My Losing Battle with Depression
3 years ago
General
I don't mean to bother you,
I am formally apologizing to you, and I informing you that unfortunately I will more than likely stop writing. I don't have much support or friends on any of the sites I am on where I post. I've been struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide for twenty years. It has gotten worse, so much that it has affected my writing and most days I can't even get out of bed or the house. I don't feel like I belong in the furry fandom or anywhere.
Yes, I have been in a breakup recently, and I have managed to resist taking a knife to my throat. I have thoughts of inferiority and lack of self-worth have been turned up to eleven right now from the usual eight. I hate dating. I hate having to be reminded of how undesirable I am with every rejection. I'm only keeping myself alive for the sake of my family, but I do want to end this pain and meaningless existence of mine.
I'm sorry to disappoint you,
~Omu
I am formally apologizing to you, and I informing you that unfortunately I will more than likely stop writing. I don't have much support or friends on any of the sites I am on where I post. I've been struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide for twenty years. It has gotten worse, so much that it has affected my writing and most days I can't even get out of bed or the house. I don't feel like I belong in the furry fandom or anywhere.
Yes, I have been in a breakup recently, and I have managed to resist taking a knife to my throat. I have thoughts of inferiority and lack of self-worth have been turned up to eleven right now from the usual eight. I hate dating. I hate having to be reminded of how undesirable I am with every rejection. I'm only keeping myself alive for the sake of my family, but I do want to end this pain and meaningless existence of mine.
I'm sorry to disappoint you,
~Omu
FA+

However, in spite of what you're going through, it's important to keep doing things that bring you some form of joy, or even a cathartic release if nothing else (assuming this isn't self-harm, of course). Like you, I've struggled with my own self-image over the years, my doubts of being of any value to anyone, and constantly comparing myself to other people in a negative way. It's so destructive when you thinks like this, and though I'm sure you're already aware of that, you really have to make a focused effort to stop doing it. It's difficult, especially being on site with other artists and writers, but it can still be done to some extent.
You shouldn't be looking for other people to validate you, and it's a really self-crippling thing to seek happiness in someone- especially people that you date or seek close relationships with. It's hard to love yourself (trust me, MANY of us struggle with this), but you should sit yourself down and consider things...
Do you have place to sleep at night? Food to eat, and clothes to wear? If yes, then you already have a lot to be thankful for, so start considering other things. What are things that you have or can do that enrich your life?
If you can't think of anything, then ask yourself 'What is something that can make me happier? What is a goal that I want to set for myself, and achieve by a certain point?'
Remember, you have to allow yourself the 'little wins' in life! If you've met some goals, or done something that you enjoyed, take it! That's a win! Some of us benefit greatly by small encouragements like this, and it helps us to work towards a bigger, long-term goal.
There's a saying that goes, "Inch-by-Inch, life's a cinch; Yard-by-yard, life is hard".
Something else you can do )if you aren't already doing this), is try to get involved in something in your community. If you can have a lil something that gets you outta the house, or allows you to meet up with someone/a group of people, it can really do a lot for your mental and social help in the long run. I would also reccommend trying to visit a church in your area, and seeing if ther is someone you can talk to. Even for folks that are anti-religious or aetheist can still benefit from talking with someone in a church. From what I'm aware, most places will allow strangers and non-members to come in and talk with a staff member, but I'm sure that can also depend on the individual place.
When it comes to rejection, there is a hard truth; it's gonna happen. NOBODY is exempt from being rejected in some way during their life, . Rejection hurts, that's one reason why we all hate it so much but...so what? People get dumped all the time, cheated on, told they're not good enough, get fired or denied from jobs, etc etc! You and me are no exception to this, so you need to aknowledge that reality, brush yourself off, and keep walking.
If you need someone to talk to, you're more than welcome to note me here on fA. Sometimes it really is just nice to have someone to talk to and vent, though I would really encourage you to talk with some form of professional help if at all possible.
I dont want to diminish what you are going through, but it is important to remember that just because things aren't great right now doesn't mean they will be bad forever. There is almost always nothing to lose by sticking it out.
That being said, when you are suffering in the moment it might seem like the future doesn't matter. I would reccomend doing things to take yourself out of your present misery that aren't harmful. You mention having a hard time getting up or leaving the house. Being stuck inside can make you feel like shit. Consider starting jogging, or working out. Walk around a park for an hour a day. If you pass someone, say hello. If you sit on a bench or seat next to someone, try and start a casual conversation. Visit a zoo. Get a job if you aren't already employed. Clean your house.
Forward movement and action in general can be a powerful cure to depressive malaise. It won't necessarily fix all the problems you are dealing with, but it will put you in a much better state of mind for dealing with said problems.
Remember, there is ALWAYS the possibility for things to get better as long as you have a pulse and a will.