Beyond the blues...The Mean Reds.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Yes, I have that depression. I suffered from several clinical depressions, and then once I got thru them I have discovered that I get into this state. It is worse than Hell itself. I know how you feel. It is a black hole that just sets me off. I want nothing to do with others, and lack motivation to even function in life itself.

[cinderella]

Andrew, I have known you for many years, and have been witness to your ups and downs. I know how especially hard it is for you, and heaven knows, you have more legitimate reasons to be depressed then I. But each one's measure of unhappiness and depression is different. The old adage of "I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw the man who had no feet." works for some, but not for all.

I am not saying that means one is insensitive to other's pain, or lacks understanding - I do understand, and I do feel the hurt of others', but that doesn't lessen mine. Everyone carries their own cross. But on the journey, we can help each other when the burden gets too heavy. Sometimes helping others lessens the weight of our own cross...

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Yes, I have that depression. I suffered from several clinical depressions, and then once I got thru them I have discovered that I get into this state. It is worse than Hell itself. I know how you feel. It is a black hole that just sets me off. I want nothing to do with others, and lack motivation to even function in life itself.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Yes it does. I do quite a bit of volunteer work and that has helped me a tremendous amount.

[cinderella]

Hmmm...food for thought. Maybe I should do the same, instead of focusing on my troubles - which I'm sure no one is interested in knowing - we all have those. It's that old axiom again: "Laugh, and the world laughs with you. Cry, and you cry alone."

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Yes it does. I do quite a bit of volunteer work and that has helped me a tremendous amount.

[Apocalipstic]

I also have clinical depression, so I am not sure how much I can help other than I do have ups and downs depending on life.

I have to agree with Andrew, I was very sad about the Nashville Flood and how many friends were without homes and all the devastation. We got out and helped and I feel way better now.

Good luck Cinderella, I know how sad the blues can make one! Maybe take a couple of days for you, do things you enjoy as a special treat. A fresh manicure and pedicure always pep me up and does new hair color.

I also find ironing and organizing my closet helps.

and well....Lexapro.

[cinderella]

Hey, sweetie, thanks for participating and sharing. As I stated in my OP, I wasn't referring to 'clinical' depression - the kind that requires therapy and meds - I was talking more about those times when you feel so down and out that nothing anyone says or does, lightens your heart. I usually can shake myself out of it -mine comes from islolation and lonliness, and the fact that at my age I don't feel at all hopeful that I will ever experience romantic love again.

Lately, I am experiencing something I never thought I would - afraid of being taken advantage of financially and emotionally. Add to that the fact that I have issues of abandonment that stem from childhood. My father abandoned my 4-month pregnant mother when I was 3, and at 67, I still cannot come to terms with that. Add to the fact, that that bastard at 91 is still roaming this earth, while my mom who was such a good mother, wife and human is long gone. Brings to mind the axiom of 'only the good die young.

I'm sorry, I've said more then I should, but unloading like this is like a catharsis - in small increments, but cathartic no less...

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

I also have clinical depression, so I am not sure how much I can help other than I do have ups and downs depending on life.

I have to agree with Andrew, I was very sad about the Nashville Flood and how many friends were without homes and all the devastation. We got out and helped and I feel way better now.

Good luck Cinderella, I know how sad the blues can make one! Maybe take a couple of days for you, do things you enjoy as a special treat. A fresh manicure and pedicure always pep me up and does new hair color.

I also find ironing and organizing my closet helps.

and well....Lexapro.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Cinderella,

One thing that I think you may find helpful is to meditate. I meditate every single day. It has helped with my anxiety, and with learning to forgive others. And I mean true, down to earth forgiveness. I still struggle with forgiveness, mind you. But I have come a long way.

Plus I have the tendency of being an empath. I can walk thru a crowd and pick up on others emotions. And I carry them on my sleeve. Or if I see a tradegy unfold on tv...it sticks with me, and I have to go to Church to pray for them. Like 9-11, it devistated me. Then came the OK Federal Building, and so on. Like Jen said with the flooding, I have found myself in Church and meditating quite a bit.

[cinderella]

Thank you for your suggestions, Andrew. You are a kind soul.

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Cinderella,

One thing that I think you may find helpful is to meditate. I meditate every single day. It has helped with my anxiety, and with learning to forgive others. And I mean true, down to earth forgiveness. I still struggle with forgiveness, mind you. But I have come a long way.

Plus I have the tendency of being an empath. I can walk thru a crowd and pick up on others emotions. And I carry them on my sleeve. Or if I see a tradegy unfold on tv...it sticks with me, and I have to go to Church to pray for them. Like 9-11, it devistated me. Then came the OK Federal Building, and so on. Like Jen said with the flooding, I have found myself in Church and meditating quite a bit.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Cinderella,

Remember, you may or may not have a spouse, but you are a part of our family here. And we love you inside and out.

[Kobi]

I am thinking the issue here is not depression but the existential angst we humans go thru now and then as we evaluate our lives and see it isnt what we expected or hoped it would be at various stages along the way.

I think it is a necessary process in individual human evolution as we grow and change. What used to have meaning for us no longer does. Hence, to where will we grow next?

It's kind of like "God" or whatever you believe in. giving you a slap upside the head, urging you to seek meaning and those experiences that can bring it.

I have found it to be a solitary endeavor, as noone can know your journey or thoughts, hopes, dreams any clearer than you can. Once clear, others can maybe help suggest how to get from here to there. But, even that is kind of subjective.

It is an uncomfortable place sometimes, but as with most processes....there are positive aspects and sucky aspects.

It might help to see it as growing pangs, knowing something good is at the end of the process.....a new way of thinking, a new way of being, getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, taking risks, learning, experiencing, growing etc.

Sometimes, it might seem or even be overwhelming. But, I truly believe the answers you seek are within your grasp. Trust the process.