YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Frootsy, I've used food before to take me out of my feelings. I think its pretty common. My substances are alcohol and weed. Been off em for a few years, but sometimes I'll eat a ridiculous amount of junk food then feel bad that I did it. I had to go to AA and its worked for me. I've learned to try ...

Zombie, Alcohol and weed were my thing. I got sober a couple of years ago. I couldn't give it up and had to go to AA. Didn't want to. Thought it was going to be boring like church, but its totally different. I had to take a break from going out with my usual friends and hang out with AA people for a...

Deservedly, You don't deserve to be depressed. You just happen to be depressed. None of this is because you deserve it. It's a challenge for sure, but if you keep asking for help and seek solutions and stay out of self-pity you WILL get better. Don't lose hope. We've all been there. Welcome. Napping...

Paul,

Welcome! I had to try a couple of different shrinks and a half-dozen different meds until I found ones that worked. But first I had to stop drinking and doing drugs to give them a chance to work.

Ether,
Welcome! Glad you're here.

Napping Champion

Ian, Boy do I know how you feel. Do not lose hope. The bad news is: you will have to connect to people to recover. The good news is: You will find people just like you who can share their experience with you. I highly recommend not only therapy, but some time of group therapy as well. It transformed...

Wow, your family sounds really out of touch with their emotions. I would HIGHLY recommend some type of support group. Was anyone in your family addicted to something or overly controlling? If so, a 12-step program is really really helpful. It helped me accept my family for who they are and stop hati...

Welcome! I don't know much, but I do know one thing. We cannot get better on our own. We need other people. Depression warps perception, and we need another set of ears and eyes to help us find the truth. I wish you luck, and encourage you to seek help. I have yet to meet someone whose life hasn't g...

Fortune Faded, Welcome! We know just how you feel. Getting beyond the stigma of having to take meds was key for me. I feel wonderful today, and just a few months ago, I couldn't get out of bed. The key was going back on my meds even though I hate the idea of them. Hang in there! Napping Champion

I just wanted to say hi to the group. My depression is in check today. I have a history of addiction to drugs and sex. I've been sober a while from both. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed I can't resist a nap. I try not to beat myself up because its a lot better than what I used to do to avoid my ...