Serious/heavy/deep/real stuff

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  • Cat0703a
    Cat0703a Posts: 17,577 Member
    Thank you ladies for your suggestions and thoughtful responses. :smile: Its been really therapeutic for me to talk to others about the stuff I've held in for so long. I am in Canada so I'll check into the medical coverage side of things.

    If there is a SA centre in your area reach out to them too. A family member of mine got counseling through our local one decades after and I know my family member would tell you it’s so important for your well-being to deal with it as early as you can.
  • ReenieHJ
    ReenieHJ Posts: 9,724 Member
    edited May 2021
    Thanks @RAinWA <3

    And @KickassAmazon76 Wish you could feel those hugs in reality when they're given. As well as everyone else who could use them. :)
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    ReenieHJ wrote: »
    Thanks @RAinWA <3

    And @KickassAmazon76 Wish you could feel those hugs in reality when they're given. As well as everyone else who could use them. :)

    Awww thank you. 😊 🤗 Hugs right back!
  • desertfoxcoffee
    desertfoxcoffee Posts: 46 Member
    Hi all,

    I'm like 33 pages behind on everything but as the OP noted, some people get driven away because their tone doesn't quite "fit" with the community on here. When I joined years ago I was very active with my friends, a lot of fun banter back and forth, even took it off MFP to chats and along the way things happened, fell out with some MFP buddies and became less social on here. A lot of it was stuff going on with my life - career move, moving to another city, work stress, etc. All of that changed my view of the world and the people around me. I mean, I was always a bit cynical but the past year has made me dislike humanity as a whole more. That's a bit dark for some people.

    I left a career near the end of 2020 because of the pandemic and the emotional and financial stress that came with it. I left something I enjoyed and had done for a decade for the sake of my mental health and now I'm not entirely sure where to go from here. I took a job for the paycheck because a girl's gotta pay bills but I hate it so much. Going into work fills me with rage.

    I'm now in this weird limbo (almost like a midlife crisis) where I don't know what the hell I want to do with my life. Do I try to go back to what I was doing before? Do I want to? Do I consider another career path?

    Thank you for sharing this with us. It really struck a chord in me.

    MFP is an ebb and flow kind of thing. (Kind of like fitness often is). Sometimes you're all in and active and vibing with everyone, and sometimes you just need to retreat, focus on self and in person stuff, and take care of the immediate needs. Both are ok and wholly acceptable. I'm sad to hear that you had some falling out with friends - that's tough and it takes time to recover from lost friendships.

    I also had some painful MFP experiences which tarnished the site (and humanity) for me for quite some time. Eventually though, it got easier and better. This past year, in particular, has made it very difficult to like humanity on the whole. So many angry, cruel, selfish and hurtful people - and all of them seemingly screaming at the top of their lungs. Sometimes it feels like you can't escape... and I think that maybe because we're more locked down, we're online more than ever, and it can be overwhelming.

    All of the above is just my wordy way of saying that all of what you describe is normal, incredibly relatable... and also incredibly hard to deal with.

    I hope that things ease for you. Being in a job you despise is incredibly soul sucking, so I hope that a new opportunity arises that better suits your skill sets and that things start turning around for you. I think we've earned an uptick.

    *sending you all the good vibes*

    *hugs* thank you. :) It's always nice to find someone how can relate to what you're going through. Love your photo by the way. Huge Wonder Woman fan.
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    ReenieHJ wrote: »
    Kind of an offshoot from @americanasbacon's post. How does one find their purpose? Is there even such a thing? Do we just go about our days, hoping for the best? How do you find that one thing that matters so much to you that you can make it your life's goal or mission? Especially when there are so many aspects about the community, world, etc., that you want to change? How can 1 person conceivably make that much of a difference, unless you're like Greta Thunberg. :)

    I guess this isn't really a dark side, just a lot of self-reflection. But then I do have a dark side so it counts, right? :)

    I JUST shared this yesterday. It was from my son's school Director (who's the most amazing person I know) and something I think I needed to hear.

    https://fb.watch/5ixdVwENCh/
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    edited May 2021
    I have never felt good enough or appreciated. I get up every day work 50 hours a week but I feel I need to be doing more. I don’t feel a man can be loved unconditionally because there are always conditions. We are our value in what we can provide and i don’t feel like I provide much.

    I know this feeling. My sense is that people appreciate and value me a lot more than I realize. That doesn't make me feel any better, but it also doesn't make it untrue.

    FWIW.
  • MaltedTea
    MaltedTea Posts: 6,286 Member
    ReenieHJ wrote: »
    Kind of an offshoot from @americanasbacon's post. How does one find their purpose? Is there even such a thing? Do we just go about our days, hoping for the best? How do you find that one thing that matters so much to you that you can make it your life's goal or mission? Especially when there are so many aspects about the community, world, etc., that you want to change? How can 1 person conceivably make that much of a difference, unless you're like Greta Thunberg. :)

    I guess this isn't really a dark side, just a lot of self-reflection. But then I do have a dark side so it counts, right? :)

    I JUST shared this yesterday. It was from my son's school Director (who's the most amazing person I know) and something I think I needed to hear.

    https://fb.watch/5ixdVwENCh/

    It would be an understatement to say her day is busy and likley overwhelming on a regular basis. That was a good, short video with a lot of reflective points. Thanks for sharing @mom23mangos
  • ReenieHJ
    ReenieHJ Posts: 9,724 Member
    ReenieHJ wrote: »
    Kind of an offshoot from @americanasbacon's post. How does one find their purpose? Is there even such a thing? Do we just go about our days, hoping for the best? How do you find that one thing that matters so much to you that you can make it your life's goal or mission? Especially when there are so many aspects about the community, world, etc., that you want to change? How can 1 person conceivably make that much of a difference, unless you're like Greta Thunberg. :)

    I guess this isn't really a dark side, just a lot of self-reflection. But then I do have a dark side so it counts, right? :)

    I JUST shared this yesterday. It was from my son's school Director (who's the most amazing person I know) and something I think I needed to hear.

    https://fb.watch/5ixdVwENCh/

    The video struck home. We don't have to go all out and be a spokesperson for the world; we can take our own corner and improve, create, change it.
    Thank you for sharing that!
    I forget sometimes it's NOT all or nothing. It doesn't have to be perfect, *I* don't have to be perfect. I just have to be present, active, enough, trying, and find the good in what I have done and continue to do.
  • _sw33tp3a_11
    _sw33tp3a_11 Posts: 4,692 Member
    I went to wake up my son this morning and saw a new cut on his arm. I pulled up his sleeve and there were 11 new lines over an inch long. Each clearly drew blood.

    We talked about it and he said that he was just hurting so much that it took his mind off the pain inside. That he didn't want to kill himself, and he wants to live, but that it just hurts so much and this is the only thing that distracts him.

    I have gotten so much help, and it's just not helping. I feel sick. I mean, at least he wants to live, so that's a good thing, but honestly? I feel sick inside. I tried suggesting other things, other coping mechanisms, other distractions, but he shoots them down. He wants to cut.

    Each day we wake up is a gift. Each day I go into his room and he's still breathing is a gift.

    In other news... I get to go for my root canal today.

    My heart breaks for you. I know this feeling all to well as my daughter did the same. Don't give up hope that one day he will decide to embrace other coping mechanisms. Just know you're not alone ❤
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    J_NY_Z wrote: »
    When my ex wife and I were married we had several animals over the years. One cat, Ethel, was born in 2003. My youngest son was born in 1997. Ethel went downhill fast. I stopped over the house yesterday and my son, a man in his own right was sitting next to her stroking her head and telling her with tears in his eyes "...its ok..you can go, you don't have to hold on for me". There is nothing that will break you down faster than the pain of your children. She died soon after and we cried and reminisced together. While I've known that Ethel would die I did not know how much it affected him.

    I know those who have kids here are experiencing pain in different ways for different reasons. One step at a time, one day at a time, one issue at a time. We have no choice but to go forward.

    I'm so glad that you were there for him when he needed you most. Much love to you and to your son on the loss of your pup. :disappointed: It's so hard to lose our pets. They ARE family.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    lmf1012 wrote: »
    I went to wake up my son this morning and saw a new cut on his arm. I pulled up his sleeve and there were 11 new lines over an inch long. Each clearly drew blood.

    We talked about it and he said that he was just hurting so much that it took his mind off the pain inside. That he didn't want to kill himself, and he wants to live, but that it just hurts so much and this is the only thing that distracts him.

    I have gotten so much help, and it's just not helping. I feel sick. I mean, at least he wants to live, so that's a good thing, but honestly? I feel sick inside. I tried suggesting other things, other coping mechanisms, other distractions, but he shoots them down. He wants to cut.

    Each day we wake up is a gift. Each day I go into his room and he's still breathing is a gift.

    In other news... I get to go for my root canal today.

    I haven't read through all of your posts so I am not sure how old your son is. My son (who is now 18) lost his best friend to suicide at the age of 16. Reading your posts makes me think of him even more than usual. His mom is one of my dearest friends so I have seen the devastation first hand. I will keep your son in my thoughts and I certainly hope there are much better days ahead. It is especially hard I think that often there is no tangible source of the internal pain so 'treating' it is extremely difficult.

    Thank you. My son turns 14 in July. I hope that we can get him through this. He's in a dark place and as much as I try to help him see that things do get better, when you're living it - the night seems endless.

    Big hugs to your son and his friend's family.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member
    I went to wake up my son this morning and saw a new cut on his arm. I pulled up his sleeve and there were 11 new lines over an inch long. Each clearly drew blood.

    We talked about it and he said that he was just hurting so much that it took his mind off the pain inside. That he didn't want to kill himself, and he wants to live, but that it just hurts so much and this is the only thing that distracts him.

    I have gotten so much help, and it's just not helping. I feel sick. I mean, at least he wants to live, so that's a good thing, but honestly? I feel sick inside. I tried suggesting other things, other coping mechanisms, other distractions, but he shoots them down. He wants to cut.

    Each day we wake up is a gift. Each day I go into his room and he's still breathing is a gift.

    In other news... I get to go for my root canal today.

    Im so sorry you both are going through such a tough time 😔
    There is hope.. my nephew was a cutter as well through his teen years, and now some 15 years on is a dad, a chef and life is good for him, he is happy.
    I know your son has other issues too, but he wants to live so that alone is big. 🙂
    Thinking of you both and sending all the positive vibes 🙏

    I know quite a few people who once were cutters, so I am hoping that it is something to hope for.Thank you for sharing and for the love and vibes. I have a feeling that we're moving into another dark patch and I just hope it won't be so long.

    Much love to you. :heart:
  • ReenieHJ
    ReenieHJ Posts: 9,724 Member
    edited May 2021
    Hugs to all those who witness the pain of their children. The tears in our own hearts go deep. But <3 to you all who make their worlds brighter by being there for them because sometimes, that's all you can do.
  • Miss_Chiev0us_
    Miss_Chiev0us_ Posts: 2,208 Member
    I went to wake up my son this morning and saw a new cut on his arm. I pulled up his sleeve and there were 11 new lines over an inch long. Each clearly drew blood.

    We talked about it and he said that he was just hurting so much that it took his mind off the pain inside. That he didn't want to kill himself, and he wants to live, but that it just hurts so much and this is the only thing that distracts him.

    I have gotten so much help, and it's just not helping. I feel sick. I mean, at least he wants to live, so that's a good thing, but honestly? I feel sick inside. I tried suggesting other things, other coping mechanisms, other distractions, but he shoots them down. He wants to cut.

    Each day we wake up is a gift. Each day I go into his room and he's still breathing is a gift.

    In other news... I get to go for my root canal today.

    This made me tear up this morning 💔 I can't even imagine how you feel but sending all my love to you. I hope things get better 🙏stay strong
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,677 Member

    Today is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day ❤️...
    And my ❤️ to you and your family Mama... You guys will get through this...

    Who knows, it's actually a very likely possibility that one day your sons struggles will compel him to use the rest of his life to help those who are destined to go through what he suffers from at the moment... And he will praise you for being his rock ❤️...

    I'm not sure if you've read "Man's search for meaning" - by Viktor Frankl... But it's a very powerful book...

    Viktor Frankl is a Psychotherapist, Neurologist and survivor of 4 Nazi concentration camps... At one point in the book he talks about several patients he dealt with and his overall approach seems to have been, helping people find meaning in their suffering...

    One specific patient he helped by pointing out how they will simply never know what type of life they could have been destined for if they do not pull through...

    And forgive my weak use of his strength as I attempt to paraphrase but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying... Anyhow I would highly recommend his book

    Happy Mothers day to you ❤️❤️❤️

    Thank you for this. Already I see my son reaching out to others to try and help make their way smoother, even as he trips over his own path. I believe that he will be a world changer if we can get him through these dark paths. I've tried pointing him towards hope in the future, and there have been times where I've shared that I felt his struggles will help others once he makes it through, though the latter doesn't work so well because he's a bit self centered right now. It's not a message he is ready to hear. Regardless, I do believe it to be true.
    This made me tear up this morning 💔 I can't even imagine how you feel but sending all my love to you. I hope things get better 🙏stay strong

    I'm sad that it made you tear up. I really do appreciate having a place to go where I don't have to worry about my parents getting upset, or it getting back to him via a parent of a classmate who wanted to "help".

    I can say that his mood has been better this past week. His arm looks brutal (at least to my mom's heart), and one of his classmates / teachers noticed and his guidance counsellor was then involved. She reached out to me to be sure I knew and we had another good talk. She was also mentioning how he seems to have a bit more hope for the future even though he took his pain out on his body so visually. That is good.

    I needed that, because my OTHER cat had a medical emergency this weekend and almost died. (He had a urinary tract blockage that almost required surgery - it could have killed him if I hadn't gotten hom to the vet when I did. He's now on meds as well to try and clear out the crystals in his urine and new food).

    Some days I feel like I am such a black cloud that I should go into hiding until I can be a sunnier person. I'm tired of people asking me how I'm doing because I either drag them down with the truth, or have to lie and say I'm ok. I guess I'm thankful that we're going into wave three of covid lockdowns. No surprise visits, and lots of excuses to NOT visit! hah

  • ExpressoLove11
    ExpressoLove11 Posts: 337 Member
    J_NY_Z wrote: »
    J_NY_Z wrote: »
    When my ex wife and I were married we had several animals over the years. One cat, Ethel, was born in 2003. My youngest son was born in 1997. Ethel went downhill fast. I stopped over the house yesterday and my son, a man in his own right was sitting next to her stroking her head and telling her with tears in his eyes "...its ok..you can go, you don't have to hold on for me". There is nothing that will break you down faster than the pain of your children. She died soon after and we cried and reminisced together. While I've known that Ethel would die I did not know how much it affected him.

    I know those who have kids here are experiencing pain in different ways for different reasons. One step at a time, one day at a time, one issue at a time. We have no choice but to go forward.

    Less than a month after Ethel died, their dog Boba had to be put to sleep yesterday. Boba was sick and had gone downhill fast as well. Nature is cruel. Boba was a big strong pit bull. Yesterday he was reduced to a frail shell of himself. My ex wife and my son were crying and held him while he died. Again, seeing people that I love so upset stabs me as well. I whispered to him, "You are a good boy. You never did anything wrong and I love you. Thank you for taking care of them."

    Damn. Now I'm in my feelings. I'm so sorry for your losses.
  • slimgirljo15
    slimgirljo15 Posts: 269,456 Member
    J_NY_Z wrote: »
    J_NY_Z wrote: »
    When my ex wife and I were married we had several animals over the years. One cat, Ethel, was born in 2003. My youngest son was born in 1997. Ethel went downhill fast. I stopped over the house yesterday and my son, a man in his own right was sitting next to her stroking her head and telling her with tears in his eyes "...its ok..you can go, you don't have to hold on for me". There is nothing that will break you down faster than the pain of your children. She died soon after and we cried and reminisced together. While I've known that Ethel would die I did not know how much it affected him.

    I know those who have kids here are experiencing pain in different ways for different reasons. One step at a time, one day at a time, one issue at a time. We have no choice but to go forward.

    Less than a month after Ethel died, their dog Boba had to be put to sleep yesterday. Boba was sick and had gone downhill fast as well. Nature is cruel. Boba was a big strong pit bull. Yesterday he was reduced to a frail shell of himself. My ex wife and my son were crying and held him while he died. Again, seeing people that I love so upset stabs me as well. I whispered to him, "You are a good boy. You never did anything wrong and I love you. Thank you for taking care of them."

    Im so sorry for yours and your families loss 😞