Where do you turn?

[NotUrsula]

First off, don't trust your judgment about yourself right now; depression REALLY skews your sense of self-worth. BT, DT, and I know.

I'm guessing that right now you just KNOW you are going to be hit by the layoff, when you probably don't know that at all -- you just believe that you can't possibly be valuable enough to keep. Other people don't see you the way you see yourself, so your odds are better that you think they are.

My recommendation is to contact NAMI of Florida. www.namifl.org
They should be able to find a program that can help you.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Mystery Machine wrote:
Can you move into a more adult relationship with him? I also have a graduating teen and the dynamic does need to shift.

OP, This is exactly what has to happen!

See if you can sit down with him BEFORE the next confrontation and work out some sort of agreement... #1 being, you need to know where he is because you CARE about him!

I have a deep faith in God that has seen me thru alot of low spots in my life. It is times like these that teach us to lean on him. I highly recommend joining a church and seeking pastorial counseling.

You and your DS are in my prayers!

(Maybe showing your DS this thread will let him know how much you really do love him and worry about him!)

TC

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I just wanted to add that getting help for yourself will take the burden off of your son.

He has to be worried about you and is feeling as helpless as you are.

So he is probably feeling an enormous pressure to break away from you.

My nephew has a situation that is also troubling. His mother is over the edge right now and he cannot cope with her. She is unreasonable to him in an abusive way.

Get help. The sooner the better. This is a critical time in your son's life.

 

[minniecarousel]

MyManGoofy! - how are you doing today?

I hope you've taken some of the preceding advice.

It's not hopeless.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

MyManGoofy! - how are you doing today?

I hope you've taken some of the preceding advice.

It's not hopeless.

Another person who hopes you are doing better today! I read your response on how you are budgeting, trying to be proactive at work and taking care of the health issues to the best of your capabilities. I hope that all the support out here helps and please check in; we are thinking of you!

 

[SydneyBristow]

I turn to God, he's always there to help, you just have to ask.

 

[beckmrk04]

I just wanted to offer a

I have struggled with Depression and anxiety, too, and I know what a dark place it can be. Everyone here has had great suggestions. Journal! Write it down. Or, write down how you would like things to be. Keep a gratitude journal- write down at least 3 things a day, even if it's just "I'm breathing, I ate breakfast, and my TV works." Look for beauty. Really look for it. Head to your library and check out some new books. Knowledge is POWER!

I would reccommend Eckhart Tolle's book "A New Earth"- it really put a lot of things into a new perspective for me. I still struggle, but I feel like through learning and being proactive, I have the tools to overcome and thrive through any circumstance. I also reccommend "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families."

And talk. Come here and talk. Look for a therapist- and talk. Talk with your son. Tell him what's going on- ask him what's going on. As a child of a parent who has mental illness- I understand the anger he feels (I had a lot of anger growing up, too). And he's so young. 17 is close to "adult" but still soooo far away.

I hope you are comforted here and that you are on your way to finding peace- it is there, but you have to look for it.

 

[browneyes106]

I suffer from bipolar, depression, and anxiety issues. I do take prescription medication but a lot of studies have proved that omega 3 supplements do help with depression and anxiety. I also do hobbies and things to take my mind off depression and anxiety. Try exercising or do things that cheer you up.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Don't forget we are all thinking about you and hoping for the best for you.

 

[sweet angel]

I think Rafiki and LoveMyGoofy had great advice (so did others, but those two stuck with me). I've met you and your son. You two were peas in a pod. I think he's stretching his wings some, and needs to make some of his own mistakes without just taking your "do as I say, not as I've done" to heart...ya know?

You'll get thru this. You owe it to yourself to get thru it. You know where I am...cell, email, myspace, facebook. Get in touch with me whenever you need to. I've told you that a gazillion times.

I had tough times with my own DS (anger, punching holes in walls, etc.) -- and they're the same age.

I wish I was closer to you.

 

[Tiggeroo]

I am not going to read everything but i'm sure you are receiving much good advice. First you have to get medical help. You need to call your nearest hospital or community counseling/family services and find a counselor who will work on a sliding fee. You also need to find out if you qualify for medical assistance through your state. There are programs that can help and it's hard to work through problems when you are depressed.
And about your son, I have twin 21yo sons. We are very close and yet to gain some independence and to become their own men they need to separate. Sometimes the ways young men do this is to act like a jerk and to pick fights. If you area a bad guy they won't feel so guilty leaving the mother they love. After a bit they settle down and become your dear son again.
About the work, It sounds like you might have a bit of time. Go to the community career center. Find out what job training programs you are eligible for. There are some health fields that don't require a long time in school and which there are jobs in. Perhaps phlebotomist or xray tech or pharmacy assistant. They don't pay well but they might cover your bills while you regroup and enroll in a longer course that will lead to something better. Most of these programs are offered during hours that fit working people. You could also try your community college or votech and apply for financial aid.

 

[ols386]

MyManGoofy......hope you are doing better today.

 

[Aisling]

I haven't finished reading all the posts yet, so I apologize if I'm just repeating someone else.

I believe in talking things out. Find a group, a few friends, look in the local paper or church bulletin for support groups, make some friends at Bingo or any such place. Talking helps so much, even if it's not to a therapist. We all need an outlet, sometimes desperately, and sitting at the kitchen table with some friends or at the park with the old married ladies.

My grandmother said that years ago there was no need for psychologists (I know she's not totally right), because women used to spend more time together being housewives and would talk over clotheslines and benefit from each other's experience and wisdom. Unfortunately those days are dead and gone with the change in society, but the concept works.

Until you can get to a doctor, try to seek out old and new girl friends to bit** and moan with, learn from what they've gone through, and draw strength from it.

I wish you the very best.

 

[C.Ann]

Most counties have mental health services that are either on a sliding scale - or in a case such as yours, would be free.. Please look in the phone book and see if you can find yours.. You need someone professional to talk to right now and if medications are in order, they can usually give you samples..

 

[Kimickey]

One person who has truly changed my life. I thank GOD for somehow someway allowing this woman in my life all day everyday. "Joyce Meyer" I truly started listening to her about 3 years ago when I separated and divorced my ex. I tell you my attitude and life have forever been changed! I take her everywhere (CD's, podcast, books, tv) Joyce is the first thing I turn on in the morning when I awake. Then when I get into my car, my 4 disc cd player has a Joyce Meyer disc in each slot. I keep her tuned in, I need to listen to her. Its not an option for me I need to hear the word of God constantly!

A great book of her's to pick up is "Battlefield of the Mind". Whoa!!!!

 

[bigtinkfun]

MyManGoofy! I hope you are doing better today. You continue to be in my prayers.

In my area, people in need of services and help can call 211 (like 911 or 411) and receive info on the types of help they need and where they can get it or agencies they can call. I think this is in place all over the country. So you might try calling 211 for info on therapists and groups that might be able to help you.

Peace and Hugs!

 

[MyManGoofy!]

Thank you all for all your kind input and good advice. Not a long post because I just got home from a 13 hour shift. But I did want to let you know I made it through the week and I will be calling the Women's Center a kind person (go gators) referred me to here in my part of town. I feel kinda of foolish putting my business out there for the whole world to see but it actually helped me more than I expected it would. So again, thank you all.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Thank you all for all your kind input and good advice. Not a long post because I just got home from a 13 hour shift. But I did want to let you know I made it through the week and I will be calling the Women's Center a kind person (go gators) referred me to here in my part of town. I feel kinda of foolish putting my business out there for the whole world to see but it actually helped me more than I expected it would. So again, thank you all.

Good for you! You should be proud of your decision...Your in my prayers.

 

[C.Ann]

I will be calling the Women's Center a kind person (go gators) referred me to here in my part of town. I feel kinda of foolish putting my business out there for the whole world to see but it actually helped me more than I expected it would. So again, thank you all.

---------------------------

There is no shame in asking for help - the "shame" is in not asking for it when you know you need it.. I'm so glad you have found someplace you can go..

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Thank you all for all your kind input and good advice. Not a long post because I just got home from a 13 hour shift. But I did want to let you know I made it through the week and I will be calling the Women's Center a kind person (go gators) referred me to here in my part of town. I feel kinda of foolish putting my business out there for the whole world to see but it actually helped me more than I expected it would. So again, thank you all.

Good for you!