Horrible week

[Whatsinaname]

Hi everyone,

I'm having a horrible week, so just thought I would post to see how everyone else is going?

I'm having a hard time getting out of the shame spiral this week, but trying to remember this is only temporary.

Anyway, hope others are well, happy to chat about anything.

[Annas1]

Hi Whatisinaname and Happylife,

I too have feelings of sadness that can come upon me in the evening (this is a soft kind of sadness) or I can tell that it's actually grief underlying agitation or anxiety that are most obvious. I now recognise that there is both a well of unexpressed grief within me and a new instinct to let things go in the moment of overwhelm. Sometimes telling the difference is confusing for me, but the upshot is I am getting used to the presence of sorrow within me. Essentially, I have no other choice if I want to loosen up and let go. Being rigid and shut down has not served me for a long time.

All this said, I am still frightened and often disoriented by these feelings, and am dealing with the shame that arises when I need to share them with others. My hope and belief is that by crediting sorrows I will make room for joy and ease.

If you are readers, the novel Sandwich is a bittersweet meditation on the joys and sorrows (and fears) of being a person in the world whose loving nature makes them particularly vulnerable to loss. There are some lovely turns of phrase I will return to (plus some spicy dialogue!).

[Whatsinaname]

Hi Anna,

I agree I think it's a matter of accepting it is something that will just be there and trying to learn to be okay with it. That in it's self is a bit deflating but resisting it sure isn't working.

Is it Sandwich by Catherine Newman?

[Annas1]

Yes, that's the one - I really enjoyed it and am on the hunt for something similar, something smart and bittersweet. Any suggestions?

[Whatsinaname]

Not really sorry, the books I tend to read are post apocalyptic mostly. Not sure why but I find them very interesting

[Happylife]

Hi Whatsinaname,

Good to hear back from you. 

Yes, I agree weather does impact mental health. There is something called as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), that occurs usually in winter when there is less sunlight. So good thing is, better days are coming as the weather gets sunnier and warmer.

Occasional sadness is normal for everyone, the feelings often go away, however if this is affecting your everyday functioning then it is better you speak to your GP or a professional (if you haven't done so). 

Hope you are getting enough sleep which is so important. Also, don't forget to take some time out for yourself and enjoy the things that you like.  As parents sometimes we forget to do this, I can relate to it, but Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. We can't take care of kids and family if we are not better ourselves.

Here to listen and help if you need...

Take care

Happylife

[Whatsinaname]

Sorry about the long absence, but work has been a bit of a mess so my mental load has been a bit much for awhile. I did want to stop by to say I truly appreciate all of you!