When I'm feeling in a depressed state or part of one I tend to wallow in it - like I am letting myself explore the entire realm of what is going on.
Instead of taking self care I let myself go and have a drink or two. Not drunk, just want to find a mellow state of mind. I'm done with the tears.

Maybe I should explain this first and I don't know if anyone else feels the same - serious depression feels like an old familiar friend to me. Something I understand, something I know will pass and something I feel is part of who I am.

I blame no one for how I am feeling. I am responsible for myself. Sometimes I need to be alone so I can explore these feelings. I don't want to hurt myself I just want to let all of my worries in life come to the surface without being suppressed any more. Like a very raw wound. Every so often I feel the need for this to just happen. I have experience major episodes of depression since the age of 7. That is when I first started experiencing periods of just being really tired and wanting to cry.

There is no shame in feeling this way. It is an emotion.

I believe we are here on earth to experience life. Part of life has it's down moments. When I let my guard down and my negative feelings surface they don't last forever. I try to acknowledge them first. If I can identify what is triggering the episode then I know where to start

Starting includes seeking medical help and recognizing I need it. Medical or professional help or talking to a friend or this online group is a great place to start.

I don't feel depression should be feared. I think it has a place in our lives to explore ourselves.

There is nothing wrong with a good cry when you need it - male or female. there is no shame in it. There is nothing wrong in feeling lonely.

Right now I am overcome with financial worries, losing a dear friend because we are growing apart and going through the grieving process associated with that. I just need to let this all out so I can pick up the pieces and put one foot down in front of the other.

Physically I am drained. Exhausted. yeah I am painting my living room. One 3 foot section at a time. it will get done, it's therapeutic.

here is my question to those reading this - do you wallow in your emotions? If you do, what do you feel and what do you do to help get through them?

I try to keep regular hours, do something productive everyday no matter how small, talk to someone each day and remind myself this will pass.

Please talk to me. Please share. Maybe we can help each other.