Depression and Stuck

Hi Paula, I am sorry you feel that way, I can only tell you from my experience, keeping yourself busy.

You have a big heart and so much talent,  how about being a volunteer? serving meals to the needy?offering to tutor underprivileged kids with their writing? How about taking a music or cooking lesson? being in a church choir? start a project?

It's common for depression to come around at this time of year... Seasonal affective disorder is one thing, but sometimes I think the coming of the new year gets to a lot of people, too. It might make us look at what we have accomplished and what we want to accomplish, and we might feel we didn't do enough or could do more.... especially if comparing yourself to others or even maybe past accomplishments. So, definitely try your best not to compare yourself to others. We all have our own paths, and they are unique to us. Not all of us can have or do the same exact things all the time... and that would be quite boring!

Some things to try are setting new goals, big or small, any at all.. and work toward them. You already have been adding some recently, so that's great! You don't have to accomplish them all immediately either; it can be a work in progress to at least give you something to look forward to. Also, focus on what you are already achieving and accomplishing and celebrate it all, as that can lift your spirits and motivate you to continue to try other things.

At the start or end of your day, practice gratitude for what you do have. A roof over your head, food on your table... say some nice things about yourself as well. You don't have to "have it all" to live a good life or a happy one. I find lowering expectations of myself helps me mentally instead of always thinking I need to do more and be more... just being where you are and who you are is enough in each moment.

If you want to do more, then great... go for it. If you don't, then that's okay, too.... It's okay to have days where you feel down and do nothing.. accept those feelings and days and be kind to yourself. Let them pass, if they will... sometimes they linger, and sometimes they don't fully go away, but you can learn to cope with the feelings and find ways to feel even just a little better... Do what brings you joy.

I have never had depression, I guess I am too busy to feel depressed.

Keeping ourselves busy might be the most effective one. Secondly, as Cassie said, find a way to be content with ourself, stop looking at others and compare yourself to them. There is alway someone richer, better looking, more charming...

@popcorn&Candy

I'd also like to say thank you for posting this.
I think your post just goes to show how anyone can find themselves unexpectedly falling into a dip.
Anyone who reads your posts will know you come across as a happy, carefree, busy ,confident person ,with loads of interests and loads going on in your life. So for you to say you feel depressed and stuck makes it so much easier for other people to talk about their troubles.

Thank you for sharing. Thank you for showing all of us that this can strike absolutely anyone.

I am someone who smiles, laughs, and crack jokes no matter how bad I feel (mentally or physically due to chronic illness)... I think it also makes people not believe me sometimes when I finally admit to feeling depressed or whatnot, though. Not everyone realizes what depression is like or that it doesn't always look the same or look so obvious in everyone... or the varying degrees/severities of depression. You really can't always tell, unfortunately.

A lot of that rings true for me too.

But maybe not the 5 years lol. That was going some.

This sentence stood out for me: feeling grateful for what one has - what I have, too - is key to feeling happy. There is nothing wrong with wanting more BUT when it loses our focus and we end up in misery, feeling happy for our blessings makes us much, much happier. I also try to do what brings me joy: writing and cooking and reading magazines & books. Taking time to look after myself, too. Whether by doing Tai Chi or using pampering beauty products or just going for a walk in the fresh air.

You're right, cassie: depression can strike absolutely anyone. Depression does not just target certain people. People from all walks of life have suffered soul destroying depression. I have always been prone to depression: but I try to be positive and happy. It isn't easy sometimes, though: feeling stuck hits sometimes. That's when I know I need to make changes in my life.

In the past I have been inspired to write poetry as therapy and to also show people they're normal even if they're depressed. Wriitng is my therapy and in my soul. I shall write a new poem about depression, though: I shall show the colour grey that haunts the soul. The colour of depression.

It's good to recognise your triggers your highs and low points.
I must admit for me it's quite the opposite I never feel quite as lonely as when Im with a group of people.

On my own I have loads of things to occupy myself and I can always think of a new project or craft or something I want to try out.

In my younger days I was quite a solitary child. Although I can still takes months to settle into a group of people it really was a help when I started working in my job which involved visiting people. At least, on a one to one basis, I learnt to communicate without fear (it used to be that bad).

An nie, wishing you and everyone here a wonderful 2022.

I hope, too, everyone has a happy New Year.

Thanks Karen,  I hope you are having a fun time as I writing this. We are about to take off for the party at my sister. We got quite a bit done today so hubby and I can enjoy a nice, quiet day tomorrow just the two of us.

Do stick to those New Year resolutions!