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Hi folks, I'm thrilled that I found this message board, and I'm very hopeful it can provide some answers.

My story, briefly, is this: I suffer from depression, as many here do, and I'm on regular meds. I have made more than my share of both personal and professional bad decisions and now find myself feeling like the walls are closing in rapidly. For the first time in my life, I'm in real need of something to hold on to, to give me strength, to give me comfort as I try to carry on.

I know that usually the first response to this is to find religion, and I've tried. But I'm afraid that it just doesn't work for me, and I'd be happy to explain if asked, but for now suffice it to say that it really doesn't feel like an option for me.

I've read books on the subconscious and how a person can, over time, "convince" their subconscious to improve their outlook, to help them make better decisions, etc. I've tried those exercises too, and sadly they have had no effect.

As a result, I find myself feeling truly lost, and worse, alone. Why do other people seem to have something to hold on to, something that gives them strength and comfort, and I don't? Don't I deserve that too?

So I guess I'm looking for ideas -- what do you hold on to for strength and comfort? How did you find it? What is your process for communicating with it?

I hope this makes sense, and I look forward to any responses.

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