Monty, thank you for sharing your wonderful story about Molly. Just like people, I think animals come into our lives for a reason and in many cases I think they choose us, both for their own good and ours. Thirty years ago a nervous young horse chose me as his person and helped me overcome agoraphobia. In turn I helped him get his confidence back. We were together for 22 years. He was my best friend, surrogate child and patient teacher.
I feel very blessed to have my brood of critters. And there's no way I can stay in bed in the morning with 2 large dogs and 2 hefty kitties bouncing on me and licking my face! If I try to pull the covers over my head one of the kitty girls burrows in and gently bites me on the nose.
I’m a coward when it comes to watching movies that I know will make me cry, and I’m sure Marley and Me would use up a whole box of Kleenex!
Another depressed newbie
Moderators: Sunlily92, windsong, BlueGobi, Moderators, Astrid
Let me tell, somanycritters - Marley and Me takes two boxes of kleenex! Such a wonderfully touching film, but yes, the water works will begin!!!
Animals definitely become beloved family members and sometimes, the only living being that you can talk to and love - who will love you back without asking anything of you!!
I'm so glad you have your animals, somanycritters. May you continue to love and cherish them. Have you ever considered fostering animals for the SPCA? I know they are desperate for foster parents for their animals...
Animals definitely become beloved family members and sometimes, the only living being that you can talk to and love - who will love you back without asking anything of you!!
I'm so glad you have your animals, somanycritters. May you continue to love and cherish them. Have you ever considered fostering animals for the SPCA? I know they are desperate for foster parents for their animals...
-
somanycritters
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2009 1:00 pm
Aim, you certainly understand the role that animals fulfill in my life. Personally one of the most devastating things about depression has been the loss of friends. When I had to quit my job and go on disability I was amazed at how people I had known and worked with for years simply vanished! Subsequently I've come to realize that mental illness (unlike cancer or diabetes, for instance) is such an unsettling concept for most people that they simply turn away rather than try to understand it. I’ve also learned what a huge burden is placed on close friends and family members. That experience has made me very cautious about opening up to anyone now, so I’m grateful to be able to come here and vent a bit.
About fostering animals: I would love to, but my finances are so precarious that anymore mouths to feed would be a disaster. I recently heard about a local cat shelter that needs volunteers, so I’m going to apply. Both my kitties and one of my dogs are rescues.
About fostering animals: I would love to, but my finances are so precarious that anymore mouths to feed would be a disaster. I recently heard about a local cat shelter that needs volunteers, so I’m going to apply. Both my kitties and one of my dogs are rescues.
Somanycritters, you are a wonderful new edition to this forum. Vent away and know that this IS a safe place to come and talk.
You are right about mental illness. I think that is why I am so vocal about my GAD and health anxiety. There are very few people in my life, if any, who don't know that I deal with them, and that I'm presently medicated for them. I want everyone to see that a person they see as productive in society, who has a career and a social life, and is somewhat, "normal," whatever that really means, suffers from a mental illness. In fact, when I brought up to my mother that I have a mental illness, she automatically shrugged it off saying, "you don't have that." I did explain to her that, in fact, GAD and hypochondria ARE mental illnesses, but I don't think she'll ever really accept it. She calls me merely, "nervous." But I love her anyway!!!
Do they offer financial assistance for fostering animals? I know they do it for fostering children but... I wonder...
Great that you rescued, somanycritters - good for you!!!
You are right about mental illness. I think that is why I am so vocal about my GAD and health anxiety. There are very few people in my life, if any, who don't know that I deal with them, and that I'm presently medicated for them. I want everyone to see that a person they see as productive in society, who has a career and a social life, and is somewhat, "normal," whatever that really means, suffers from a mental illness. In fact, when I brought up to my mother that I have a mental illness, she automatically shrugged it off saying, "you don't have that." I did explain to her that, in fact, GAD and hypochondria ARE mental illnesses, but I don't think she'll ever really accept it. She calls me merely, "nervous." But I love her anyway!!!
Do they offer financial assistance for fostering animals? I know they do it for fostering children but... I wonder...
Great that you rescued, somanycritters - good for you!!!
I want give a lot away either about the movie, but it was not sad, but touching and unbelievably realistic at the end. I guess that would be because it was based on a book, which was based on the true story of the author's life, his family, and their dog, Marley.
Have fun seeing it again! I don't know if I could actually sit through it again - unless I felt like the ultimate good cry, of course!
Have fun seeing it again! I don't know if I could actually sit through it again - unless I felt like the ultimate good cry, of course!
I have been reading back on this thread.
I certainly appreciate what Kita (my dog) did for my life and it is good to read others experiences where animals have helped them along. We are very fortunate, if at any point in our lives we receive unconditional love. I know that you have to be very, very careful in giving that gift out because it can set you up for intense hurt. Also there is the theory that there can only be true unconditional love between people and animals, or between parent and child Very grateful that I have had both of those. There are many people in my life who can only let others in, just a little bit, and getting to that point can be a great stuggle.
I know that for a fact, because I am one of those. When my son was born, I wouldn't let people call me his mom, just his babysitter.Therapists could count on taking annual, warm vacations if dealing with that one for me.
Just as an aside, I now have two children. There is no doubt, in our minds, that I am their mom. One of each, both who are adults. They don't live nearby but when we do get together we hug, kiss and often tell each other "love you". My daughter actually signs her cards LYMTLI. That is short for "Love You More Than Life Itself". She is like her father, tall, long and lean,very analytical( she is an accountant) and intelligent. I like to think that she has my heart though.
I have put up some pretty high walls in my life, but have had people that were very loving, and most of all patient. At least now I have gotten to the point wher I can give and receive a hug. It wasn't that way for about 48 years of my life (I am now 51). I wonder if a good part of this was that I know how a lot of people with mental illnesses are portrayed in the media and I was petrified that people were afraid of me. If people know me in anyway at all, they know that I am probably one of the last people on this earth that would be a threat to anyone. I think that in not taking the chance on letting people in to your life, can save you from being hurt, but sure can deprive you of some wonderful relationships. Sometimes those can last for life. I can attest that it has been well worth the chances I have taken on "letting people in" even though not all of the time it has been positive.
I have a friend whose mother is in a nursing home. They bring in a rabbit every few weeks or so for the residents to stroke.
Obviously these are not pets of their own, but just having the physical contact with another living thing, whether a person or an animal, is so important in our lives. Too often it seems like society has gone so far away from the touching part of our lives. Wonder if it came from us going too far in the term the "me generation". Some therpists have gotten us too hung up on leaning on each other, just for a bit, with that despicable term, co-dependence. I know that term has it's place. I also think that it has also inflicted undo harm in a lot of relationships. Therapists in my life are probably the reason that I am still here so I am not anti-therapy.I have also seen people that have shyed away from having healthy relationships, of give and take, because of getting that label. Can't be all bad to need people in our lives though I realize obsession is not healthy. That kind of attitude contributed to me being a very introverted person for a long time. It is defininitely not a good idea to get into a debate over that one this me. That is one point that will drive my blood pressure up over the top. It gets to me a matter of semantics.Another rant for another day,.
On a general note I like a few basic themes in my favorite movies (know this isn't the right category to be in, listing these).
One of my favorites is "Juno", I think because it gives hope in relationships. There still can be happy endings. It is not all doom and gloom.
"Bucket List" because it gives hope, that finally some people, get it. That it is never, too late.
Then there are movies like Marley and Me where is shows (what for me is an indescribable feeling) how things can be when you let yourself love and be loved back.
Sorry about this and the past few posts. I am seeing my psychiatrist (for the first time in more than 4 months, for a 30 minute, max, visit) in less than an hour and am being totally too introspective. should be knocked back to reality next time I post. I have trouble sharing and I know that I have a limited amount of time with him to get my point across.
I certainly appreciate what Kita (my dog) did for my life and it is good to read others experiences where animals have helped them along. We are very fortunate, if at any point in our lives we receive unconditional love. I know that you have to be very, very careful in giving that gift out because it can set you up for intense hurt. Also there is the theory that there can only be true unconditional love between people and animals, or between parent and child Very grateful that I have had both of those. There are many people in my life who can only let others in, just a little bit, and getting to that point can be a great stuggle.
I know that for a fact, because I am one of those. When my son was born, I wouldn't let people call me his mom, just his babysitter.Therapists could count on taking annual, warm vacations if dealing with that one for me.
Just as an aside, I now have two children. There is no doubt, in our minds, that I am their mom. One of each, both who are adults. They don't live nearby but when we do get together we hug, kiss and often tell each other "love you". My daughter actually signs her cards LYMTLI. That is short for "Love You More Than Life Itself". She is like her father, tall, long and lean,very analytical( she is an accountant) and intelligent. I like to think that she has my heart though.
I have put up some pretty high walls in my life, but have had people that were very loving, and most of all patient. At least now I have gotten to the point wher I can give and receive a hug. It wasn't that way for about 48 years of my life (I am now 51). I wonder if a good part of this was that I know how a lot of people with mental illnesses are portrayed in the media and I was petrified that people were afraid of me. If people know me in anyway at all, they know that I am probably one of the last people on this earth that would be a threat to anyone. I think that in not taking the chance on letting people in to your life, can save you from being hurt, but sure can deprive you of some wonderful relationships. Sometimes those can last for life. I can attest that it has been well worth the chances I have taken on "letting people in" even though not all of the time it has been positive.
I have a friend whose mother is in a nursing home. They bring in a rabbit every few weeks or so for the residents to stroke.
Obviously these are not pets of their own, but just having the physical contact with another living thing, whether a person or an animal, is so important in our lives. Too often it seems like society has gone so far away from the touching part of our lives. Wonder if it came from us going too far in the term the "me generation". Some therpists have gotten us too hung up on leaning on each other, just for a bit, with that despicable term, co-dependence. I know that term has it's place. I also think that it has also inflicted undo harm in a lot of relationships. Therapists in my life are probably the reason that I am still here so I am not anti-therapy.I have also seen people that have shyed away from having healthy relationships, of give and take, because of getting that label. Can't be all bad to need people in our lives though I realize obsession is not healthy. That kind of attitude contributed to me being a very introverted person for a long time. It is defininitely not a good idea to get into a debate over that one this me. That is one point that will drive my blood pressure up over the top. It gets to me a matter of semantics.Another rant for another day,.
On a general note I like a few basic themes in my favorite movies (know this isn't the right category to be in, listing these).
One of my favorites is "Juno", I think because it gives hope in relationships. There still can be happy endings. It is not all doom and gloom.
"Bucket List" because it gives hope, that finally some people, get it. That it is never, too late.
Then there are movies like Marley and Me where is shows (what for me is an indescribable feeling) how things can be when you let yourself love and be loved back.
Sorry about this and the past few posts. I am seeing my psychiatrist (for the first time in more than 4 months, for a 30 minute, max, visit) in less than an hour and am being totally too introspective. should be knocked back to reality next time I post. I have trouble sharing and I know that I have a limited amount of time with him to get my point across.
Monty - please stop apologizing for your posts... it's like apologizing for your feelings, and we should never do that. Each person walking around this planet has every right to feel, and no one should tell anyone how they SHOULD feel.
"Juno," was really really great, I agree. You got me thinking about inspirational films/books. Anyone ever read the author, Nicholas Sparks? He wrote, "The Notebook," "Message in a Bottle," and, "A Walk to Remember," to name a few novels that were turned into movies. I absolutely love his work - touching, hopeful, sad and beautiful, all at the same time.
"Juno," was really really great, I agree. You got me thinking about inspirational films/books. Anyone ever read the author, Nicholas Sparks? He wrote, "The Notebook," "Message in a Bottle," and, "A Walk to Remember," to name a few novels that were turned into movies. I absolutely love his work - touching, hopeful, sad and beautiful, all at the same time.
It is funny that you mentioned, the apologizing part in your last post.
I know that is a habit that I will never truly be able to kick.
I am doing better at those kind of things though.
If someone would ask me how I was doing, I would get the deer in the headlights look, because I was at a loss of how to answer. I don't lie well, but most people don't "really" want to know what is going on. I solved that one a long time ago when I learned the anaycronym for FINE. Solves my problem, they get what they want to hear, and in my mind I get my message across.
The apology one has followed me all my life. Picked up the need to apologize a lot to deal with stuff when I was a kid. My friends know that when I apologize to them that I really mean it. The other 90% I am saying words, not aloud, that are not complementary in an action I am suggesting.
Gets me hanging in there. My life would have been some easier if I didn't have this compulsion to tell the truth. Or maybe I would have more trouble looking myself in the mirror.
I want to make it perfectly clear though, when I apologize in this forum, I mean that I am apolozing. You all are counted in my 10% club, friends, that I don't apologize unless I truly mean it.
I know that is a habit that I will never truly be able to kick.
I am doing better at those kind of things though.
If someone would ask me how I was doing, I would get the deer in the headlights look, because I was at a loss of how to answer. I don't lie well, but most people don't "really" want to know what is going on. I solved that one a long time ago when I learned the anaycronym for FINE. Solves my problem, they get what they want to hear, and in my mind I get my message across.
The apology one has followed me all my life. Picked up the need to apologize a lot to deal with stuff when I was a kid. My friends know that when I apologize to them that I really mean it. The other 90% I am saying words, not aloud, that are not complementary in an action I am suggesting.
Gets me hanging in there. My life would have been some easier if I didn't have this compulsion to tell the truth. Or maybe I would have more trouble looking myself in the mirror.
I want to make it perfectly clear though, when I apologize in this forum, I mean that I am apolozing. You all are counted in my 10% club, friends, that I don't apologize unless I truly mean it.
-
Warmsoul/Jeanie13
- Posts: 29195
- Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 8:46 pm
- Contact:
-
stevenirishlad
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 11:19 am
- Location: Cork, Ireland
Hey
Hey
I know what you mean when you say Isolation & unable to function, Ive suffered manically for the last 4 years & only now am I openng up & starting to feel alive, Doctors did recommend Anti-depressants but I never took em knowing what the side effects are, I also feel that they are nothing but a Manipulater, making you feel somebit better when In fact your not-which isn't the way to deal with it.
I may be a fair bit younger than you, but what I done is I first of all forgot about whats happening in the present, started seeing a Hypnotherapist but had a chat with him telling every detail from Birth right up to now (I was bullied, adopted & never got along with adopted parents as they treated me like shit, I also turned really bad with women)
Once he was aware of every detail, 1 issue was talked about on each session, I would then go home & have absolutely nothing going through my head except the issue we had talked about and I would then sit down and acknowledge how that issue made me feel, it was an emotional nightmare but there only feelings.
I know this may sound easier said than done but it is true, if you are messed up & depressed de to something that was done to you or something you done- Open it up no matter how embarrased or sad it makes you feel because it can't hurt you now.
I do hope you can take this on board because Im comfortable in saying Im heading in the right direction to recovery, hope ye can too...
Your all sufering from a cocktail full of feelings which need to be acknowledged, discussed & washed away
One more thing, these illnesses such as Paranoia, scizophrenia, socially-awkward etc are all a result of Depression in my view and I'm confident in saying that they will fade away once the depression has gone, I suffered mildly from all those horrible illnesses but are practically gone now...
((((((((((((((( Stephen ))))))))))))))
Take care all x x x
I know what you mean when you say Isolation & unable to function, Ive suffered manically for the last 4 years & only now am I openng up & starting to feel alive, Doctors did recommend Anti-depressants but I never took em knowing what the side effects are, I also feel that they are nothing but a Manipulater, making you feel somebit better when In fact your not-which isn't the way to deal with it.
I may be a fair bit younger than you, but what I done is I first of all forgot about whats happening in the present, started seeing a Hypnotherapist but had a chat with him telling every detail from Birth right up to now (I was bullied, adopted & never got along with adopted parents as they treated me like shit, I also turned really bad with women)
Once he was aware of every detail, 1 issue was talked about on each session, I would then go home & have absolutely nothing going through my head except the issue we had talked about and I would then sit down and acknowledge how that issue made me feel, it was an emotional nightmare but there only feelings.
I know this may sound easier said than done but it is true, if you are messed up & depressed de to something that was done to you or something you done- Open it up no matter how embarrased or sad it makes you feel because it can't hurt you now.
I do hope you can take this on board because Im comfortable in saying Im heading in the right direction to recovery, hope ye can too...
Your all sufering from a cocktail full of feelings which need to be acknowledged, discussed & washed away
One more thing, these illnesses such as Paranoia, scizophrenia, socially-awkward etc are all a result of Depression in my view and I'm confident in saying that they will fade away once the depression has gone, I suffered mildly from all those horrible illnesses but are practically gone now...
((((((((((((((( Stephen ))))))))))))))
Take care all x x x
Nice to hear from you again, Stephen! So glad you've found a solution to your depression and other issues. I do think dealing with depression, and many of the other things you spoke about is personal to everyone, and we all just need to find the right thing, or combination of things that will lead to eventual healing.
My experience with medication has been different, I suppose. I was a anxious mess before taking the Paxil, and all it seems to have done is take the edge off for me so that I can think more clearly. It did not turn me into a zombie, as I've heard many people report about medications, and it did not take my ability to feel away - quite the contrary. I've been able to discover how irrational many of my fears were, and put them in perspective. In essence, the Paxil has given me the gift of more rational thinking.
I do agree that you have to face things head on in order to conquer them as well. I've put off facing certain things, mainly financial issues in my life due to bone-chilling fear. However... I've finally, after many years, faced them head on and am actually seeing a light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.
I hope everyone is well...
My experience with medication has been different, I suppose. I was a anxious mess before taking the Paxil, and all it seems to have done is take the edge off for me so that I can think more clearly. It did not turn me into a zombie, as I've heard many people report about medications, and it did not take my ability to feel away - quite the contrary. I've been able to discover how irrational many of my fears were, and put them in perspective. In essence, the Paxil has given me the gift of more rational thinking.
I do agree that you have to face things head on in order to conquer them as well. I've put off facing certain things, mainly financial issues in my life due to bone-chilling fear. However... I've finally, after many years, faced them head on and am actually seeing a light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.
I hope everyone is well...
Return to “New Member Introductions”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 83 guests