[cantbreathe]

I have had multiple sclerosis and unable to work for 6 years now. My son is 16 and I see my laziness/depression affecting him. What do people do to pass the super long days of nothingness? I've always had a job & its saddening.

You could try finding a hobby. Maybe puzzles, cooking, something of that nature.

[Vossie42]

Book club? Community colleges frequently have adult enrichment classes spanning a wide range of topic. The classes may meet only once as a seminar or several times or weekly for a term. Puzzles like sudoku, crosswords, word jumbles,etc. are good for keeping your brain active and limber. So are foreign languages and music. Or you could do internet research to learn about something new or something you don't understand well or just to learn more about something that interests you. Finding ways to use your brain will benefit you. You won't be as bored, and you'll be setting a good example for your son. I mention the second part only because you seem worried that your lack of activity is having a negative influence on your son. You can show him that even though you have MS, you can still do things and that learning is a lifelong endeavor, not just something you do in school. Your son will see you helping yourself dig your way out of the hole of depression.

Start small, do what you can and keep at it. You don't have to be a superstar.

Maybe you and your son can learn about something together. Select a topic and research it together. Or have a contest to see who can learn the most about it. I understand where you're coming from. I'm in school and just finished the summer term. I have 4 weeks until the fall term, don't have a job, and don't know what to do with myself. Your post has challenged me to practice what I preach!

Online games (let's say playing on games.yahoo.com) is an option. The good thing is that you will not only enjoy playing a game but also be able to chat with people at the same time. It can be a good time pass imo.
And I wish you health and full recovery as I understand how challenging it must be for you to transition to a less active life in contrast to being employed and leading a fuller life.

[Imaworrywart]

I'm newly disabled and am trying my hand at some crafts like needlepoint and latch rug. I am not that great at it though. I love to cook but am finding with the stupid cognitive thing I have, that more and more baking and cooking frustrate me because I can't focus long enough to follow through with a recipe and end up just throwing something together. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it don't.

[alicetailor]

Involve yourself in some creative activity that you like such as music, arts, crafts etc.

[cbdagency]

computer games;~)

[wyldewun]

Originally Posted by cantbreathe

I have had multiple sclerosis and unable to work for 6 years now. My son is 16 and I see my laziness/depression affecting him. What do people do to pass the super long days of nothingness? I've always had a job & its saddening.

Hi, I have a spinal cord injury so my mobility is also very limited. I found that Facebook, Twitter and other social media keeps me occupied. If you like to read you can download a free Nook or Kindle app to your laptop and I don't know about Kindle but Nook has plenty of good and free books for download. I also have a blog since writing is my passion! A smartphone with a speaker and earbuds also helps me stay in touch with friends when I don't want to use FB. Hope these ideas help

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by cantbreathe

I have had multiple sclerosis and unable to work for 6 years now. My son is 16 and I see my laziness/depression affecting him. What do people do to pass the super long days of nothingness? I've always had a job & its saddening.

I totally get where you're at. I'm used to working 80-100 hr weeks, then I got sick and was in the hospital and a skilled rehab for almost 9 mos and off work completely for a whole year and even now I'm only cleared to work part time and I'm kind of going crazy.
Some things I've done. I don't know what your limits are physically, but I've tried really hard to stay physically fit. I think that's helped my depression a lot too. I've been running and really gotten into Nintendo Wii. I started scrap-booking all the photos from college, med school and my childhood. I started knitting. I went crazy organizing. Cleaned out all my closets. Got rid of a bunch of stuff I didn't need/want. I started cooking. Became totally addicted to Criminal Minds on tv. I do work part-time and I try to keep to some sort of schedule. Getting up by a certain time, dressed at a certain time, eating meals at reasonable hours etc. I also read a lot. A lot. The library has become like my best friend. Plus you can check out movies too. And I usually walk there so a) that takes up more time and b) I get in some exercise. I'm in the hospital right now and the days just drag on by, so I understand how you feel.
Also when I'm home I try to do one "self care" thing a day - paint my nails, do a face mask, take a bath etc. Something to help me feel better. I do have a lot of issues with chronic neck pain and headaches and this seems to help some as I've been off narcotics regularly for several mos and I'm trying to avoid them. I imagine you have some pain issues as well. Oh, I also have totally gotten into HGTV and I love painting things, refurbishing old furniture, decorating and re-decorating my house etc. Idk. That's what seems to help me. I've also gotten back in touch with family and friends over e-mail, social media and texting and try to stay in better contact. I don't know how much of that can apply to you, but I hope some of it helps. Sorry you're having such a hard time.