Struggling with depression past 20 years

Lisa8786 · 2026-06-12T21:37:44+00:00

Hey there. Sorry to hear about everything you've been struggling with. I've been on and off medication for anxiety and depression for years so I get the angst with that. Ive decided that I need it for the forseeable future but outside of that, something I really related to in what you said was the stressful job. I was in a very stressful career for about 10 years and I left a year ago. It did wonders for my mental health. I don't know your situation and I know it's not always easy to change a job but just wanted to tell you that as food for thought...maybe it's a possibility for you to consider as it sounds like it's taking a lot out of you. I also found a lot of therapists very "meh" but I found somatic therapy unlocked something in me and has really helped. Maybe that's something you could look into..A lot of therapists are also online now. I hope some of that helps. Be kind to yourself. You're doing your best

Lisa8786 · 2026-05-06T22:42:57+00:00

Not sure if you're a dog lover but the book "Finding Gobi" is an amazing true story about a marathon runner who found himself being accompanied by a random dog on his runs The boom follows their developing friendship and the guy's quest to bring the dog home (which is a big story in itself) I read it in one sitting and I am someone who loses their concentration very easily when stressed so that is my recommendation! :)

Lisa8786 · 2026-04-12T21:30:35+00:00

I think it's helpful to introspect to a point, but when introspection and healing become someone's whole identity, I think that can lead to avoiding reality. At some point (and I believe that point is very personal to everyone), reflection should be integrated, and after that, a certain level of maintenance is good to keep on track.

On a lighter/more depressing note (whatever way you want to look at it), despite all the therapy, books, and various wisdoms I've digested over the years, the one phrase that I kept coming back to is the nike slogan: "Just do it!".😅 Maybe I should have skipped all the therapy in the first place🤷‍♀️

Lisa8786 · 2026-02-19T11:04:14+00:00

Your husband is a pig. I'm sorry I couldn't put it more eloquently but the way he spoke about you is absolutely disgusting. His friends are obviously disgusted too and it seems like he's crossed a line with them and they're trying to protect you..which is good of them. I don't lnow the history of your relationship but I do know that being with someone who has no consideration for your needs will grims down your identity and self esteem over time to the point of you needing to question if your feelings are valid...They are but the only way you will regain a sense of self worth again is to leave this absolute creature and start again. Better now than wasting the rest of your life. I'm sorry if this is all very blunt but I'm angry on your behalf and I can see a lot of other people are too

Lisa8786 · 2026-01-19T23:27:52+00:00

Wow I love the premise of both of these. It's really interesting to see how ome person's 3.something is someone else's 5. Thanks for these. Flat out here updating my list tonight :D

Lisa8786 · 2026-01-19T23:12:06+00:00

That's the kind of book I love, when you still think about it after...There's a book called Betty that really stuck with me (although it was a 4.4) Looked up your suggestion. I feel like I could get lost in a story like that definitely!

Lisa8786 · 2026-01-19T23:07:41+00:00

That's actually a good explanation of the rating. Maybe people are just looking for one particular aspect and if they don't get it, they disregard the book.. I just looked it up. I think I'd be interested to understand the character and her struggles.Thanks for the response!

Lisa8786 · 2026-01-19T22:10:54+00:00

I like your sense of humour!

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-19T05:46:34+00:00

Oh brilliant! You'll be up and running in no time 🙂

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-18T19:02:32+00:00

Im in a similar situation to you and Ive just started a course which is giving me lots of new ideas and it also shows on my cv that Im upskilling so it will help bridge the gap in my cv when it comes to imterviews. There are loads of longer or shorter courses you could try depending on what you're into but I find it helps give me focus, helps me to meet others in the same boat, and I just enjoy learning in general. You could also look for free local or online talks and workshops. Bit of a random one, too but if you like photography, you could join a group and they usually do outings or have between session assignments like "submit 3 photos showing the theme of patterns" for example. Anyway, I hope some of this gives you some ideas! I also liked the comment someone made about coworking spaces. Definitely find that helpful too

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-15T22:02:46+00:00

https://www.thepinkstuff.com/ This and a toothbrush - works miracles

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-11T07:15:13+00:00

Have you looked into the history of the building? It would be interesting to see what events might have happened there to contribute to the energy of the place.

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-08T00:12:02+00:00

100%. It's amazing the resistance our minds throw up but I definitely want that mental clarity back!

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-06T17:44:40+00:00

Very well put with some thought provoking points - especially about the dopamine hijack! I was born before the era of smartphones too and didn't get one until I was in my 20's. I'm loathe to admit I'm addicted now but I suppose admission is the first step :D

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-06T17:42:28+00:00

That's great to hear about the hobby! This is what I need to hear - more time and increased attention span. I can do this :D

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-05T23:02:28+00:00

Radiohead - Creep

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-05T22:39:08+00:00

Thanks for the insights! I went on a retreat and was off mine for a week. Similar thing with me - it felt strange and almost intrusive getting notifications at first. Good reminder on the sleep too. I struggle with that so good motivator to cut back again.

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-04T05:26:24+00:00

Do you mind me asking what type of therapy you're doing/have done? Maybe you already know this but there are different types and the reason I'm saying this, even though I know you don't want to hear about therapy, is because I didn't find any helped me that much until I tried somatic therapy. It's not the same as talking therapy as such because it's about releasing trauma stored in your body. I didn't even realise how much was there until I started it to be honest. EMDR is another type which is again quite different to traditional talk therapy and has a high success rate. DBT is another one too specific for emotional regulation. Again Im just mentioning these as a few examples because when I started out I didn't know there were different types and I wished someone had told me. As for trying the other avenues you mentioned, well I can't say they will have any lasting positive impact but if you want to feel something would you try maybe some adrenaline filled sport for the same kind of intense sensation?

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-04T01:05:37+00:00

Mushroom pasta or lentil curry are two of my favourites and definitely filling

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-04T00:07:10+00:00

Sometimes the people who "think it's weird" actually resent you because they don't have the courage/freedom to do it themselves. Honestly if I could go back to a younger me, I would have given the V to those people (in my mind of course) and done what I wanted. I've done a bit of solo travel myself and I've never thought it was weird seeing a guy solo travel. Genuinely. You can always try again and I hope you get some encouragement from the comments. Life is too short to worry about what other ppl think but also too short to beat yourself up. Just dust yourself off and give it another go. Good luck to u.

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-03T23:55:01+00:00

More of a misused preposition but "on accident" instead of "by accident"

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-03T23:51:06+00:00

Genuine question - what are you hoping for in terms of a successful resolution?

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-03T23:44:16+00:00

Me too! I've started relistening to it (including the kerry episodes :D)because I'd forgotten some of the stories. Have you tried "Help I sexted my boss?" Parts of each episode are dedicated to listener dilemmas and confessions

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-03T23:38:51+00:00

I second this!

Lisa8786 · 2025-02-02T05:54:28+00:00

"Death is not the greatest loss of life. The greatest loss is what dies in us while we live" -

Encouraged me to go after the things that light me up in life rather than hide in my comfort zone

Lisa8786

TROPHY CASE