[garden gal]

I've been feeling a little less depressed the last few days, but tonight I'm struggling again. I was just having dinner with my boyfriend, and he made a joking comment about how my childhood wasn't really that bad. (I grew up with an alcoholic single mother who had severe untreated mental health issues.It wasn't good.) First I got a little mad at his lack of understanding, and then I started feeling really flooded by difficult memories of my childhood, and started to cry in the restaurant. My boyfriend apologized, but really didn't know what to say. Now, I'm just trying to not let the way I'm feeling now override the progress I feel like I've made this week in dealing with my depression. The last couple of days I've felt more hopeful, I've made it to all my shifts at work, and I've gotten some productive things done at home. Now, I just feel like curling up in bed and hiding.

[justfloating]

((((((((garden gal)))))))))

I'm sorry you had such a difficult childhood. It's understandable that your boyfriend's comments would upset you. Are you in treatment for your depression, specifically therapy? It might help to talk to a professional about it. It sounds like it was pretty traumatic.

I'm glad you're fighting back against the depression. I know how exhausting it can be but you can do it! Just take it one breath at a time, if you have to, and keep us posted on how you're doing. Welcome to PC.

[CindyLuWho]

Perhaps you could take your fella to a session. Sounds like he needs some extra understanding of how difficult these things are for you.

[carrie-19]

Maybe it is time for rest and relaxation? Just lie down for a while with some nice music and take a nap maybe? Things like that always help clear my head when I'm having bad days.
Hope that was helpful and you feel better soon

Sorry about your childhood, garden gal.

[slowinmi]

((((garden gal))))

It sounds like your boyfriend isn't the most understanding person, especially when it comes to dealing with childhood issues and mental illness.

If it looks like your relationship will continue long-term, you should either educate him or be willing to accept that this behavior will probably be repeated.

Good luck to you and welcome to PC.

[mormat]

Originally Posted by garden gal

I've been feeling a little less depressed the last few days, but tonight I'm struggling again. I was just having dinner with my boyfriend, and he made a joking comment about how my childhood wasn't really that bad. (I grew up with an alcoholic single mother who had severe untreated mental health issues.It wasn't good.) First I got a little mad at his lack of understanding, and then I started feeling really flooded by difficult memories of my childhood, and started to cry in the restaurant. My boyfriend apologized, but really didn't know what to say. Now, I'm just trying to not let the way I'm feeling now override the progress I feel like I've made this week in dealing with my depression. The last couple of days I've felt more hopeful, I've made it to all my shifts at work, and I've gotten some productive things done at home. Now, I just feel like curling up in bed and hiding.

Don't let the past take up space in the present or the future. Begin your own story, without the past. I went through these emotions for a long time also in my life. When you begin to think about the bad parts of your life from the past, turn it into the good things which are happening now. Stay busy! Your boyfriend sounds like a good guy. It's hard for another to really understand what you went through, if they have not had those same experiences. Love takes up a lot of space in your heart and mine. You two love each other unconditionally. Remember, it's all about your time together now. Trust me , time goes very fast in our life's.

Best, Jerry

[Elana05]

Originally Posted by garden gal

...he made a joking comment about how my childhood wasn't really that bad....Now, I just feel like curling up in bed and hiding.

Hey garden gal,
I could really relate... I have had someone (who really didn't know me) say this type of thing. I also have a similar situation (single mom who was/is alcoholic and depressed/no treatment). Have you and your boyfriend chatted about it? How have you been feeling? Just checking in...

[garden gal]

Thanks for your responses. It is good to hear that some people can relate. It has been another hard day... I just found out that the therapist I've been seeing for almost four years is retiring soon. My grief today has been incredibly intense... I cried for about 5 hours straight after I found out. This is one of the most supportive relationships I've ever had, and it is going to be hard to let that go. Has anybody else out there had to deal with this?

[Elana05]

omg yes. This just happened to me too. The day after my therapist told me she was retiring I went out with a friend of mine who, bless her, tried to take my mind off things. My heart felt like it had sunk into the pit of my stomach. I had to leave the store we were in to sit in the car and sob. This type of awful feeling lasted about 7 days and gradually tapered off. I know it seems like the pain is never going to go away... But I have found it has gotten a bit better. Do you still have some time left together?
Sending good wishes.

[SophiaG]

For some people it is truely incomprehensible to understand what you've been through because their childhoods were completely different...

Did you find a new counselor yet? I'm sorry you're losing your old one...

(((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))))