I have been struggling with feeling down this week. Lack of energy and motivation. My kids are out of school for five days this weekend starting today. My boyfriend is leaving tomorrow morning for a trip out of town. I usually do not fair to well while he is away. He is the main person I spend time with. So I'm feeling anxious about how I will get through the weekend and not sink further.

I dunno, I should try to get one yoga session in while he's away, problem is it is far from my house and I don't drive. So I need to find a solution to that. My sister who I hang out with, her husband is down and I know she's busy with him. Maybe she can work me in somewhere. I was thinking if I made myself a busy schedule it wouldn't be so bad. My kids are pre teens and they are usually off and busy with friends. Oh, I don't have any friends so that's not really an option.

Any suggestions welcome. All I got so far is listed above aside from cleaning and um cleaning. My birthday is next week too which is not helping my mood, it always seems depressing to me for some reason.

[onlymedid]

Maybe you could go for some walks. I know that helps me when I am down. Since you don't have any friends, is there a family member you can talk to?

[roads]

How about a feel-good movie festival? Have you seen Love at First Bite recently?

[ItsmeTC8888]

I know just how you feel. I live with my daughter away from my home state and don't have any friends here. She is in the military and took leave for 20 days and went to our home state. It was rough. I had to stay home because we have two cats and didn't have anyone to take care of them.

I think you are on the right track planning on staying busy. Is there public transportation you can take to your yoga class? I know for me when I am down I exercise on my WII and that helps built endorphins. I know it is really hard when you are not motivated but do what you can. I also recommend one of the previous suggestion. Watch some funny movies. I am not a big TV watcher but I watched a few comedies while my daughter was gone and that helped. There is nothing wrong with asking your kids to say home one night and have a game night or something too. I know my kids are a big part of my recovery and therapy, any interaction with them makes me happy.

Good luck! Just remember that we are all here for you. Remember there is a chat room you can drop in for some social talk or support.

[AniManiac]

Is there a local events calendar you can raid for something to do? Depending on where you live, there might be art shows, talks at bookstores or libraries, and stuff like that to keep you occupied. Maybe you could offer to help your sister out with some ordinary household stuff? That way you wouldn't feel like you're taking up her time, at least.

If you can't get a ride for a yoga session (which sounds like a great idea!) maybe there's a video yoga workout you could borrow from the library or find online. My favorite "workout" videos are Bellydance Fitness for Beginners - serious workout but great moves (bf would probably love it!)

I tend to use up spare time by making stuff. All kinds of stuff, though admittedly more when I'm hypomanic. I knit, scrapbook (not with all the fancy stuff, but with really scrappy stuff), cook, bake, take photos, sew, etc. One of my current low-key projects is "Wreck This Journal" which is a lot of fun. Is there anything you like to make?

[kj44]

M cable has yoga, and exercise on it, maybe that??? I clean, color, draw, paint, walk, and elliptical. Hot baths, and music, must have music!!! Good luck!

[kindachaotic]

(((((Anika))))) All the above suggestions are great for your list. Also you knit & make costumes/clothing, if you have yarn or material, that's a thought.

Hopefully you can get to a yoga class, just being outside helps me.
Another thing that really puzzles me is you say you don't have any friends?
You are such a sweet presence on here, how can this not over flow IRL.
The friend thing isn't easy for me, so I can understand, don't trust easily.

Anyway just wanted you to know I'd be thinking about you this weekend.
Do some of the things on your list AND keep posting on here.
Take care of yourself.

[dragonfly2]

We seriously need a "like" button here. There are so many good suggestions. I don't have any to really add, but wanted to send out a hug.

So true, dragon. We do need a like button! Soooo many good ideas above.
When I was going to have the place to myself, I would try to think of it as a chance to do things I enjoyed but didn't tend to do much when others were home.... like turn up some music loud and dance all over the living room (not just hiding back in my room). No one to laugh at how much I get into it or at my goofy style, lol. Or make a little special meal, say, with shrimp. Because it was only me, I'd just need a very few. And speaking of cleaning, I'd definitely do that because it makes me feel calm and accomplished. And at such times it would last long enough to actually enjoy!

Will be thinking of you as always! Let us know what you come up with.

[~Christina]

(((( Anika )))

Happy early Birthday !!!!

I can relate to how your feeling ... I also struggle with trying to keep myself busy.

All of the above ideas are wonderful ! I definatly think doing a little something just for yourself is fabulos idea !

Be kind to yourself !
Keep on posting ....

(((Hugs)))

Thank you guys, those are great ideas. I will definatly be putting them to use. Very much appreciated!!

I just walked my boyfriend out the door and it sucked. I know it's only four days but I miss him terribly when he is gone. I just cried, couldn't say a proper goodbye. He also forbode me to go out after dark while he is gone which is about 4 pm now. We have a killer on the loose in our small community who sent a letter to the police saying he was looking for more women. Understandable but 4 pm is kinda early to be stuck in the house.

I'm going to try to get ny head together and figure out what to do today.

Is it too early too decorate for Christmas haha?? Seriously because christmas makes me so happy. I went and bought some more tiny trees for my Xmas village this morning and they had Xmas music playing and I just felt so calm.

[BNLsMOM]

If it makes you happy, then decorate!

I text'd my boyfriend and he said it was too early. But uh too bad cause BNLsMOM said it was ok.

[dejavu65]

The stores are already selling Christmas decorations. The Hallmark Channel has been showing Christmas movies. It is definitely cold enough. Maybe you could just decorate a small part of your apartment or house. It would help keep your mind occupied and it is something that makes you happy.

There is nothing like watching Christmas movies on cold nights with the Christmas lights twinkling. I can stare at the lights for hours.

I keep lights around my daughters bedroom windows all year. That is what she goes to sleep watching. She and her friends love it.

Thanks Dejavu, I love the lights too. My boyfriend had an awful flight, the plane needed "fixed" and he said it was so scary he thought they might die. At least they are safe on the ground now.

I went and bought the biggest Lemax Xmas store front I could find to go with my village. It'll be my birthday present haha it'll have to be. My kids think I'm nuts with the decorations. And my youngest son said " that is so sad that you buy your own presents and sing happy birthday to yourself " ha oh well he's only 10. I'm going to force them to watch a Xmas movie with me tonight. And I'll try to only allow myself to put up my village and not do the entire house tree and all.

I am feeling sad but it's not even been a whole day. The weather is very grey dull and dismal.

[dejavu65]

Glad to hear he is settled in.

There is nothing wrong with buying yourself a Birthday present if it makes you happy. And if you are singing you at least are happy. Your kids will appreciate that singing one day.

Don't get upset if they bail on the Christmas movie though. HA HA Mine would do the same.

I love the Winter over any season. It does make me blue and I do get depressed more than any other season but I still love it. I spent from Fall through Spring in Ottawa alone one year and it was by far the best Winter I have ever had.

Try to put up something that twinkles.

[dragonfly2]

We just got more snow here tonight, so it sure looks like Christmas outside. I say go for it, and yes, twinkling things are very nice. What movie are you going to watch?

I think chevy chase Christmas vacation but I can't remember if there is anything really " bad" in it. Guess I better check first. Maybe Christmas with the Kranks.

[roads]

Hey there, Anika! Do I smell popcorn yet?
Had to stop in -- *hugs* -- but can't stay long. Work tomorrow!

Not crying, not crying, not crying, crying..

[kindachaotic]

Aww sweetie! wish I was there to give you a hug myself.
Is it your boyfriend being gone or mood change or both?
Really hate knowing you're so upset. Nothing on your list is doing the trick right now?
Don't know what time it is there, guess the kids are asleep.
Wish there was something I could do to magically make you feel better!
Just know we all care, PM any of us, you know we'll respond.

[dejavu65]

Hoping you were able to get some sleep.

[porcupine2]

Hang in there Anika! Just reading all the posts shows you have friends, even if they aren't in your life physically. I live somewhere that I don't know anyone but keeping in touch with my lifelong friends on Facebook, etc. helps to fill that void. You are always so kind to everyone else on this forum, so karma is sending it right back at ya!

[roads]

Originally Posted by Anika

Not crying, not crying, not crying, crying..

Oh, no! Just too lonely to sleep? kindachaotic said it all pretty much. Wish we could all be there with you to shower you with hugs.