[Wild Coyote]

I'm having a very difficult time. I feel defeated and hopeless. I am finding it necessary to list reasons for not giving up.

Many here are also sharing about current difficult times.

I thought I'd try starting a thread where we can share, maybe even remind each other, our reasons for continuing with such challenges.

Please join in!


WC

[Wild Coyote]

I try to do my best for my husband, even though I feel he'd have a better life without me. (I feel I drag him down.)

My elderly mother has needed a lot of care. I also try to do my best for her.

I try to do my best for me, too; yet, lately (and for months now), it's been a pathetic and painful existence of paralyzing depression.

Spring weather will be here soon, which may help.

What/who motivates you to hold on and continue trying?


WC

[Moose72]

My kids!

My friends!

[Sunflower123]

My daughter keeps me going. One reason to keep going is that it can get better.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

I'm having a very difficult time. I feel defeated and hopeless. I am finding it necessary to list reasons for not giving up.

Many here are also sharing about current difficult times.

I thought I'd try starting a thread where we can share, maybe even remind each other, our reasons for continuing with such challenges.

Please join in!


WC

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. You're not alone. I had one foot out the door just yesterday. I'm here for you.

Thank you for this thread, WildCoyote. I need this today, and most days, even when I feel good.

Things that keep me going -- not in any particular order:

My cat
My kind, fun, and respectful boyfriend. I know he'd miss me terribly -- we are both old, and don't know which of us will go first. Not a happy prospect. We are mentally fine and in good physical condition, too.
My close friends
My music friends We play musical instruments and sing a lot.
My sister. She has forgiven me for cutting her off for almost a year.
My music
Drawing sometimes. I do not draw as often as I once did, but now I only draw outside, and don't copy things like I used to, such as calendar pictures. The weather her is often not suitable for drawing outside. My two best drawings are framed on my wall

I don't have anything to offer, but thank you for this thread

I feel like I have no reasons to try anymore. I have no friends, and my family doesn't give a sh_t about me. All my family does is f_cking yell at me. I'm all alone.

No one motivates me, honestly. Maybe my therapist? But what if I run out of money?

[boogiesmash]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I don't have anything to offer, but thank you for this thread

I feel like I have no reasons to try anymore. I have no friends, and my family doesn't give a sh_t about me. All my family does is f_cking yell at me. I'm all alone.

No one motivates me, honestly. Maybe my therapist? But what if I run out of money?

Blue just know you have friends here.

[scatterbrained04]

I only have one reason--my son.

[Naynay99]

Thanks for the hopeful thread. I could use it too.

At the top of my list is my 2 cats ...which may sound kind of bad that I would stick around more for them but it's true.
Then in no particular order:
Spending time with my family
Laughing with my friends
My job and my students
Places I still want to Travel to
Great Music, Books, hot Coffee, spring weather
My hypothetical pet dog that I want to get some day

[made08]

I hope it gets better. I'm having trouble going out

My cat who is my alarm
Family
College

[xRavenx]

My pdoc, my T, a couple of true-blue friends, random people who inspire me, music, my faith, a few of my closest family members, reading things that are inspirational as reminders to keep on going, hope for better weather, and this forum.

I currently feel it's very hard to have hope for the future, but the list above are people and things that remind me to keep going.

[Skeezyks]

No reason really... I just do it...

[AmandaBroken]

It will change your future...

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by boogiesmash

Blue just know you have friends here.

This. I count you as a friend and enjoy your insights and shares.

[bizi]

I just wanted to offer support to those who are hurting.
((((((((HUGS)))))))
bizi

[rwwff]

Other people built lives and careers around what I promised to do and I allowed them to believe that I could continue indefinitely. Hopefully my doc will buy me enough time to wrap things up without wrecking innocent bystanders, then I can just retire, take care of a cat or two, and spend my afternoons fishing under bridges. (traditional geezer activity)

[BipolaRNurse]

My children, definitely. They just went through the loss of their father; they don't need to lose their mom too, not this soon. Not that I'm in the mood for that, anyway, in fact, I can't remember a time when I felt less like harming myself than I do right now. It doesn't look like it on the surface, but I do have a good life---I have family who loves me, dogs to enjoy and love, a church family, and plenty of friends who are there for me when I'm in trouble. Things could be a LOT worse.

[VerMOZZica]

My family which includes my pets they are also family to me.

Good music.

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I don't have anything to offer, but thank you for this thread

I feel like I have no reasons to try anymore. I have no friends, and my family doesn't give a sh_t about me. All my family does is f_cking yell at me. I'm all alone.

No one motivates me, honestly. Maybe my therapist? But what if I run out of money?

Dear Blue, Have you tried things like folk dancing, community college classes, drawing or other creative activities? These really help me, and a lot of people with bipolar disorder to help feel better. Where I live, there are a lot of traditional dances. It's not necessary to bring a partner, and these are not partner dances anyway. It's a great way to get exercise.

But it seems to me your major problem is your family yelling at you, perhaps not approving of you, or your talents, or things you like to do. Are you over 18? Or whatever age it is in your state or country that qualifies you as an adult. If you are, I highly suggest you do your darndest to find a place of your own. Can you find a shared house? I used to share a rental house with 3 other students, when I was in college. It was a pretty nice setup. The ad they put on the college's housing bulletin board said, "Must like cats!" That was for me!! We had two cats!!!

It used to take me 2-1/2 years to find a good friend, when I'd move to another city, which happened frequently since my then husbands moved around a lot, for no reason. When I moved from a smaller city to a bigger one 20 years ago, it took 5 years for me to find a close friend. I didn't get along with my family either. I moved out when I was 17 but was never able to support myself due to lack of stamina and depression. I finally applied for Social Security Disability and 2 years later, I qualified and got it.

Getting away from my dad was the best thing I ever did.

[Wander]

My family(parents, sister nieces and nephews) are the most important reason to keep fighting.

Secondly, my T is an amazing support...and my new pdoc is proving to be one too.

Finally, I try for me. I study and hope for a career in something I love even though it seems hopeless a lot of the time.

Music. I love music

[bioChE]

My family is my motivation. I have a wonderful wife and four fantastic children. I'd do anything for them, including taking meds and continuing on with my psychiatrist. I might even start seeing a therapist to help the most.

Secondly, work is a motivation for me. I want to do a good job and remain employed, so maintaining my mental health is critical for that. It's another reason to continue on.

[AmandaBroken]

Think about a better future...

[Naynay99]

I try to remind myself that when life isn't busy sucking miserably (like right now), it can actually be pretty fuucking amazing. So I am holding on for the amazing.

My religion!
My family!
The beautiful nature ...
Vacations ...
Cultural experiences ...
A good meal at a restaurant now and then ...

(I have lived through hard times, am glad I found my way. It wasn't easy, but the reward for not giving in is a better life, even if I still might struggle from time to time)