Tell me about your tough times...

Hello! I've been reading through this discussion and honestly, everyone here is so unbelievably strong. It's really inspiring!

As for me, I struggled with family issues for a long time. As far back as I can remember, my parents were never really that nice of people to me. I get why. They were stressed, going through their own problems, and had nowhere to really express their frustration. There's still some things they did that I'll never forgive them for, though.

We managed to patch things up around a year ago. Talking to them is still a bit shaky, but we're actually on speaking terms and can joke around every now and then. I'm able to understand them a bit and we connect more. I've started getting closer to my sister, as well, who I had probably the worst relationship with out of all my family members.

I had many, many abusive romantic partners. I haven't been in a single good relationship, except for the one I'm in now. My boyfriend makes me so happy. Even though I struggle getting close to people and communicating because of all the bad experiences I had with others, he's able to help me. He makes me feel safe. One of the best people I've met!

My mental state took a sharp dive recently. I was so apathetic, unmotivated, and uncaring. But for the last couple of days, I've started really working on building positivity and confidence! It's worked fairly well and I'm starting to act like my old self again!

All of the friends I had, except for my boyfriend, has left me. Not a single one stayed. Sometimes I'm extremely alone. It's almost suffocating how alone I am at points. Yet my partner is there for me. My sister is there for me. I'm gathering enough courage to try and talk to others and form new friendships. It's a new beginning for me!

Sometimes things can be really bleak. You can't see where the gloom may end. You might be convinced it'll never end. Yet, through every hardship I've faced, including several ones I didn't mention; they've always ended positively. I've always found some type of resolve.

I hope everyone here is doing well and feels better soon!

I grew up in extreme poverty, with an abusive mother....no phone, car, refrigerator, tub/shower...molested....in a tenement house where snow came in thru a crack in the shed....did not know my father (divorce situation), joined the army, married an abuser, got a divorce after 31 years of abuse, then my church voted me out of membership, with my name up on a big screen, stating: "Conduct Unbecoming a child of God."

I used my life story of overcoming (and thriving) and won a scholarship at age 60 and am a Sophomore at 71! I wrote my memoir and a poetry book.....I believe we are here for a reason and I speak to groups about verbal abuse, which is rampant on our planet; my goal is to speak on national television.

I'm glad it helps.

We all can easily lose sight of the big picture. Do know that hard times come and go. Sometimes, like what you're experiencing, hard times can go on for several years, but they do end eventually, and you can see the sun and rise again. Know that you can overcome whatever challenges you are currently facing, personally and professionally.

We may have to problem solve to get out of bad situations, or we may need to just ride them through, especially on a professional front. But if a situation does not make you happy, then you find a way to get out of it and make yourself and your life happy again.

I wish you all the best!!!

Thank you so much. The work situation has worn me down. Ramped up my anxiety and taken a toll on my mental health. I’m really really hoping to be nearing the end of the storm.

The personal stuff is something to learn to overcome. Bad family situations for years and I find myself comparing myself to others too much... feeling like a failure due to failed family relationships... regretting decisions too much... luckily hubby is a good man and my best friend. I can’t say that was always true... I’ve escaped an abusive marriage in the past so things are far better than that now...