Hey there! Just wanted to pop by your thread and offer some words, because you said you were also interested in some other ways of coping. To me, distractions have always worked. So many distractions like getting myself outside (i know you are a bit isolated so I don't know how far outside you want to go), but breathing in some really crisp fresh air always seem to lift my spirits. Taking a luxurious shower or bath, with something that smells AMAZING usually brings me out a funk too. Watching a really silly or over the top ridiculous movie or show also does wonders. I guess what I am saying is that ANYTHING that is able to take your attention away from the feeling you are currently in, is how I deal with the depression when it lays into me.

Thanks for checking out my blog! I did happen to write about the whole #MeToo thing at that particular time, but you're right, I said my piece and the whole thing is absolutely exhausting, but now is the time for change. But I write about other things too, so feel free to peek a bit more if you're up to it!

It sounds like you have a horrible experience with mental health professionals, and honestly, if I was in your place, I would have the same feelings about it. But you're right, unless you are an actual risk to yourself, not just thinking about it, you really can't get help for it. In fact, that would have been one of the ways where you would have been caught with a net! But to me, being "caught" is a very painful experience too, and although being in the mental hospital DID eventually lead to me getting the help I needed, being there was very traumatic for me.

I am deeply sorry that you feel profound emptiness, I have to say, I felt that way a few days ago, No matter what I did, I had such a whole in my heart, and the only way I made it through was push on, and not ignore it, but FEEL it for what it was until it passed. I know that doesn't really help much, but honestly when I felt so powerless, there was really nothing else I could do.

I am really happy you broke the addiction cycle though. Diving into alcohol when feeling that way is so damaging, and only makes things so much worse.

I do understand your emptiness though, I mean my spiritual connection is non-existent and it causes me deep sadness, but I push on, and enjoy what I can, because honestly what else can I do? Where I don't believe it is a choice to sit in the depression, I think there are moments (windows of opportunity), where you can tell yourself, "I am not giving into this shyt, today." and just embrace that and run with it.

I wish you all the best, and I know you peek back here sometimes, and I hope to run into you soon! And hey, I am here at 4pm today, so I am out of the shadows!!

All my love honey.