Needing support

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   Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

   I have a confession.  I love hubpages, and was actively participating since I joined in May of this year.  But, I've had a personal situation occur in the summer which has created a situational depression and lack of motivation.  My last hub was written Aug. 30th and that was a push.  I seem to have lost my enthusiasm and inspiration.  Any help/suggestions will be appreciated.

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      kimberlyslyricsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Denise, going through the exact same thing right now.  Am so far behind it's not funny, this relative to my expectations, not others.  I have no choice to change, I gotta let it ride and pray it comes back.  I have some 40 pretty complete hubs ready to publish but certain things are holding me back
      
      Do this; allow yourself to be okay with not being okay
      
      and let it ride
      
      good luck!

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         wordscribe43posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with the letting yourself be okay with not being okay.  A huge contributing factor to (my) depression is beating myself up about how my life is "out of control".  Sometimes just accepting where you are at the moment is a huge step.  I also try to remind myself I wouldn't treat a friend the way I treat myself when I'm down.  Give yourself some slack.
         
         Set small goals, too.  Like:  I will make a list of 5 hub ideas today.  Or, I will write just one paragraph of a hub.  More often than not, you'll end up surpassing your goal.  Baby steps.  And, there's a lot of great advice here from fellow hubbers.
         
         Hope you feel better soon.

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            Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks Wordscribe for your comments and encouragement.  Baby steps...

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      couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Just get into something else for awhile or maybe just do nothing.  We live in a world where we're made to feel that if we aren't doing something every minute, we're not being productive.  If it has stopped being enjoyable for you, you're probably just burned out.  You've probably been worrying about your lack of inspiration and that is not relaxing.  You need to relax and get into something new so you can be newly inspired.  The world really doesn't revolve around our beloved HPgs.  If you want to share or get something out of your system, write about the situation that brought on this depression.  You don't need to publish until you've worked it all out.  Sometimes that will be enough.  Always remember, energy flows where attention goes.  If this is something you choose to forget, then just let it go, friend and move on.  It may take awhile but hold on to the good and let the rest go.

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         Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for taking the time to send your support and thoughts. 

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   livewithrichardposted 12 years ago

   Denise, my suggestion is to look into yourself for your inspiration.  From your profile: My passions are my spirituality, writing, photography, travel, cooking, holistic health, adventure, and loving my family.
   
   It seems you have a lot to pull from so just pick a topic and start sharing your experiences. I can honestly say that the more you write and participate in this community the less time you will have to be depressed...lol Plus, you'll make a lot of cool friends and meet some real interesting people from all over the world.  This is probably the best community on the Internet.

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   Cagsilposted 12 years ago

   Hey Denise,
   
   I recently wrote a hub about the Past, the Present or the Future- Which controls your view?
   
   I think you could benefit from it. It might help clear your view.

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   Ivorwenposted 12 years ago

   Is it a situational depression, or a need to refocus?  Is going back to what you were doing before the situation what you really need to do, or is it time to move on?
   
   I know that when things change in my life, I often find the things I use to enjoy no long hold the same intrigue for me.

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   Maddie Ruudposted 12 years ago

   Why not write about how to deal with situational depression?  Or even what situational depression is?  Take what you're going through and use it as fuel... It will help you process, help you feel accomplished, and help other people in your situation when they're looking for guidance and stumble upon your hub.

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      mrfluffyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree with Maddie, if you write about how you feeling now you will find you're not alone and he could give support to others

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         Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for your input.  I appreciate it.  It just feels a whole lot more complicated than just sitting down and writing about the feelings...

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            alternate poetposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Whilst this is a good idea if you are still going through it you may not feel up to the challenge of writing about it.  You could always take a memory trip out, take notes and write it up as a hub - this is a standard writers block removal trick, and it gets you out of the house with a purpose.  As livingwithrichard point out yo have loads of hobbies listed - take a camera and do something.

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      jaianniahposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Maddie. I have used all sorts of personal conflicts and events to create Hubs.  I, too, am fighting depression. I start hubs, and save them, and try not to worry too much about being perfect. Another thought: they say depression can be anger turned inward. What are you angry about? Write about it. Good luck. I will pray for you.

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   Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

   thanks everyone for 'hearing' the request. I appreciate the responses. Cagsil-I will check the hub out, thanks. 
   Richard-I appreciate the prompt.  I agree re: the community support. It has actually been my lifeline.  Finding hubpages in May and writing has been my link to sanity in my insane world right now. 
   Ivorwen-yes, it is a particular personal event that has me feeling stuck and doing a soul search which has left me feeling very sorrowful...and a lack of energy. 
   Kim-thanks for the reminder to 'stay where I'm at' and not resist. Nice to know I'm not alone!  Sorry for your situation...
   Maddie, LOL  I didn't even think of that.  I guess my sense is that I would have to bring in all sorts of personal stuff, which I don't want to do. So, I guess I will start with reading Cagsil's hub!
   
   Thanks again for the responses and support.  You really are great!

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   DoorMattnomoreposted 12 years ago

   " it is a particular personal event that has me feeling stuck and doing a soul search which has left me feeling very sorrowful...and a lack of energy."
   
   
   well, if it helps any, I have had a few of those. Even if you dont make it a hub, writing about THAT can help you get past it. Good luck, hope things are looking up for you soon.

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      rmcrayneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Denise sometimes Karma (or God, your choice )pushes us in another direction.  We don't tend to make major changes, no matter how much we may need to, when we're happy and content.
      
      I'm on Chapter 4 of Neurolinguistic Programming for Dummies Workbook.  Look it up and see what you think.

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   rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

   it's still there, something just covered it up momentarily. maybe take your writing tablet and go to a favorite park or cafe. start writing down thoughts about what you see or hear. inspiration will come from what interests you.
   
   I think sometimes when we go through our less inspiring times, it's better to look outward. often depression comes from thinking too much about our situation.
   taking walks helps inspire plus it's good for you.

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   BRIAN SLATERposted 12 years ago

   hi Denise, don't push yourself so much, it will take time to get yourself feeling like your old self. The mind takes longer to heal than the body, try reading a few novels on your interests this may provide the spark to write again. Good luck.

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      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Actually, that's not a bad idea.  Thanks.

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    raisingmeposted 12 years ago

    Depression is a result of end of game or loss of game.  Some examples are a mother who has devoted herself to the raising of her children - they leave the nest - loss of game; a man devotes himself to his career and for reasons outside of his control loses his job - loss of game.  It can be a big game or a small game but the effects of the loss are the same - depression.  Depression can also follow a big win in life that one has failed to acknowledge - i.e. a goal was reached, a dream was fulfilled and one by-passed the win.
    
    In posting to the forum you have done something wonderful in that an effect of depression is that it cuts one's ability to reach out to others.  Reaching out is a vital first step to handling depression as it is the most introverting hell hole one can fall into if one fails to reach.  One way to spiral anyone into a depression is to cut their reach.  We all need something to flow energy to and to receive energy from.
    
    Well done on posting!!!

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       couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Well stated.

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       Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Raisingme-you make a good point. Thanks. It actually was difficult.  It's like there is a veil of 'shame' that keeps one from reaching out and thus, the 'depression' wins out.

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11. 84

    Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

    It's been a couple of days since I've posted this request for help. I really appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions here.  I will keep them in mind, read the hubs that have been suggested and try some of the other tips.
    
    My goal is to finish one hub this w/e. 
    
    Jaiannaih-I do know what the 'depression' is about. I experienced a situation this summer, which actually makes me very sad whenever I remember it.  There is a process of unfolding that is uncovering deeper truths about the situation.  And, I suppose there is anger involved as well.  But, the trauma I felt really hit to the core of me and I could feel my heart shut down. 
    
    I'm working with a professional on this situation so that has helped immensly just having someone to relate the incident to. 
    
    Thanks all, for your support. I have much respect and gratitude to all of you.  Many blessings...

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