Grief and Major Depressive Disorder

[Lionheart]

Yes, I do have Netflix and I am adding some of sisters belongings to my room where I spend most of my time. Not too much planned just yet, but I will probably enjoy a little herbal therapy and listen to music for awhile. Thanks for caring about me, I will use a lot of self-care throughout the day. ?

 

[littleoc]

You didn’t sound ungrateful at all! No worries!

:hug: :hug:

 

[bellbird]

I just want to make sure I am doing all I can to counter the grief/depression cycle.

So, it sounds like you are doing a lot to help yourself @Lionheart777 - and I wonder if you are pushing yourself too hard.

It's a good point @blackemerald1 brought up.
Sometimes I'll overcompensate for the way I'm feeling by doing all the things I think I should do; walking or meditating or gardening or cleaning the house to distract myself, and suddenly it's the end of the day and I'm feeling completely shattered.

In terms of near-zero-energy things I can do when things feel especially difficult- I always try to have music or a tv show or some sort of white noise on in the background. It just makes me feel less alone. Also almost always, being in a light environment makes me feel better than being in a dark one, so opening curtains in the day time or just having a lamp on.
Cooking can often feel way too much, but hydration is a big one that I try to keep up on. I keep a big drink bottle by my bed that I use to refill my glass so that it keeps me hydrated without having to leave my room to get water when I'm struggling. You could also try having some high energy snacks near where you are- muesli bars or dried fruit and nuts by your bed, so that you'll get -some- sustenance with minimal input required.

Something else I just thought of - do you have any pets?
I'm not suggesting that a pet would/could take the place of Sis, but the companion of an animal (provided one is able to care for said animal) can often be very beneficial.
I got a budgie a couple of weeks after I left my abusive ex and his company has been so helpful in this healing process.

Keep reaching out to us.
You're not a burden. We really care for you.

 

[Lionheart]

Also almost always, being in a light environment makes me feel better than being in a dark one, so opening curtains in the day time or just having a lamp on.

I have a light box that is for seasonal affective disorder. It is a big help to me as it simulates a light blue sky. I don't know how I did without it before, it makes an immediate difference in my mood. Thank you for the suggestions it is much appreciated!!!

Something else I just thought of - do you have any pets?

I have sisters 2 yr old dog and she is a good companion, but I can't afford to keep her and am looking for a good home for her. She is part Maltese poodle and Boston terrier. When I cry she will run up to me and love on me, she is a sweet dog.

I will keep reaching out..you have made it clear I am cared for and I want you to know that is not lost on me.....it means the world to me. Thank you....hugs if you accept.

 

[bellbird]

I have a light box that is for seasonal affective disorder. It is a big help to me as it simulates a light blue sky

Wonderful!

When I cry she will run up to me and love on me, she is a sweet dog.

Yes; animals are so intuitive, aren't they? I hope you find a good and loving home for her :)

I want you to know that is not lost on me.....it means the world to me. Thank you....hugs if you accept.

Gladly, dear Lion. Thank you :hug:

 

[MrMoonlight]

How are you doing @Lionheart777 ? Thinking about you and hoping you are treating yourself with some care and kindness.

 

[Starfire]

IMHO & experience grief just takes time. Sometimes a long time. But managing it is important with the help of friends, therapist etc. Definitely catastrophizing is a no-no, & even dangerous. But for me an easy step. The world is a worthless place to be, I am worthless.....you know what I mean. Using additional drugs just seems to lengthen the whole thing. My therapist recommended a group with a grief counselor. I think my friends were getting worn out & just didn't know what to do anymore. These people understood. I also saw people at various stages in the process so saw it got better for others. As well as practical advice. It took time but grief did change to sadness and missing. Take care of yourself.

 

[EveHarrington]

Please call your doctor to let him know what’s going on.

Idk what country you are in or what options are available to you, but if your doc is inaccessible, I urge you to find someone else. I pay through the nose for my doc, but it’s worth it as I can have a med change in as little as 15 minutes via phone, callback, etc. (I just did this Thursday.)

:hug:

 

[Lionheart]

How are you doing @Lionheart777 ?

I am not doing great, but that's to be expected at this point. I don't sleep well, I cry a lot, and I have to force myself to eat, but I have good moments too; when I remember the fun times and the laughter sister and I shared over the years.

Thank you for asking about me @MrMoonlight

I know it isn't easy to hear, but my life is forever changed and I will always grieve the loss. That is just how it is when ya lose someone who is really close to you. Still, I have a treasure trove of happy memories and good times that I will relive with my friends. I will be okay eventually, but I will never be the same again.

I am blessed to have the love and support of my forum friends, it does bring me comfort, and makes things a bit easier, so thank you!!!! Thank you for being there for me!!!

My therapist recommended a group with a grief counselor.

I may consider that in the near future, thank you for the suggestion and the reply.

Please call your doctor to let him know what’s going on.

I seem to have made a recovery from whatever it was that was trying to take hold of me, but if it returns I will definitely call my doctor. I am fortunate because she makes house calls and I am close to a hospital if I need to go. Thank you for your concern, it means a lot to me.

(((((((Hugs))))))),
Lion

 

[bellbird]

I know it isn't easy to hear, but my life is forever changed and I will always grieve the loss. That is just how it is when ya lose someone who is really close to you.

This part reminded me of a quote I used to have pinned up on my wall in one of the places I lived overseas:
"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
I had to look up who it's by, and it's Winnie the Pooh/A. A. Milne, which made me smile.
I hope you don't mind me sharing it with you, Lion.
Keep digging into that treasure trove of memories when you're able, and keep taking care of yourself. We're grateful to have you here too :hug: :hug:

 

[Lionheart]

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
I hope you don't mind me sharing it with you, Lion.

Sorry for the delay with my response....

@bellbird thank you for sharing that quote with me...I will have to remember that one, it is excellent!!! I am really lucky.

I am really blessed and I'm grateful for all of my blessings, it is just difficult to remember them amidst the pain, loss, and sorrow. I think as time goes on, I will be more able to feel happy again for my blessings, my memories of sis, and my friends and family members. Plus I am tired at the moment and fighting insomnia.

I will take good care of myself and thank you for being you @bellbird , I am happy that you and I have become friends.

love and light,
Lion

 

[bellbird]

Sorry for the delay with my response....

No worries at all :)

@bellbird thank you for sharing that quote with me...I will have to remember that one, it is excellent!!!

My pleasure!

I think as time goes on, I will be more able to feel happy again for my blessings, my memories of sis, and my friends and family members. Plus I am tired at the moment and fighting insomnia.

Yes, I think so too. And tiredness makes everything more difficult. Do you have access to anything that can help with your insomnia?

I will take good care of myself and thank you for being you @bellbird , I am happy that you and I have become friends.

:hug: as am I, Lion :hug:
love and light to you, too.
-bellbird