just a little something i wanted to share (long)

this might get a little TMI but, oh well. i felt i needed to get this off my chest.


i have anxiety and depression; i've been battling with it ever since i was ~16 (i'm 26). for almost two months now i've been going through a spot of fairly deep depression, and it sucks. work has been miserable (50+ hours a week for a month straight), my social life has been practically non-existent, and it all started to take a toll on me. for almost two months i kind of stopped showering, brushing my teeth, my hair, stopped cleaning and doing laundry, eating like sh00t because i stopped caring about any sort of diet, and generally just trying to do as little as possible.

a couple days ago, i noticed Corny needed a total enclosure cleaning. it took a lot from me to get started, but i realized i had to do it for him; this wasn't about me right now. i went ahead and cleaned everything and put him back. i felt really accomplished.

after that i looked around my room and decided well, i did one thing today. let's try two. i picked up my dirty clothes and hung the clean clothes that i left in the laundry basket for almost two weeks. i actually started feeling good.

two days ago, my python gang were all available for handling, so i decided to take photos. seeing everyone out and in beautiful lighting made me realize i've been doing an awesome job with them; they're all thriving in my care and that's all because of ME. despite how i've been feeling, THEY feel awesome because of me. i kind of had a moment taking those photos, and it really helped me get a leg up to get out of this hole i found myself in.

that night i cleaned myself up and took care of myself. tonight i'm going to go buy a new dress for a wedding this weekend, and i'll be cleaning out Spaghetti's enclosure and doing my laundry.


baby steps, but i'm feeling better. these baby steps were possible because my noodles made me realize i am capable of caring for myself and others, despite how i'm feeling. this all might sound silly to someone who has never dealt with a mental health disorder, but these kinds of break-throughs are a big deal to someone like me.

thanks for reading. i hope you all don't think i'm some weird-o!!!

I think that's awesome!!!! Way to go, I hope you continue to get better, anxiety sucks!!!! I have it and so does my daughter who is 16 [emoji30]


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This is so inspiring

That's awesome that you opened up to us! Good job and keep going strong!

You go girl that's awesome and very inspirational you're not a weirdo at all anxiety and depression are a very real thing I had depression and anxiety for years and had no motivation to really do anythjng I don't feel depressed anymore but I had to baby myself and make so many changes for that to happen as for anxiety I still have anxiety/panic disorder and that stuff can be very rough. Also when I am having a bad day looking at my little jeffrees face always makes me feel somewhat better!! :) keep up the good work Girl!

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I'm so glad you are feeling even a little bit better! I know depression can be really tough, but animals are a great help to mental health. They kinda force you to get out of bed and do something, because they need taken care of. Plus, holding a pet is very rewarding, especially when you realize how much you do for them. I constantly look forward to being able to hold my noodle, even just for a couple minutes. Even watching him when he's out is calming. Keep up the good work! I'm sure you can do it! c:

thank you all for the kind words! you all are so great.

i still have work ahead of me but i'm feeling so much better than before. it's going to take some time, but i know i'll get back to feeling 100% and that helps me through the days.

i'm very appreciative of you all. :)

I'm glad they are helping you with your issues.. I have always heard that when you are anxious (especially about things you cannot control) it helps to focus outwards and think about / work on things unrelated to the anxiety. In this case, your focusing on your snakes not only made you realize that you are capable of doing a good job caring for them, but it also meant that during the time you were concentrating on taking care of them, you were spending less mental energy worrying about the negative aspects of your life.

Many years back I would get anxious whenever I thought about my "life goals" and how I wasn't stacking up to them..I had a detailed "map" of where I should be and what I should have accomplished by a certain age (I now realize how silly that was). I would think about not being in a solid relationship or not having a full-time job with good income, or not purchasing a house yet, etc. and just feel like I was a total looser. When that would happen, I would always start cleaning my room, the house, etc. and focusing on that would make me feel a little better in that I could accomplish something of value.

I hope you have good luck in your struggle with depression...I know it is something that cannot be totally overcome, but must be fought one day and one battle at a time. As such, it takes great courage and effort on your part to make the little steps you mentioned.

Wishing you loads of luck, confidence and success in your battle w/ anxiety. Your pictures yesterday brought so much excitement and smile to my face and reiterated why I decided to journey down this path of owning a BP. Majority of people I share this with think I'm weird for wanting one ;)

You've helped me (as well as many others) answering my newbie questions! Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by artgecko

I'm glad they are helping you with your issues.. I have always heard that when you are anxious (especially about things you cannot control) it helps to focus outwards and think about / work on things unrelated to the anxiety. In this case, your focusing on your snakes not only made you realize that you are capable of doing a good job caring for them, but it also meant that during the time you were concentrating on taking care of them, you were spending less mental energy worrying about the negative aspects of your life.

Many years back I would get anxious whenever I thought about my "life goals" and how I wasn't stacking up to them..I had a detailed "map" of where I should be and what I should have accomplished by a certain age (I now realize how silly that was). I would think about not being in a solid relationship or not having a full-time job with good income, or not purchasing a house yet, etc. and just feel like I was a total looser. When that would happen, I would always start cleaning my room, the house, etc. and focusing on that would make me feel a little better in that I could accomplish something of value.

I hope you have good luck in your struggle with depression...I know it is something that cannot be totally overcome, but must be fought one day and one battle at a time. As such, it takes great courage and effort on your part to make the little steps you mentioned.

---

thank you for this. the whole "think outwards" strategy is something that takes a lot from me to realize when i'm feeling overcome with my thoughts. once i get on a roll though it's SO helpful to be able to actually focus on something other than my anxiety/depression.

i know it's something i have to work through every day, and it might push me around a lot, but my anxiety/depression will never win!!! lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Finn0208

I think that's awesome!!!! Way to go, I hope you continue to get better, anxiety sucks!!!! I have it and so does my daughter who is 16 [emoji30]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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i hope you both are doing well!

You're definitely not a weirdo! I've had a thing going for years now where I make myself eat a full meal before I feed my animals, so I get at least one meal a day. It helps to keep me from spiraling down the starvation rabbit hole, because no matter what I have to provide for my animals. If I eat before I feed them, I'm also providing for myself.

Animals are a great support for the soul. I'm glad you're feeling better, keep powering through it, and I bet you're gonna be a fox in that new dress! Keep taking baby steps, and treat yourself because you deserve it. Rooting for you :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by omglolchrisss

You go girl that's awesome and very inspirational you're not a weirdo at all anxiety and depression are a very real thing I had depression and anxiety for years and had no motivation to really do anythjng I don't feel depressed anymore but I had to baby myself and make so many changes for that to happen as for anxiety I still have anxiety/panic disorder and that stuff can be very rough. Also when I am having a bad day looking at my little jeffrees face always makes me feel somewhat better!! :) keep up the good work Girl!

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

---

that's kind of what i'm doing with myself now: babying myself. baby steps! i hope you're doing well with your anxiety!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KayLynn

You're definitely not a weirdo! I've had a thing going for years now where I make myself eat a full meal before I feed my animals, so I get at least one meal a day. It helps to keep me from spiraling down the starvation rabbit hole, because no matter what I have to provide for my animals. If I eat before I feed them, I'm also providing for myself.

Animals are a great support for the soul. I'm glad you're feeling better, keep powering through it, and I bet you're gonna be a fox in that new dress! Keep taking baby steps, and treat yourself because you deserve it. Rooting for you :)

---

i'm glad you've found a way to help yourself and help your animals! thank you for the kind words.

I'm so glad you are getting better. I suffer with the same things as well and went through a similar bout of it about half a year ago (It got real bad to the point where I didn't even brush my hair and it got all knotted up and I ended up having to chop it all off >~<) but my animals helped pull me out of it too, one of the many reasons they are my passion.

It all gets better and I'm happy to hear that your pulling through! Sometimes it takes having something else that needs you to help give you the push to get better ^-^


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:grouphug:

glad you're feeling better. and u are not wierd. i still have fits of anxiety and panic attacks now and then but November is my sad/bad month. stay strong. u have plenty of hugs around the house. <3

and oh...

http://i.imgur.com/v4Th4si.png


http://i.imgur.com/SYQqsvu.png


http://i.imgur.com/YQe187e.png

i went to wake up your cat.



http://i.imgur.com/kWEtywN.png


Edit: hope u don't find i went through your threads for pix lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

:grouphug:

glad you're feeling better. and u are not wierd. i still have fits of anxiety and panic attacks now and then but November is my sad/bad month. stay strong. u have plenty of hugs around the house. <3

and oh...

http://i.imgur.com/v4Th4si.png


http://i.imgur.com/SYQqsvu.png


http://i.imgur.com/YQe187e.png

---

hahahaha thank you so much Ax, i really appreciate it. these are great!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

i went to wake up your cat.



http://i.imgur.com/kWEtywN.png


Edit: hope u don't find i went through your threads for pix lol.

---

OF COURSE I DON'T MIND! these are awesome, thank you so much!!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

this might get a little TMI but, oh well. i felt i needed to get this off my chest.


i have anxiety and depression; i've been battling with it ever since i was ~16 (i'm 26). for almost two months now i've been going through a spot of fairly deep depression, and it sucks. work has been miserable (50+ hours a week for a month straight), my social life has been practically non-existent, and it all started to take a toll on me. for almost two months i kind of stopped showering, brushing my teeth, my hair, stopped cleaning and doing laundry, eating like sh00t because i stopped caring about any sort of diet, and generally just trying to do as little as possible.

a couple days ago, i noticed Corny needed a total enclosure cleaning. it took a lot from me to get started, but i realized i had to do it for him; this wasn't about me right now. i went ahead and cleaned everything and put him back. i felt really accomplished.

after that i looked around my room and decided well, i did one thing today. let's try two. i picked up my dirty clothes and hung the clean clothes that i left in the laundry basket for almost two weeks. i actually started feeling good.

two days ago, my python gang were all available for handling, so i decided to take photos. seeing everyone out and in beautiful lighting made me realize i've been doing an awesome job with them; they're all thriving in my care and that's all because of ME. despite how i've been feeling, THEY feel awesome because of me. i kind of had a moment taking those photos, and it really helped me get a leg up to get out of this hole i found myself in.

that night i cleaned myself up and took care of myself. tonight i'm going to go buy a new dress for a wedding this weekend, and i'll be cleaning out Spaghetti's enclosure and doing my laundry.


baby steps, but i'm feeling better. these baby steps were possible because my noodles made me realize i am capable of caring for myself and others, despite how i'm feeling. this all might sound silly to someone who has never dealt with a mental health disorder, but these kinds of break-throughs are a big deal to someone like me.

thanks for reading. i hope you all don't think i'm some weird-o!!!

---

Wow, awesome thread!!! Thank you so much for sharing. As you can see through the replies above, a lot of us can relate, myself included. You're certainly not a weirdo, or, maybe you are, but THAT'S OK!!! I am without a doubt a weirdo, hahahahahha, but I've made peace with that fact. I'm me, and I like me.

Sometimes just doing that one little thing gets the ball rolling...and then you share your story with your BP.net friends and inspire us.

Believe me, I know how tough depression and anxiety can be, I've dealt with it personally for about 20 years, and I've watched my mother suffer from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and agoraphobia for even longer. I'm proud of you and your courage to share your story, it made a great day even better (my nephew was born last night and I just got home from visiting and meeting him at the hospital. My brother, sister-in-law and baby are all doing well).

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this inspirational thread :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Wow, awesome thread!!! Thank you so much for sharing. As you can see through the replies above, a lot of us can relate, myself included. You're certainly not a weirdo, or, maybe you are, but THAT'S OK!!! I am without a doubt a weirdo, hahahahahha, but I've made peace with that fact. I'm me, and I like me.

Sometimes just doing that one little thing gets the ball rolling...and then you share your story with your BP.net friends and inspire us.

Believe me, I know how tough depression and anxiety can be, I've dealt with it personally for about 20 years, and I've watched my mother suffer from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and agoraphobia for even longer. I'm proud of you and your courage to share your story, it made a great day even better (my nephew was born last night and I just got home from visiting and meeting him at the hospital. My brother, sister-in-law and baby are all doing well).

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this inspirational thread :D

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awe, i'm so happy for your brother and family!!!

your posts always ALWAYS put a smile on my face. thank you so much for your reply. it's been really nice to see everyone's responses to this and sharing their stories; it's been very helpful for me.

i just got home from buying my dress! gona go put my laundry in and tear down Spaghetti's enclosure. YES!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

awe, i'm so happy for your brother and family!!!

your posts always ALWAYS put a smile on my face. thank you so much for your reply. it's been really nice to see everyone's responses to this and sharing their stories; it's been very helpful for me.

i just got home from buying my dress! gona go put my laundry in and tear down Spaghetti's enclosure. YES!!!

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Yeah, I'm super happy for my brother and his family. Now I have a niece and a nephew and I'm one happy & lucky brother, uncle, son and boyfriend :)

Glad I can help put a smile on your face, you deserve to smile :D

Is it a snakeskin dress??? hahahaha, j/k. I did see one at the last reptile expo I went to though!!!!
Keep up the good work :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Yeah, I'm super happy for my brother and his family. Now I have a niece and a nephew and I'm one happy & lucky brother, uncle, son and boyfriend :)

Glad I can help put a smile on your face, you deserve to smile :D

Is it a snakeskin dress??? hahahaha, j/k. I did see one at the last reptile expo I went to though!!!!
Keep up the good work :gj:

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LOL no it's not snakeskin! that'd be a little much for my cousin's wedding [emoji848]
BUT i just finished cleaning Spaghetti's enclosure! she was NOT thrilled being trapped in a glass case of emotion.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...efcaa475d5.jpg

[emoji23] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3461723071.jpg

Sent from my SM-J700T1 using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

that's kind of what i'm doing with myself now: babying myself. baby steps! i hope you're doing well with your anxiety!

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Thanks girl I'm doing a lot better than I was a year ago I didn't think it was ever gonna get better I just lived each day praying i would wake up the next day because of the physical toll it took on me I literally thought I was dying every single day! Hope things get better for you. :)

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by omglolchrisss

Thanks girl I'm doing a lot better than I was a year ago I didn't think it was ever gonna get better I just lived each day praying i would wake up the next day because of the physical toll it took on me I literally thought I was dying every single day! Hope things get better for you. :)

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

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i accomplished my list of to-dos for the day! i haven't done any sort of chore in these past two months and i feel almost normal. it's taken me almost 3 days to gather and do my laundry but i took more baby steps today, and my laundry is done!!!

i know what you mean: just existing when your mind is in that state is so exhausting. it takes everything i have to get out of bed sometimes.

i glad things are much better for you! gives me some hope. [emoji4]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

i accomplished my list of to-dos for the day! i haven't done any sort of chore in these past two months and i feel almost normal. it's taken me almost 3 days to gather and do my laundry but i took more baby steps today, and my laundry is done!!!

i know what you mean: just existing when your mind is in that state is so exhausting. it takes everything i have to get out of bed sometimes.

i glad things are much better for you! gives me some hope. [emoji4]

---

I Know what you mean i once had a sink full of dirty dishes for 3 months it smelled like something died and i had to throw all my plastic stuff away tupperware spatulas etc cuz I couldnt get rid of the smell i'm glad laundry is one of the things you did believe it or not having clean clothes is one of the best steps it's like aroma therapy that you wear!! Clean laundry makes me feel like a brand new b**tch :) Btw if you ever wanna talk just message me idc what it's about just message me. :)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by omglolchrisss

I Know what you mean i once had a sink full of dirty dishes for 3 months it smelled like something died and i had to throw all my plastic stuff away tupperware spatulas etc cuz I couldnt get rid of the smell i'm glad laundry is one of the things you did believe it or not having clean clothes is one of the best steps it's like aroma therapy that you wear!! Clean laundry makes me feel like a brand new b**tch :) Btw if you ever wanna talk just message me idc what it's about just message me. :)

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

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i appreciate that, thank you very much!!! <3

You're very welcome!!

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Triple T, I was at work all day and I just read this. I'm glad you're doing better now, and I hope you continue to improve daily. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RickyNY

Triple T, I was at work all day and I just read this. I'm glad you're doing better now, and I hope you continue to improve daily. ;)

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[emoji4] thank you very much! it really means a lot to me right now. the wedding this weekend has me feeling all types of anxious, but i'm trying to channel my busy mind into a busy body and accomplish things i've been severely slacking on.

i'm trying! baby steps!!!

Did you like my t-shirt idea? :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rickyny

did you like my t-shirt idea? :gj:

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ricky no

OK sorry :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RickyNY

OK sorry :(

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[emoji14] text doesn't come off as light-hearted as its intentions. [emoji4]

I know!! :P
I fixed the t-shirt, I think you're going to like it now!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

this might get a little TMI but, oh well. i felt i needed to get this off my chest.


i have anxiety and depression; i've been battling with it ever since i was ~16 (i'm 26). for almost two months now i've been going through a spot of fairly deep depression, and it sucks. work has been miserable (50+ hours a week for a month straight), my social life has been practically non-existent, and it all started to take a toll on me. for almost two months i kind of stopped showering, brushing my teeth, my hair, stopped cleaning and doing laundry, eating like sh00t because i stopped caring about any sort of diet, and generally just trying to do as little as possible.

a couple days ago, i noticed Corny needed a total enclosure cleaning. it took a lot from me to get started, but i realized i had to do it for him; this wasn't about me right now. i went ahead and cleaned everything and put him back. i felt really accomplished.

after that i looked around my room and decided well, i did one thing today. let's try two. i picked up my dirty clothes and hung the clean clothes that i left in the laundry basket for almost two weeks. i actually started feeling good.

two days ago, my python gang were all available for handling, so i decided to take photos. seeing everyone out and in beautiful lighting made me realize i've been doing an awesome job with them; they're all thriving in my care and that's all because of ME. despite how i've been feeling, THEY feel awesome because of me. i kind of had a moment taking those photos, and it really helped me get a leg up to get out of this hole i found myself in.

that night i cleaned myself up and took care of myself. tonight i'm going to go buy a new dress for a wedding this weekend, and i'll be cleaning out Spaghetti's enclosure and doing my laundry.


baby steps, but i'm feeling better. these baby steps were possible because my noodles made me realize i am capable of caring for myself and others, despite how i'm feeling. this all might sound silly to someone who has never dealt with a mental health disorder, but these kinds of break-throughs are a big deal to someone like me.

thanks for reading. i hope you all don't think i'm some weird-o!!!

---

You ARE a weird-o, wear it proudly...

- You're a weird-o because most people freak out when they hear we have snakes as pets, but we love them the same as a cat/dog.
- You're a weird-o because you have a full time job and work long hours, most kids your age don't/can't do that.
- You're a weird-o because you realized you were depressed and decided to do something about it - not whine and ask for pity like most would.
- You're a weird-o because you were honest with yourself and realized you had a "problem" that needed attention and you're taking the steps to rectify and better your situation....

BE PROUD - YOU BIG WEIRD-O!!!!

I wish you continued success in reaching your goals, both personal and professional.

Oh, and what kind of weird-o tells everyone about their problems? A weird-o that wants to find and help others in their situation because they realize the importance of what's happening and want to be a part of something bigger than self pity.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BR8080

You ARE a weird-o, wear it proudly...

- You're a weird-o because most people freak out when they hear we have snakes as pets, but we love them the same as a cat/dog.
- You're a weird-o because you have a full time job and work long hours, most kids your age don't/can't do that.
- You're a weird-o because you realized you were depressed and decided to do something about it - not whine and ask for pity like most would.
- You're a weird-o because you were honest with yourself and realized you had a "problem" that needed attention and you're taking the steps to rectify and better your situation....

BE PROUD - YOU BIG WEIRD-O!!!!

I wish you continued success in reaching your goals, both personal and professional.

Oh, and what kind of weird-o tells everyone about their problems? A weird-o that wants to find and help others in their situation because they realize the importance of what's happening and want to be a part of something bigger than self pity.

---

holy wow what a wonderful post. thank you so so much for your kind words. i'm very, very thankful for the community i have here and how accepting you all have been to me.

i did hesitate to share my story because i didn't want people to think i was seeking attention; i just really wanted to share a story where my snakes actually helped me through a tough time in my life right now. there's been some talk on here about snakes/pets and their role in mental health, so i felt it could be appropriate.

i'm proud of my baby steps today, and i promised myself i'd continue taking those steps!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

this might get a little TMI but, oh well. i felt i needed to get this off my chest.


i have anxiety and depression; i've been battling with it ever since i was ~16 (i'm 26). for almost two months now i've been going through a spot of fairly deep depression, and it sucks. work has been miserable (50+ hours a week for a month straight), my social life has been practically non-existent, and it all started to take a toll on me. for almost two months i kind of stopped showering, brushing my teeth, my hair, stopped cleaning and doing laundry, eating like sh00t because i stopped caring about any sort of diet, and generally just trying to do as little as possible.

a couple days ago, i noticed Corny needed a total enclosure cleaning. it took a lot from me to get started, but i realized i had to do it for him; this wasn't about me right now. i went ahead and cleaned everything and put him back. i felt really accomplished.

after that i looked around my room and decided well, i did one thing today. let's try two. i picked up my dirty clothes and hung the clean clothes that i left in the laundry basket for almost two weeks. i actually started feeling good.

two days ago, my python gang were all available for handling, so i decided to take photos. seeing everyone out and in beautiful lighting made me realize i've been doing an awesome job with them; they're all thriving in my care and that's all because of ME. despite how i've been feeling, THEY feel awesome because of me. i kind of had a moment taking those photos, and it really helped me get a leg up to get out of this hole i found myself in.

that night i cleaned myself up and took care of myself. tonight i'm going to go buy a new dress for a wedding this weekend, and i'll be cleaning out Spaghetti's enclosure and doing my laundry.


baby steps, but i'm feeling better. these baby steps were possible because my noodles made me realize i am capable of caring for myself and others, despite how i'm feeling. this all might sound silly to someone who has never dealt with a mental health disorder, but these kinds of break-throughs are a big deal to someone like me.

thanks for reading. i hope you all don't think i'm some weird-o!!!

---

You most certainly are not weird! I have been going through bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD for a great length of time in my life. I am moving out of my house today and away from my boyfriend of 14 1/2 years to start a new life. Why I am moving is a whole other story and I won't bore with you the story but I am embarking on my own journey so that I can get better and get the help I need. Right now I live in the country in Pennsylvania and their is no help put here, buses don't even run. I gave up all of animals due to leaving because it is for the best but I can definitely say that when I used to take care of them during one of my worst days it helped make me feel better and very accomplished.

I even want to go back to school to become an addictions counselor because I lost my niece and nephew to heroin and my own to daughters are recovering heroin addicts. I want to help people that struggle with this. You are a very strong person and I admire you for recognizing that you have issues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballpythonluvr

You most certainly are not weird! I have been going through bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD for a great length of time in my life. I am moving out of my house today and away from my boyfriend of 14 1/2 years to start a new life. Why I am moving is a whole other story and I won't bore with you the story but I am embarking on my own journey so that I can get better and get the help I need. Right now I live in the country in Pennsylvania and their is no help put here, buses don't even run. I gave up all of animals due to leaving because it is for the best but I can definitely say that when I used to take care of them during one of my worst days it helped make me feel better and very accomplished.

I even want to go back to school to become an addictions counselor because I lost my niece and nephew to heroin and my own to daughters are recovering heroin addicts. I want to help people that struggle with this. You are a very strong person and I admire you for recognizing that you have issues.

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YOU are a strong person, too!!! you know i've been reading your posts and i truly empathize with your struggles. you're taking HUGE strides to better yourself and i look up to that strength! you're on your way to amazing things. stay strong, sister. [emoji4]

Besides - you're from Chicago and so am I....so I'm partial...LOL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BR8080

Besides - you're from Chicago and so am I....so I'm partial...LOL

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best city in the whole wide world [emoji3]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

best city in the whole wide world [emoji3]

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You bet your butt!!!

Most beautiful skyline in the world and amazing food...I'm fat now but if I lived there I'd have my own show on TV someday when they needed a crane to get me out through the roof LMAO

I get back 2-3 times a year to visit my family and will be there this month. My family lives in New Lenox, Mokena, and Orland Park. I'm going to just miss the Tinley show by a week..I'll be sure to get time off for next year.

Have a great time this weekend, Taylor!!!

I'm the same age as you with depression and anxiety as well since I was 10 if not earlier. I've actually been doing really well in the last couple years since getting treatment including being on Zoloft, but the snakes really do help as well. No matter how I feel, they get what they need. I'm glad your snakes are doing the same for you and I hope you keep on the upswing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kcl

I'm the same age as you with depression and anxiety as well since I was 10 if not earlier. I've actually been doing really well in the last couple years since getting treatment including being on Zoloft, but the snakes really do help as well. No matter how I feel, they get what they need. I'm glad your snakes are doing the same for you and I hope you keep on the upswing.

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good to hear you're doing well! when i started Lexapro in college it was like god-sent; i could actually FOCUS on things in my life and not just my issues, and actually DO things! thinking back to how i used to be makes me realize how far i've really come.

I totally get where you're coming from. I have a lot of mental disorders, and the mix of 2 of them depression plus ocd for me is crippling. With my ocd, Once something gets too dirty I can't touch it. With my depression not being able to leave my bed is a thing. So if it hits really hard I don't clean for a few days because i can't move, then the ocd won't let me clean it at all. Then starts a cycle of depression that only spirals down. Need to clean to not be depressed, can't clean, rinse repeat.
This year has been really really hard on me. Ill admit for the first 7 months of 2017 I was a zombie. Depression can make even your favorite things not seem worth breathing.
Luckily I have a very strong human support system of a close knit community of 6 other people who if I break down past the point of return will come and help me get back on my feet. Aka taking out the trash, etc.

Now on to my animals. At the end of the day, knowing that they need me to survive is one of the things that keeps me still trucking. I treat them better than I treat myself by leaps and bounds. Part of most people's depression is the feeling of worthlessness. When even feeding yourself can become something you might not even do once a day. Animals are coping device that a lot of humans use. Mental health support dogs being a major one.
Somehow little creatures can steal our heart and keep it going.
For me I know my instinct to care for and be motherly/ protecting is the strongest one I have. It is the only thing that can make me move even if I feel like turning to dust.
I'm glad you've found that the snek is a strong point for you. Use that strength.
I'm glad you're coming out of your hole and taking your baby steps. It's hard, and one heck of a journey. Remember that everyone with a mental illness has bad days, or even months, and that no matter how much better we feel it is still just as simple to fall off track back to the bottom. That's just how it works. It also helps to remember that these disorders are caused by chemical imbalances in our brains that we don't have control over. Our job is learning to recognise them and learning how to push (or drag) past them or ask for help.
About 350 million people on this planet suffer from depression alone. You're not alone. You're not weird. You're not a freak. Its almost as common as being born with blue eyes.
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I'm proud of you for taking care of your "family", even if you can't take care of you!
Let's get in on that :group hug:

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by donnadudette2003

I totally get where you're coming from. I have a lot of mental disorders, and the mix of 2 of them depression plus ocd for me is crippling. With my ocd, Once something gets too dirty I can't touch it. With my depression not being able to leave my bed is a thing. So if it hits really hard I don't clean for a few days because i can't move, then the ocd won't let me clean it at all. Then starts a cycle of depression that only spirals down. Need to clean to not be depressed, can't clean, rinse repeat.
This year has been really really hard on me. Ill admit for the first 7 months of 2017 I was a zombie. Depression can make even your favorite things not seem worth breathing.
Luckily I have a very strong human support system of a close knit community of 6 other people who if I break down past the point of return will come and help me get back on my feet. Aka taking out the trash, etc.

Now on to my animals. At the end of the day, knowing that they need me to survive is one of the things that keeps me still trucking. I treat them better than I treat myself by leaps and bounds. Part of most people's depression is the feeling of worthlessness. When even feeding yourself can become something you might not even do once a day. Animals are coping device that a lot of humans use. Mental health support dogs being a major one.
Somehow little creatures can steal our heart and keep it going.
For me I know my instinct to care for and be motherly/ protecting is the strongest one I have. It is the only thing that can make me move even if I feel like turning to dust.
I'm glad you've found that the snek is a strong point for you. Use that strength.
I'm glad you're coming out of your hole and taking your baby steps. It's hard, and one heck of a journey. Remember that everyone with a mental illness has bad days, or even months, and that no matter how much better we feel it is still just as simple to fall off track back to the bottom. That's just how it works. It also helps to remember that these disorders are caused by chemical imbalances in our brains that we don't have control over. Our job is learning to recognise them and learning how to push (or drag) past them or ask for help.
About 350 million people on this planet suffer from depression alone. You're not alone. You're not weird. You're not a freak. Its almost as common as being born with blue eyes.
----
I'm proud of you for taking care of your "family", even if you can't take care of you!
Let's get in on that :group hug:

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

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thank you so much for the thoughtful post.

i have a decent human support system, but i think i'm the only person in their lives with these issues; i get worried i'm overwhelming them with something they're uncomfortable with. they've never given me a hint of this being true, but...anxiety.

if i'm DESPERATE i do turn to them. when i just need some encouragement and community, places like this truly help (i don't use facebook).

thanks, again. [emoji4]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

thank you so much for the thoughtful post.

i have a decent human support system, but i think i'm the only person in their lives with these issues; i get worried i'm overwhelming them with something they're uncomfortable with. they've never given me a hint of this being true, but...anxiety.

if i'm DESPERATE i do turn to them. when i just need some encouragement and community, places like this truly help (i don't use facebook).

thanks, again. [emoji4]

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There are some mental health forums on tapatalk. Those might be interesting to check out. It can be easier to talk to a stranger who has close to the same issues as you online. Then you don't feel like as much of a burden or misunderstood. Plus those forums usually have skills or coping devices you might not have thought of trying.

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My two have definitely helped me. I run a business so almost all of my time and sometimes time I don't even have gets devoted to the business. So when I feel stressed out or overwhelmed my noodles help me settle down and focus. It's exciting and rewarding taking care of them

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