I needed to seek out the company of others in order to get through this particularly dark period in my life. When the door closed behind "him", I immediately called a supportive girlfriend, who's first words to me were "Breathe".

"He" moved out on December 26th. On New Year's Eve I took myself to a movie and, although I technically sat alone in the dark, I had still chosen to leave the solitude of my apartment and mingle with other people. I sought out my friends and before I knew it, my calendar was filled to overflowing with engagements.

Even now, when I'm feeling in need of intimate contact with another human being, I don't hesitate to book a massage and revel in the restorative touch of another.

Excellent & interesting post, Pearl.

pearl_mattenson · 10 months ago

Good for you for having that instinct Carolynn. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

Carrie · 10 months ago

Wonderful post Pearl. I know when I start to hibernate too much, I am an introverted extrovert, and have learned to yes to invitations even if I am not up for it. Connecting feels good!

pearl_mattenson · 10 months ago

I think I am a little bit that way myself.
The first reaching out takes effort but it is usually worth it...

buy buspar · 9 months ago

BuSpar (buspirone) for Anxiety: I have been taking this medicine 15mg in the morning and 15mg at night and it works great. Never had any medical problems before then last year all of a sudden I had a panic attack and was in bed three weeks with anxiety, it scared me to death. I was in such fear I shook. This drug took three weeks to get me OK but it's now been 19 months without anxiety I hope it works long term. I still fear another panic attack it was horrible expecially for someone who had always been healthy and happy.

lsmucker · 7 months ago

As someone who has dealt with my own clinical depression for a number of years, I can say that it would be lovely if it were as easy as bumping up against loved ones. However, with the help a medication (to improve my brain's use of serotonin) and some type talking about my feeling with a therapist I have learned over the years that my instincts shouldn't necessarily be my guide when depressed. When struggling with depression my instincts tell me to hide, to isolate, to try and dull the aniexty/bad feelings by not leaving my house, not seeing other people, not to keep social engagements etc. Not moving, not talking to/seeing other peopel though just increases my feelings of sadness. So, if I'm having a bad time I now work on pushing through the feeling and inaction to little steps of doing and acting more healthy. I try and go to appointments, or social acitivities. I make plans to leave the house and spend time around other people (even if its just going to the library or a coffee shop for a little while. I get up and shower and make sure I eat regular meals. I call freinds or family on the phone to chat. However, it is difficult to do, but generally I now know that through continued efforts to seek help (both medical/professional help for my mental illness) and support from the larger world around me it gets better. So all you can do it keep trying to reach out for help and know that there are people who can assist you and or your loved one move towards more hopeful future.

Adriana Lima · 7 months ago

When struggling with depression my instincts tell me to hide, to isolate, to try and dull the anxiety/bad feelings by not leaving my house, not seeing other people, not to keep social engagements etc.