Posted by Archangel_Michael on August 25, 2000, at 13:21:08
In reply to Re: Afraid to drop into old habits..., posted by Jena Lyn on August 25, 2000, at 9:18:30
Jena,
It helps a lot if you have someone you can talk with, someone you can rely on to listen to you.
Last summer ('99) I met a girl online. You and she must be about the same age, because last year was her Freshman year in college, too. Things were going great for her prior to the start of college. But like you, she was terribly lonely and depressed after she entered the university. At one point I was so frightened for her (never mind the details) that I phoned her university health service to find out what sort of resources were available to help. I couldn't convince her to seek their help, so I did what I could. I stuck with her and spoke online with her every day, several times a day. Occasionally I phoned her. I did whatever I could to help her work out her issues. She successfully completed her first year. I was really happy about that.
I didn't hear from her much this summer. She was home with her family and friends, and life was good.
School started again, and thankfully, she returned to continue her education (one of the "Big 10" universities). She is starting to feel down, and last week she turned once again to me for advice and comfort. I hope she doesn't get as depressed this year. But if she does, I would feel better if my friend got some professional help. She has one year under hear belt, so I'm hoping things will be better this year. I'll do everything I can to help her through this, and the next two years. I've sort of "adopted" her.
Why am I telling you all of this? Jena, others are feeling the same anxiety that you're dealing with. I'm sorry you don't feel like you can confide in your family and friends, but you need someone. Please find someone you can trust, and talk with them. Don't try to keep it to yourself. You can not only survive, but thrive! Don't try to do it alone. Like many have suggested, let someone help.
I've never participated in group therapy so I can't provide you with any information there. But I did benefit greatly from individual therapy. You don't have to do it alone, Jena. Give someone a chance to help. And please let us know how you are doing.
Best wishes,
Michael--------------------------------------------------
> > Jena,
> >
> > Keep talking. The best time to talk is when you really don't feel like it. Build a support structure. James idea of checking to see if your college has a support group is an excellent idea. You are not alone, you might be surprised how many people that you have right there at your college that are in the same boat as you. Keep sharing with us too. There's some wonderful people here that can help you. There are some ADs that have an activating effect that might assist with your fatigue, Wellbutrin comes immediately to mind but there are others. You might talk to your doc about it. My e-mail is at the top of this page if you ever need to talk.
> >
> > Please let us know how things are going for you. We're pullin' for ya!
> >
> > Hugs,
> > Greg
> >
> > > > > I start my second year of college in 2 weeks...my freshman year was a horrible experience for me, because I was battling with annorexia and severe depression. I slept most of the time, never went to class, made no friends because I never left my room...and I start school again in 2 weeks and am so scared that Im going to fall back into that. I don't know what to do...Im on a new med (Remeron)that is working for me although I am tired ALL the time...and Im living at home now going to community college so things are going to be a little different, but do any of you have any advice on how I can keep myself from slipping back into that hell
> > >
> > > James here....
> > >
> > > Check out what your college has to offer in the way of support groups or formal group thearpy. Work on building a support system so you don't have to do this by yourself.
> > >
> > > james
>
>
>
> Thanks guys...I really think talking to all of you could help me a lot. I think that a lot of the problem is that I can't talk to my friends and family about how Im really doing because they all freak out if I start to do "bad" again. And I don't need them to freak out and start watching me again, so I keep it to myself which is sooo not good for me to do. I haven't been going to therapy since may ... I don't know if I should find a group or just go back to my one on one. And advice on that? Ive never really done group therapy, if you guys could help me out ... let me know what group therapy is all about and the benefits of it over one on one I would appreciate it so much! Thank you for your support!
> *hugs and sunshine *
> Jena
poster:Archangel_Michael
thread:207
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/226.html