Weekly Prompt #7: How have you been feeling lately?
Hello everyone, I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed What small moments brought a glimmer of light today? Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts for discussion. I enjoyed them. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you.
This week's prompt: How have you been feeling lately?
Today, I want us to get back to basics and share how you have been feeling lately? You know in all going every day, it is so harder to focus on your emotions and feelings but today I want us to take a moment and re-focus on how things are happening and how are we feeling about it?
Let's get started and share your thoughts with us.
@ASilentObserver
Hi, ASO,
How have you been feeling lately?
Considering what I have been going through (car problems, moving, starting grad school), I have been feeling acceptably, and expectedly. It has been hard for me to pack. I've stayed ahead of schedule and am so glad I started 2 months ahead of my move, because I have had many days where I just couldn't face it. And on the days when I could face packing, I could only stand to do it for 3 boxes worth of time. Two days ago I lost it. I got stopped by the police and given a speeding ticket. That wasn't even too bad to me. It wasn't until I drove out of my way to a store I never shop at, to return a bathing suit top I bought online. The store wanted to charge me $10 to restock the item, and I flipped out. It took me a good 24 hours to work through the feelings and thoughts before I was able to calm down. So now I feel ready to move. I'm looking forward to just getting out of here and getting into my new apartment with my cat. I drive 8 hours to get there. We're leaving next thursday.
Sorry that I didn't see this thread until now. We didn't have internet last night due to a storm blowing through.
It sounds like you are doing well overall. Those little challenges do pile up sometimes, but you are handling them. That makes you more confident. You should be very proud of yourself.@purpleTree4652
@bestVase7265
Hi, Vase,
It's nice to hear from you. You've been on my mind. Thank you for the supportive comments. Yes, I am very proud for now. I just hope I can figure out how to pay for school.
How is your husband handling his loss? How are you?
It is a step at a time. Worry about the move first. You can do this.
My husband and I are okay. The funeral isn't for several weeks so my husband has been working on an image slide show.
@purpleTree4652
@bestVase7265
Hi, Vase,
I never got the notification for your response. I happened to find it because of a response from another member. :/
I hope you're still doing ok. That must be hard for your husband to work on that slideshow. But it is also a wonderful way for him to respect her and help him accept her passing.
Chloe and I made it. It's raining torrents here. I love it.
xo, tree
So glad to hear that you made it safely! The rain sounds great. It is good to finally start to get settled and figure out how the next stage is going to work.
On Thursday I will be going away for just a few days to my niece's graduation. I will get to any messages as soon as I can.
I look forward to hearing about your adventures. @purpleTree4652
@purpleTree4652 You sound so busy! I don't know how you do it. Be proud of everything you are getting done for sure
@ashwashere1336
Hi, Ash,
Your comments lifted my heart and soul. Yes, I'm busy, but not trying to let it overwhelm me.
How are you?
--tree
@purpleTree4652 I get it how much effort you have put in to preparing for your move despite facing many challenges. Managing your emotions while juggling so many changes can be difficult. Moving to your new apartment and spending time with your cat sounds like it may provide some relief and comfort. What aspects of getting settled into your new place are you looking forward to the most?
Please know we are all here with you to listen to and support.
@ASilentObserver
I'll be happy to mostly get out of boxes. I'll also be happy to get the stuff fixed that requires attention. And I'll be happy to get my car registration taken care of, and get into the community mental health system here. Then I can start to take it easy.
Today I feel sad and overwhelmed, and I can feel the depression closing in. It's grabbing my breath and stealing my energy. My brain is slowing, and letting the dogs out in the backyard seems like a lot of work. I am using all my best skills. I am starting to feel physically ill and repulsed by self-care.
Sending strength and peace.@helpfulTurtle6349
I can empathize with you for sure. My energy levels are really struggling and I am way overwhelmed on my projects at this point. Just taking it one day at a time. I wish you a brighter day soon in the future
@helpfulTurtle6349 I hear how overwhelming and exhausting these feelings are for you right now. The physical symptoms you describe show how much this depression is impacting you. While self-care may seem difficult, taking even small steps to care for yourself can help. What aspects of self-care, if any, do you feel may be helpful or possible, even in small ways, at this time?
Please know we all here with you.
@helpfulTurtle6349
Sending you positive vibes and an abundance of energy. Take it a day at a time. You got this. Much Love. :)
Im struggling. Perhaps like helpfulturtle? Frustrated, disappointed, sad. Pity party for myself. I dont know what to do with the physical pain, fatigue, lost motivation due to inability to do much or complete tasks in full, annoyed i often dont remember what I'm doing, how to do it even the words to ask for help. I need a good swift kick to get me back in order!
Sending that kick your way but also sending some grace. Your brain doesn't operate as well when you are sick. Some days you are just doing the best that you can. @adaptableOcean4193
@bestVase7265
Thank you so much! I needed both the kick and the encouragement. I'm feeling a bit better The last few days and have been able to at least stay awake and do a little bit. I didn't realize some of this stuff was to be expected post strokes, so it is Good to know It probably isn't laziness or depression but more likely some healing going on. I thought I was going backwards and was quite upset with it but it probably just a minor setback. Good to meet another awesome person!
Healing really does involve tons of rest. We don't like it because it feels unproductive but you are really being as productive as you can because you are speeding up the process. @adaptableOcean4193
@adaptableOcean4193 I'm sorry this difficult time is taking such a toll on you physically and mentally. The fatigue, loss of motivation, and memory challenges you describe are really hard to cope with. What one small thing, however minor it may seem, could you attempt today that might help lift your spirits, even a little?
Please feel free to share and discuss anything with us. we are all here for you.
I wasn't able to participate in last week's prompt, as I couldn't think of anything that brought a glimmer of light.
I'm currently in my second to last day of my 3-week work block. I had been getting mixed emotions, whether that be regarding work, colleagues, or personal life. There are so many things going on all-around that I'm getting confused myself, as to how I should be feeling. Going to work has been harder and harder, my passion for it is gradually dissipating and yet, I like working with certain people. It's almost like a love-hate relationship. As with personal life, I'm in the midst of a career change, so maybe that's why when things seem uncertain, my emotions are unstable.
The past 2 weeks, sleep had been a problem. In my first week of work, I was waking up to my alarm at 5am because I need to eat before leaving for work at 6:30am. Then, ever since, I've been automatically waking before 5am and it doesn't matter when I fall asleep either. On average, I've been sleeping for 4-6hrs per night. Since several years back though, I haven't been able to sleep more than 7 hours, and 6 hours had become my average. Days are harder to get by when I have to work, and only ended up sleeping for less than 5 hours. As my work is physically active, a lot of walking around. I sometimes start feeling tired by 4pm, when my shift starts at 11am.
Can't wait for being off in the first 2 weeks of May. But I have doctor appointments in each week. I'm more anxious about my appointment next Wed, as I'll need to drive myself. Dad has an appointment in a different city around the same time, so, I'm forced to drive by myself. I've always felt nervous when it comes to driving, and I haven't driven out of my hometown much since Covid, so I'm going to have to study the map and directions. And give myself ample time to drive and get to destination. Not looking forward to it.
@Jaeteuk That is okay Jae. take your time to share. I hear how unsettling these changes and upcoming appointments feel for you right now. The lack of sleep and fatigue you describe, combined with mixed emotions at work and in your personal life, have added extra challenges. While waiting for your time off to begin, focusing on small things that bring you a sense of calm, even for brief moments, could help make this time more manageable.
This week, I worked for only 3 days, but I ended up doing 2 hours overtime last night, didn't get home until after 9pm. I hadn't been sleeping well the past week either, so work was even more tiring. I'm still feeling a mix of emotions. I felt disappointed in something not long ago and that feeling is lingering on. I'm off the coming week, but we're getting our home's windows changed, so, we had been busy moving furniture around and taking the blinds and curtains down. We're down to a last day of moving tomorrow (Sunday), before the guys come start on Monday. Hopefully it won't be too tiring for us too, keeping an eye of the workers coming in and out of our house.
I've been feeling exhausted and have had no motivation to do anything. Things have been feeling pointless lately.
Hoping that today was better.@RoxRoot
@RoxRoot The exhaustion and lack of motivation you describe have left you feeling that things are pointless. It must be so draining to go through daily tasks without any sense of purpose or energy. We are all here for you to listen to and support.
I'm feeling like RoxRoot. I'm so overwhelmed, it's taken my body down. Lots of chronic conditions flaring up and I barely get out of bed. I wake up, drink some water, and go back to sleep. It all does seem like a massive waste of time and energy
It is so hard with flareups. Was today any better?@cuppatea0104
@bestVase7265 Turns out I had strep throat! So I am feeling I bit better, once I recovered.
That is never fun. Glad that you are feeling better.@cuppatea0104
@cuppatea0104 I'm sorry to hear that the exhaustion, lack of motivation, and flare ups have left you feeling overwhelmed. Not having the energy to do even basic tasks can be incredibly draining.
How have you been feeling lately?
I've been feeling confused about life lately. I'm definitely unhappy and lonely. My birthday was yesterday and though several people said "Happy Birthday", it was not happy. I spent the night alone at home. I had nobody to be with, as always.
@WharfRat
Hi, Rat,
Happy Belated birthday! (brings you a cake that looks like a smiling dancing rat.)
I wish we could get together and celebrate your birthday.
(hugs)
--tree
@WharfRat
Happy belated birthday! I'm sorry it didn't turn out as well as you had hoped however it is never too late to celebrate. As a matter of fact, my friends celebrate theirs for a month at a time. They started with the day, moved to the weekend, then birthday week, now it's birthday month. In other words celebrate yourself every day. I like that my friends do this simply because it makes me feel okay to celebrate myself too. As a matter of fact, my birthday is not until September but I think I'll celebrate a half birthday today and have a hot fudge sundae. Maybe not good for me but it's not like I have one everyday.
Happy Birthday!@WharfRat
@WharfRat
Happy Birthday and may this next year of your life bring you peace, good health and happiness in abundance xx
@WharfRat
Belated Happy birthday 🎈
@WharfRat Belated happy birthday to you wharf, i am glad you here with us. and thank you for sharing and supporting us. I'm so sorry this birthday was difficult. Feeling confused, unhappy and lonely are challenging emotions. These feelings come through strongly in your message. What aspects of life feel most confusing right now?
@ASilentObserver
I have very strong feelings for a woman and I need to end those feelings, because they bring nothing but pain. I don't know how to stop those feelings.
@WharfRat I get it. I'm sorry this is causing you so much pain. Having strong feelings for someone can be difficult. What has helped you cope with difficult emotions in the past?
@ASilentObserver
I've never found anything that can help. I wish I could magically wipe my mind clean of thoughts of her, as well as a lot of other thoughts.
@WharfRat I'm sorry those thoughts have been difficult for you. That level of intrusiveness can be exhausting. You wish for relief. We all will figure out and brainstorm together to find some steps that we may able to take.
@ASilentObserver Today I am deeply depressed. I have absolutely no motivation or energy to do anything but walk my dog briefly. My psychiatrist put me on a new medication this week so maybe that will help.
@gbrenna
I hope you will feel some relief soon. And that this new medication does the trick.
Sending strength and peace@gbrenna
@gbrenna I hear how exhausting and difficult these emotions feel right now, along with the lack of motivation. The new medication may take some time to adjust and find the right balance. What aspects of life, big or small, bring you a sense of meaning or purpose during these challenging times? Please know we all here for you.
@ASilentObserver I really don't feel like I have any purpose or meaning. My family really doesn't understand my struggle with depression and ptsd. My little dog and cat help me keep my head above water so that's something that gives me some purpose.
@gbrenna I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with depression and lack of motivation. Those can be really difficult feelings. It sounds like the new medication may provide some relief. Please know we are all here with you to listen to and support.
I've been feeling down...and I'm feeling frustrated that I am not where I can take the time I need to address it.
@LightCat2541 I sense your frustration at not being able to address these difficult emotions right now. Feeling down for a period of time and wanting to find ways through it are understandable.
@ASilentObserver
i have been trying to be hopeful about my situation with work and I feel more encouraged to start back looking for schools. ( it’s a very hard and exhausting process that no one talks enough about btw). But I’m taking it one step at a time!
@brightCranberry9413 I hear how discouraging this process has been at times, mixed with moments of hope that keep you moving forward one step at a time. What small things in your day, even if brief, help remind you of the strengths you already have within you to keep going through this challenging time?
We are all here for you.
Sorry for the late reply but fast forward about 4 months later, and I’m finally enrolled in my program of choice! It’s very funny how life works but I think I had just forgotten that change is constant and just like we have our lows, our highs follow through just as much❤️
@brightCranberry9413 Awesomeeee. I'm glad to hear you were able to enroll in your program of choice after some time. It sounds like you've learned that changes happen in their own time. You seem aware that ups and downs are part of life's journey.
