Hi Jimmy and Tony and welcome! You will find I post her quite often. I come here twice a day to work on my sessions in the CBT program and focus on things I need to do for my depression. I can say this program has been very very valuable and ranks very near the top in terms of helping along my way in recovery. Posting in the support group, sharing information, listening, hearing others and knowing we aren't alone, and just getting things off our chest in an anonymous envrironment helps. Other things that have help me along (besides a pdoc, a therapist and medication), I'll call it music therapy (listening to music that inspires me at times and at other times brings forth those tears I want to hide). I work part-time though I am on disability retirement and I do not have to, I need to for the therapeutic benefit (though I cannot work or handle the stress in the profession in which I'm trained). Meditation and what that means to me is quiet time to reflect on things I have to be grateful for, a daily reading related to my spirituality and in a place that is specifically for my meditation, I make my sefl (notice the word MAKE) socialize and go out. I also exercise and try to eat healthy (though I don't do this well). I quit drinking coffee because it aggravated my anxiety. Geez, you get the idea. I've changed my whole way of life and I've tried many other things and though these things are time consuming, my health is worth it, I deserve it, along with my family and friends. I've tried other things but this is what I've found that helps the most (not everyone needs everything or alot of stuff, some like me over analyze and over do) My driving force is fear - fear of returning to where I have been with the depression.
Who - my son - my awesome baby boy (lol, who is 30 ,an attorney, married ) and his family. My son's wife's family is very supportive since the death of my parents (dad a year ago this week) and invite me to their family functions and events. I am thankful they help to fill the void.
Well, I hope you can grab a couple of ideas out of there and take off. I do know the sessions are helpful, I know from experience taking your time and being thorough is important. Don't feel the pressure of a week if it takes two or more.
Look forward to seeing you both around and reading your posts.
