New Year, New Book, 12 Chapters, 365 pages. Love 2017

[Kitana]

Had small bouts of depression here and there over the years, but I went through serious depression towards the end of last year primarily due to work and the feeling that my life had come to a halt at the age of 35. Realized that my life revolved too much around my job (which was getting more stressful every day and I felt my manager was a devil in sheep's clothing), and my biological clock was ticking and I didn't have a husband nor kids like everyone around me my age...

Anyways, I had serious depression and needed to find an outlet to release my feelings. I am extremely grateful to find this site and express my story through the forums - I am thankful for the people who replied to my posts and encouraged me to see my GP about my depression. I did go and see my GP and she and her nurse helped me.

So to update:- I got the courage and determination to move out of my comfort zone, and I got a new challenging job. Furthermore, I realized 2016 was a year for me to learn valuable life lessons. What I learnt are as follows (disclaimer= these are MY life lessons, probably completely different to everyone else):

1. No use getting stressed over people and things you don't have control over. You can't change people, you can only change your own attitude towards them.

2. My Time is valuable, so spend it on people and on a job that will help me grow and gain fulfillment.

3. Don't be afraid to let go of unhealthy relationships, whether it be a toxic partner or friends that you no longer have common interest with... Don't be afraid to seek new relationships. I was afraid to let go, fearing I was going to be alone and lonely... There are so many great people out there waiting to meet you - go out and seek.

4. Try to eliminate or at least limit social media use (ie Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat)- People post what they want others to perceive as awesome, always happy, blah blah blah. Focus on your own life, and don't compare yourself to others - you don't walk in their shoes or know what happens behind close doors - focus on you.

5. At the end of the day, believe in yourself - it's all up to you to change your life. Remember to be grateful for the simple things/blessings - roof over your head, food to eat, family that loves you.

Again, I'm grateful to have found this site. It helped me get through my 'blue' period last year, and am feeling great and looking forward to the next chapters that the new year brings! Thanks 🙂

[blondguy]

Hello Kitana

What a great thread...well done! (and for the wonderful compliments too...always a treat to receive)

I Love your whole post but if I can quote this;

Kitana said: 3. Don't be afraid to let go of
unhealthy relationships, whether it be a toxic partner or friends that
you no longer have common interest with... Don't be afraid to seek new
relationships. I was afraid to let go, fearing I was going to be alone
and lonely... There are so many great people out there waiting to meet
you - go out and seek.

and this : Try to eliminate or at least limit social media use (ie Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat)

Really good news about your success with your GP and his nurse too..Kudos to you Kitana

I really like your point #1 too....After having acute anxiety and then depression and working in senior corporate during it, I have been doing what you mentioned and it works...well

Whether in business or personal life I think its paramount to avoid negative and overly critical people...they can have a detrimental effect on our well being.

Your experience and wisdom is greatly appreciated on the forums Kitana

A huge Welcome to the BB Forum Family.....I really hope you can stick around

my kind thoughts for you

Paulx