The Depression Connection Question of the Week!

I love to spend time helping in shelters or assisting with teen mom programs, I know for most that doesn't qualify as "fun" but you know what doing crafts and little projects with young children can be a lot of fun :) The smiles on their faces is instantly a reminder of why you're there, their laughs are so sweet and seem to melt the pain of a day away, but more than that if you've ever seen a child achieve something for the very first time, like a finger painting or tying their shoes you know the excitement they show over it! That feeling becomes infectious and no matter what you felt like going into things you feel twice as good coming out of it!

In terms of the notifications mine appear to be working out alright which is great because I tend to forget to check things unless I'm reminded lol

If you still need a "twenty-something" for your interview I'd be happy to help :)

Good for you, Merely Me, for sharing your belly dancing picture!  I've heard that can be a lot of fun.

For me, fun is getting together with some good friends, maybe even just one, and sharing conversation over coffee or a meal (or a glass of wine!) and having a good laugh or two.  My husband and I are friends with a couple we've known for almost 40 years (yes, I am old) and we've had our ups and downs, but now that our childraising years are behind us, we really like to just go out and have dinner and sit around talking.  I also sometimes like to have parties - although it's work, the fun part is all the planning, cooking and just looking forward to seeing people.  I get energized being around good people.  I just joined a choir and I'm looking forward to that being fun, as well.

Though I have difficulty identifying that what I am feeling is fun (it's almost numbed down, I guess, cause it certainly doesn't compete with negative emotions like anger, pain and grief) I do try to do several things that help me relax or get in a better mindset or at least don't add to my stress/make me more tired, if that makes sense. Painting that dragon plaster-cast is one of those things, going to conventions or just watching interviews on TV is another (also being in studio audiences for interviews which I've done a few times), going bushwalking or jogging can help, being with animals ditto, doing puzzles opens my mind, watching DVDs is the most available relaxer/fun thing, and reading books... I have quite a list, don't I? Over time I've found it's useful to have a few tools up my sleeve and I like to find new things to do - like I've recently taught myself how to juggle, or I will go somewhere new like a friend and I impulsively went to a musuem one time, a wildlife park another, and an aquarium yet another time, I want to learn how to fly and go white-water rafting... lotsa things.

If you are still looking for someone in their early twenties to interview I'm more than happy to contribute, but there are several of us on here so you may have what you were looking for already. :0)

Oh I haven't had any technical difficulties, I don't think.

I wish my Belly looked like that when I belly dance Merely Me. 

I love dancing. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a dancer and used to sit for ages in my bedroom watching my musical ballet dancer in my jewellelry box going round and round to the music and so wishing I was one. We didn't have a lot of money so I wasn't allowed to go to dancing classes although I must have driven my parents nuts asking them all the time, so every wednesday evening, I used to walk around to the community hall where I knew there was a dancing class and watch everyone through the gap in the window. I remember itching to just get in there. I used to make up for it in the house though dancing around and driving everyone nuts.

I still do it now, It's the one thing that I never get bored of. I might not be a professional, I dont care, I might look stupid, so what I dont care I just do it because it makes me feel good. When I was really down I thought I would never want to dance again, but here I am still freaking out much to the embarassment of my kids. I do try and make an effort when their  friends come over now and restrain myself. they also know not to put the music on when I'm around.

I really don't remember the last time I can trully say I have had fun at anything! Dang that makes me sad just realizing that! I am so into making sure my home and family are taken care of and now once in a while being sick and down that I really don't know what fun is anymore.

But sure do like reading about all of yall having different adventures and the out comes.

As for the interview if needed I'm in the late forties range and here for ya.

take care

ladygraycloud/Suzanne

My favorite thing is to take my two Pugs, Otis and Scarlet, for a walk to the park. It always makes me feel better!

I forgot to say Merely Me that I am in my early forties and wouldn't mind being interviewed if you want.

Hi Merely Me,

I like to go for walks. If I don't have much energy or time I'll just go around the block. If I'm really motivated and have time, I'll go for a drive to the beach, park, mountain, etc. and go a long distance. I like history and will try to hit a local Civil War site or something like that. My family is not with me, but if they were I would drag the whole bunch along with me at every opportunity.

When the weather is bad I like to keep my mind busy with geneological research. I really enjoy history and try to put myself in the mind and environment of distant relatives. Recent research helped me discover that my great-great-great grandfather (Civil War veteran) may have suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. As you know from my postings on the other site I belong to, this is a big interest of mine.

Take care,

KJ

I would be happy to answer your questions, Merely. A little background...I have had Major Depressive Disorder since I was in elementary school. Several different psychiatrists told me it was probably due to emotional and physical child abuse. (I'm 49 and think I'm past that.) I have Fibromyalgia Syndrome and have been called everything from a "druggie" to a "hypochondriac" by doctors. It took so long to find a doctor that specialized in Fibro. I've hired some excellent doctors. When I respectfully ask what they know about Fibro, the text book answer, "I know you don't treat it with narcotics." comes spilling out of their mouths. I've had some strange treatments (mostly when I lived in Chicago) and a found a wonderful Christian counselor in Chicago. He helped me with so many different feelings, told me about 'learned behavior' and helped me to put my life back together. I also have Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome. I sometimes sleep day long and then again sleep at my normal bedtime. I almost always sleep for 10 - ? hours at a time.

Just a little about me. Feel free to email or call me if I can do anything to help.

Blessings,

Jenni