these forums help

[bluenight]

Hey everyone

I haven't been onto the forums for about a year, as I started a new job and have been really busy and focused on doing well in the new position. Over the last couple of weeks though I've been browsing through the forums and it helps me to read what people are going through and the kind supportive responses.

That's it for now

[bluenight]

Hello Dools 😃

Yeh relapses do happen which is okay, what matters is how we respond and we prepare ourselves for those relapses.. I think.

I think I do have seasonal affective disorder and I have some strategies in place for this winter. Although, this year I'm not feeling as depressed, hopeless as I normally do at this time of year.

Can I know a bit about yourself?

[geoff]

Hello Bluenight, being out of your comfort zone can have a significant effect, not only on how you're able to face the next day but how you can prepare for it, especially if it's wet, cold and certainly doesn't inspire you in any way if you need to have contact with people you don't want to meet or need to present a document you've compiled with people you're uncomfortable with.

So all of this can determine what type of mood you're in when you prepare for the next day.

Past and/or present occasions this has happened should have no bearing on what will happen tomorrow, believe in yourself.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Doolhof]

Hi bluenight,

I want to congratulate you for your understanding of what you are experiencing and for putting strategies in place to help you when you need it.

A little about me. I have had depression and other mental health issues since I was about 10 and am now over 50. It has been quite a journey and I am still learning!

Relapses are something I have been battling with lately. Some days I cope better than others. Maybe accepting I am not coping is okay as well.

I have a thread "How to move on" in the PTSD section that explains a little more about my recent journey in mental health issues.

I try to go walking every day. I know there are a lot of strategies I can put in place to help myself, just need the motivation to put them in action.

Hope you have a good day! Cheers again from Dools

[bluenight]

Hi Doolhof

Thanks for your reply and encouraging words 🙂

I read your post 'how to move on' and I can relate to a lot of it. Stuffing emotions and feelings down and then becoming disconnected.

I think it's really important to do things that connect us to ourselves, for me that is prayer, relaxation time alone in my room, being in nature and reading.

I know that is really simplistic but this approach as well as other things of course has helped me. You can never underestimate the importance of good relationships either.

How are you feeling lately since you replied to my thread? I hope you have been feeling alright

[Doolhof]

Hi bluenight,

Thanks for your response. I greatly appreciate this community and the way people reach out to each other. Thanks for asking how I am. I have days where I struggle and others where I cope really well and achieve a sense of acceptance and gratitude.

I like how you mentioned you need to find ways to connect to yourself. I believe that is something I struggle with and I work on connecting to the world around me more than myself. Maybe that is something I could work on.

The other day I needed to get out so I drove to a beach and had a lovely walk. I too find nature relaxing and have found some places closes to us where it can be quit and calming.

I hope you are doing okay bluenight. Cheers to you from Dools

[bluenight]

G'day Dools

Beach walk sounds really nice, I love nature too.

You know how you struggle with connecting with yourself, I was curious whether that also interferes with how you connect with others?