Trying to get out of my slump

[Honeysmom]

I have been sliding into a slump lately. I decided to see a counselor about it. I am hoping that an hour on the couch will make me feel better. I am not depressed, I am in a really bad mood. I feel defeated and angry. Like I said, not in a depressed way, in an annoyed way. I think the weather is contributitng also.

We also decided to join a new church. I was raised very strict Cathloic. Try find a Cathloic church that has a baby room, or somthing to occupy the kids. Honey will never sit throught a whole mass. I finally found a new church that has baby rooms, Sunday School and sermon for Honey. Women's groups, marriage class every Tuesday night, youth groups, and about 4 other Bible studies. I am so excited. I have lived here for 8 months and have only met one person, and she keeps trying to chase my DH. I am going to meet people, and even other mothers!! I am so excited I can't wait to go.

The only drawback is that it is not Cathloic. If you were raised Cathloic you will understand how I feel about this...guilty. But I am going to deal with it for the good of my mental and spiritual health!! It will be intersting, I hope I didn't get us into something strange here....

[finnmom]

Honeysmom

About the slumb; I´am in there right this moment ;D It was just perfect descripsion of my live right now I guess I have an 30-something crisis ;D Might that be bucking you too

As for the church, you might not count my opinion as an Lutheric, but i think the main thing is that you feel good at there, you feel like you get support, your religious need´s are going to be forfilled and you have good to be there! I think that´s the most important, if you can´t find catholic, then pick the best second where you feel as home.

Anyway, Good luck to both trying to get out of that miserable slump and finding a nice new church!

Marja

[savvymom1]

Good for you on trying a new church! I really enjoy the friendships and activities at mine. I go to an Episcopal church (which my friends call Catholic Lite) but I know what you mean--the service is very special and important to me. I love knowing the order of the prayers, the communion and the beauty of the service.

Hang in there--slumps are no fun. Maybe like the dreary weather it will pass soon and you'll feel like your old self. A counselor is a good idea for getting frustrations of your chest. Here's hoping tomorrow will be a good day!!

[Linda]

Good luck to you....I think a lot of people are feeling that way now...with me it is the weather...it is so cold and i think it is just plain cabin fever.

[Honeysmom]

Linda, I think it is some of that, plus moving away from home and tryin to start over. It is that time of the year. I just feel odd this time b/c everything sets me off so fast. My patience level is almost as bad as Honey's, and I can't help him when I get that angry.

[Linda]

You have a lot on your plate now and It can't be easy for you and maybe a counselor is a good idea...maybe it will put things in perspective for you.

Remember...you always have us to talk to

[1mom]

some ME time is definitely in order. when i get in a slump there's nothing like a hot bubble bath, a good book and music of choice followed by a long nap. sounds like you are bone weary. lack of rest and sleep puts me on edge and wears my temper down, too.
sorry you are feeling so cut off and isolated. i hope you meet some support circles and that things will look sunnier soon. another suggestion, since your roots are deeply catholic, is to tune in on tv. there are some excellent programs to nourish and uplift---beautiful rosaries set to music, or walking through the Holy Land.
i wish you rest, peace and joy!
prayers,
1mom

[Douglas]

Physical activity is helpful in dealing with slumps. FORCE yourself to take a walk, even if it's chilly outside ... find a treadmill to pace upon for 30 minutes ... go to the mall and do laps ... just make your body move!

now, if i can only take my own advice ...

[Honeysmom]

Thanks so much for all of the advice and support!!! It really helps. ;D

Cabin fever is a definate possibility, daily stresses always seem magnified by that! Not to mention that I have not left the house socially or alone for 2 weeks. Only doc appts and grocery store. I planned a big night out this evening for myself at Wal-mart and the Dollar Tree. Whhooo hoo. (this really is fun for me)

1mom, I wish I could watch some religious shows on TV. Unfortunatly, we don't have any broadcast here. At least not any I can get reception on. I can't wait until cable comes through. We like the educational shows.

Thanks so much for your support everyone.

BTW Douglas, does chasing Honey and DD 2 1/2 all day count as exercise??? If so, I am ready for the Olympics! ;D

[sierra]

You nailed the kind of slumps I get into. Mad at the world and mad at myself. I think angry is a defense when I'm feeling defeated or just beat down. Sad or helpless would feel so much worse. But with anger you've got some energy and if you can figure out how you can fight on or fight back.

For me me time is art. I bought a teardrop moonstone pre-set in a silver pendant yesterday. I'm going to work on a necklace this weekend. Got a pretty silver chain that needs some clasp repair. I bought some jade beads just before the holidays and never did anything with them. Maybe Bean Sprout and I can work together on some bead jewelry if he feels up to it.

[1mom]

douglas,
i need to take that same advice myself!!!!!!!! i used to walk 2 miles/day, but have come up with some excuses and just got out of doing it. i DID feel much better physically and mentally. i just need a swift kick in the..........!!
thanx!
1mom

[mctavish23]

Hi,
I think you've already made the first positive move for getting out of your "slump" by discussing it in here. Call it a kind of journaling if you will, but its a definite start.

I workout several times a week, as weightlifting is my fav hobby (next to baseball cards...lol). When I dont or cant lift because its a zillion degrees below zero outside in N Minn, I do nordic track in front of the tv. Having said that, the winter weather can also play a role in feeling down and lacking in energy. It doesnt have to be full blown SAD, it can just be constant cold and early darkness that can get anyone down.
The only other thing I'd say is that from my own experience, we're all probably doing a lil better than we think.At the same time tho, I always trust my instincts, because my gut feelings have never been wrong; I just have to be open to listening.

Good luck and I hope you feel bettersoon.

mctavish23(Robert)

ps...the Catholic Lite thing was great:)

[Honeysmom]

I did actually get out of the house last night for 2 whole hours! I feel really good today. And I got another nice suprise. My MIL, who does actually contribute to my stress level, is comming for the night and bringing my friend and his little boy.

Now I have a playmate for the kids for until tomorrow and I free babysitter. ;D

Robert, I think my weather is a lot like yours. I only live about 45 minutes from MN in W WI. It is finally staying light until 5 PM at night and I know that will make a difference.

Thanks...Becky

[Douglas]

Way to go!

[rosyred45]

I know I'm a little late here with a chime in about being depressed and all, since it has been about a week,,, but

My husband went to a Catholic Church when he went to visit his Gram, so he is Catholic, I think. He's more spiritual than churchy any how, any ways, I was raised Methodist. I think that every religion has the same message, Do unto others.....So I don't think God will care what church you go to, as long as you keep the faith.
I bet I can make you smile, $5, says so: short story:
Hubby's Gram passed, as you se above, I am not Catholic, we had to sit behind his Uncle at the Church Services for Gram so that we knew when to sit, stand, kneel, and everything else. Mind you I was 4 months pregnant at the time. Well, Uncle told me that since I wasn't Catholic and since I was prego, I didn't have to do all that.
Well, did you laugh? OMG, hubby is taking the laundry out of the dryer.
Miracals NEVER cease
Kaiti