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

Good morning.

For what it's worth, I'll be checking in periodically today if anyone is feeling down, or just wants to vent or whatever..

(Feel a bit stupid doing this maybe, but what the hell.... I've found a few friends here, and a bit of support when I needed it. And not out of the woods by any stretch, even though some days I feel fine/great for the moment).

Wishing everyone the best,

Snoring Dog

Hope you are doing well SD.
I'm always bummed out this time of year. I will muddle through.
I don't need to vent, just thought I'd say Hi.

Hello BrownBlob,

It's been awhile! So we can muddle thru together....
Holidays -> Families, Memories and Expectations etc.
Difficult terrain indeed.....



SD

I'm glad you did!

Christmas is fraught.

How did your Christmas go?

Hello Oak,

Good to hear from you. Actually had a nice dinner with a couple of friends from way back.

Will make the obligatory phone calls today and over the weekend. Not sure why I hesitate, maybe it's the imagined "obligatory" part. Probably should stay in better touch thru the year. No real family friction at the moment, so why not....

But this a.m. I woke too early, and laying there, had oppressive feelings of self-recrimination and doom, which are rather familiar to me. First thing I noticed was that it was overcast which dammit, has a real effect. I hate it. Got up to prevent the mental turmoil from getting too bad, had some coffee, and then slept for a couple of hours, and now here I am, the better for it.

I've tried to get in the habit of doing a couple of simple things upon waking that have helped - Drinking water, Stretching on the floor, Quieting the mind for a few moments. If I don't, it's usually anxiety and angst for the rest of the day.

This mental stuff can be exhausting. Maybe a trip to the gym to redirect and burn off some of the energy....

Cheers

SD

Your kindness and concern is always appreciated, SD.
Heather

Hey SD, brownblob, Oak, Heather,

I was happy to see your posts when I checked in this evening.

I managed to get through the holidays relatively unscathed this year, but it's still possible that the next sentimental Christmas tune at my local grocery store or pharmacy may be the one that puts me over the edge & leaves me weeping in the checkout line.

Celebrating all of us continuing to make it through these sometimes cold, dark, fraught days.

rg

Hello RG!

Good to hear from you, and glad you're OK. Christmas music in stores usually make me cry in frustration - so loud and annoying!

But heard a few Irish songs when I was at a friend's house for dinner, and they can get to me. Then again, a good cry is cathartic sometimes. Just let it out and get it over with, right?

Next up at bat - New Year's! I have a few things to post when I get a chance...

Be well

SD

I've had trouble with my login intermittently, so have been lurking on the forum this past month & sending everyone good thoughts even though I haven't posted. I think I finally got the login straightened out.

I do think crying can be cathartic. I don't seem to be able to cry much any more but I remember the feeling of cleansing and peace that can sometimes follow a good cry.

Looking forward to your upcoming posts, SD!

Glad you're back Rivergirl