No caregiving and humor aren't usually used in the same sentence. But I try to cheer people up on here thats all. I know all about how hard caregiving is. Unfortunately my Mom recently passed but humor got us through a lot of it.
Nature is my therapy. Mother Nature's no asswipe and taking a walk is free. I'm pretty sure that I'd be much more depressed were it not for the people on this site. I read to get information about what works and to gain strength to be a better DIL, wife, person. Caregiving doesn't lend itself to humor the longer it goes on. It becomes a grind when problems no longer have easy fixes like Ensure or something OTC. It's depressing for all involved and I can only imagine even more so if resources and support are tight or nonexistent. If you are so depressed that you're not taking care of yourself then be kind to yourself and listen to your own needs. Good luck and I hope you use this site to your advantage.
I went to an anxiety/depression counselling group for a few weeks. It was called cognitive therapy. The man conducting the sessions was such an asswipe. I went to three sessions and finally had to stop going. I think with anything its trial and error before you find a good fit. Even this website might not be someones cup of tea. As Jeanne said its usually not that warm and fuzzy.
I sometimes try to counter that with trying to be funny. Not always appreciated, I'm sure but I try.
ArnieBme, do you mean the Depression Support Group posts on this site? I just read a couple of pages of post titles and I wanted to go to bed and pull the covers way, way up!
But that is generally true of all the groups of posts on here. Caregiving is an incredibly tough job, and naturally what we talk about among ourselves is our problems, our concerns, our frustrations. Sometimes someone will post along the lines of "I tried this and it worked!" but most of the titles are not cheery.
Often the content will contain some real gems of helpful suggestions or support. Reading here can really be worthwhile, but don't expect a lot of happy-ever-after stories.
As you know up close and personal, living with someone who has depression is no fun. I can tell you that having depression is no fun. But knowing we are not alone and hearing suggestions and support can be helpful. And even cyber-space connections are better than isolation.
Treating depression is definitely not a DIY project. Medical professionals should be involved. But I find it can also help to talk to others in the trenches. I hope you will find some hopeful connections, too.
How long have you attending? Do you think it's a good fit? Do you feel comfortable sharing there?
I would imagine that living with someone who has depression would be challenging. Your profile indicates that you do. Have you considered that you may suffer from depression too? Why not consult with a professional to see if that is the case. At least, you'll eliminate that as a possible reason that the Depression Support Group makes you depressed.
Do the people at the support group encourage you to do certain things that you aren't inclined to do? I can see how it might bother me if others suggested that I take some actions that I didn't feel comfortable taking and that might bring my mood down.
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I sometimes try to counter that with trying to be funny. Not always appreciated, I'm sure but I try.
But that is generally true of all the groups of posts on here. Caregiving is an incredibly tough job, and naturally what we talk about among ourselves is our problems, our concerns, our frustrations. Sometimes someone will post along the lines of "I tried this and it worked!" but most of the titles are not cheery.
Often the content will contain some real gems of helpful suggestions or support. Reading here can really be worthwhile, but don't expect a lot of happy-ever-after stories.
As you know up close and personal, living with someone who has depression is no fun. I can tell you that having depression is no fun. But knowing we are not alone and hearing suggestions and support can be helpful. And even cyber-space connections are better than isolation.
Treating depression is definitely not a DIY project. Medical professionals should be involved. But I find it can also help to talk to others in the trenches. I hope you will find some hopeful connections, too.
I would imagine that living with someone who has depression would be challenging. Your profile indicates that you do. Have you considered that you may suffer from depression too? Why not consult with a professional to see if that is the case. At least, you'll eliminate that as a possible reason that the Depression Support Group makes you depressed.
Do the people at the support group encourage you to do certain things that you aren't inclined to do? I can see how it might bother me if others suggested that I take some actions that I didn't feel comfortable taking and that might bring my mood down.