Dealing with Tough Times!
Hello Everyone!
The lovely @ConnorSmith and I decided to join together and collaborate! 
Do you often feel persistently sad or down for weeks or months?
Feeling down from time-to-time is okay but when emotions such as: despair and hopelessness take control and dont go away, you may develop depression.
Depression is a common mental disorder that causes people to experience a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration. An estimated 121 million people around the world currently suffer from a form of depression.
The number of people diagnosed with depression increases by approximately 20% each year.
As Neil Lennon once said… Its a bit like walking down a long, dark corridor never knowing when the light will come on.
You are certainly not alone. 
1): When was your last tough time? (For Example:- You failed an exam which increased your depression symptoms, etc.)
2): What sort of thoughts were going through your head? (For example:- Ive messed everything up. My family is disappointed in me.)
3): Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down?
4): What gives you hope to keep going?
5): Say what you need to hear right now. (For example:- Things will turn out okay.)
If you believe youve been struggling with depression and coping with tough times, you can do these things listed to help yourself out:-
~ Reach out to others (It can be scary but talking about it really helps!)
~ Join in with your community or school activities
~ Spend time with friends and do things you enjoy doing. Surround yourself with supportive people who bring the best out of you!
~ Meditate and keep up with self-care. (www.calm.com)
Helpful Resources:-
Pixel Thoughts (Express yourself!)
~ If you liked this thread, make sure to give it an upvote! Also, we loved taking part in this collaboration. If you would like to take part, PM either of us with your questions! ~
Tagging:-
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*this taglist will NOT be reused*
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
1. Yesterday.
2. It started with the same old, then there was overwhelming negative feelings, fear that there's no one to stop me when I become fully antisocial, hatred that this is my life, wishes that I could die or have the courage to kill myself, inability to talk because opening my mouth made me want to puke, anger that I wasted my breath praying last night, etc etc. Then, later in the day, I wasn't feeling as bad, so I started worrying as to why I'm suddenly not feeling bad, and then it ended with the same old.
3. I don't have ways. I've tried a lot of different things, few of them work, most stop working quickly. Self harm lasted the longest, but even now it's starting to not work as well as it once did.
4. I can't hope anymore. I can't even hope for death, because I know my demons will keep me alive. There is no reason for me to get up anymore, yet try as I might my body won't shut down.
5. I've never seen someone last that long in the simulation. Look at this, it started glitching out and doing things it shouldn't, yet you were able to make it through. Good thing I finally stoped the program, who knows what hell it would have created if you were still in it.
@BDRD
Hiya lovely!
It seems like you've only just recently encountered a tough time, that must've been really hard for you to tackle it! I do hope that you have a good support system in place to make sure you feel safe during a difficult time.
I can understand that you felt very overwhelmed and that resulted in you possibly losing hope and not seeing a point in continuing? Also, you mention "the same old" which points to the fact that you have been able to recognise what happens when you aren't doing too good. This is a great step forward to helping yourself overcome these situations more easily.
Self-harm is an unhealthy way to cope with your emotions. Here are a few examples of releasing your emotions healthily:-
If you are anxious: Take a bath, do some drawing, do some meditation, have some alone time
If you are angry: Rip up pieces of paper, have a cold/hot shower/bath, scream into a pillow
If you are upset: Snuggle up in a blanket, watch a movie, bake something nice
I too have been struggling with self-harm, you do not have to go through this alone! If you ever need to talk, please let me (or someone else) know.
You can definitely make through this! Everyone has their ups and downs, their demons. It is extremely difficult but just think about how proud you will feel after fighting so hard.
*huggles* Wishing you the best: thank you for sharing!
1): When was your last tough time?
During my trip, two weeks ago. People were happy, dressed nicely, throwing jokes and dancing, and I just didn't fit in. I wasn't good enough.
2): What sort of thoughts were going through your head?
"I'm dissapointed in myself" - yes, I thought I made some progress, but I proved myself wrong then.
3): Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down?
Depends or where I am. If outside, I hide them till I go back home. Once I'm home I either try "burying them inside" so I distract myself with writing, reading, watching YouTube videos or take a nap, or expressing them by crying (but now I don't cry much anymore. I can't remember the last time I cried.)
4): What gives you hope to keep going?
Nothing. I keep going because I'm alive.
5): Say what you need to hear right now.
"You're getting better. You'll get through this. You'll have the life you daydream about."
@Raya501
Hiya!
It seems like you were feeling unconfident during that trip. I can understand how you felt though, like you aren't good enough to join in on the fun. (when really, you are!!) I'd like to remind you of this quote: "Progress over perfection" Everyone is at a different stage. We all have to start as beginners and make our way up the ladder. Focus on yourself and how far YOU have come. Be proud of yourself, lovely! You're doing really well.
All of the ways you listed to release your emotions are great!! It's good to know that you have things which you know will help you out. Keep going! You will get through this. You are stronger than you think, braver than you believe and more beautiful than you could ever imagine.
Thank you for sharing!
@blossombreathe Thank you so much :)
@Raya501
"I keep going because I'm alive." I love this.
Thank you.
@greenEyes2019 Thank YOU. I was feeling down, and your little reply made me smile. I'm so glad you liked it. Have a great day. :)
@blossombreathe
can I answer those questions tomorrow? Cause I have to open my laptop and I can't now
Sure! :)
@sensitiveShade5337
1): When was your last tough time? My current tough time has been going on for 5 years
2): What sort of thoughts were going through your head? Hopelessness, overwhelm, low self esteem ("Things will never get better, & I suck for not being able to handle it all")
3): Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down? Writing. It doesn't necessarily help me feel better (though, sometimes it does help me figure things out), but at least it gets it out of my head. I have lots of introverted coping strategies- exercise that wild energy away, yoga, meditation, etc; I've been parcticing them as vigilantly as I can the past few years, but they've exhausted their usefulness.
4): What gives you hope to keep going? Honestly, right now, nothing. My fiance (11 years together) used to give me hope & keep me going, but he's pretty much in the same boat I am, so he left a little over a week ago. There's a sliver of hope that we'll get back together someday, but it's only a sliver. I pulled a little more potential hope out of an estranged family member within this past week, as well as signing up for my first therapy appointment Mon, so hopefully things will work out. Though, they rarely do, & I'm scared.
5): Say what you need to hear right now. Hang in there, things will turn out as they should.
@MKR84
Hi there!
Aw, it seems like you've been struggling for quite a long time. I'm proud that you've stayed strong throughout it though; your story will inspire and motivate others, I'm sure of it. The thoughts you've explained seem to point to having a low self-esteem and jumping to conclusions! You can combat them by doing some coping exercises. Writing is a great way to get out everything on your mind, or even just distract yourself and go to another world. Both of which are really beneficial when we are struggling!
Keep hope lovely. Things will be alright, trust me. ^-^ *huggles* Wishing you the best: thank you for sharing!
@blossombreathe
1): When was your last tough time?
Last night. All day today.
2): What sort of thoughts were going through your head?
I wish I could talk to my friend. I can't do this on my own. I've never been able to pull myself out of this. It just ends at some point when anxiety takes over. I need to not have this stupid music appreciation homework to do because it's making everything worse.
3): Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down?
I eat. and I cry. and I end up watching a lot of youtube videos because I can't focus on anything for more than a few minutes.
4): What gives you hope to keep going?
I see my therapist on Tuesday, but that also doesn't really give me hope because I know what we're supposed to talk about and I don't want to anymore. I don't know. I'm just empty right now.
5): Say what you need to hear right now.
I have no idea.
1): When was your last tough time?
In it right now and have been for the past year at least.
2): What sort of thoughts were going through your head?
I'll never be able to finish this graduate program, but if I stop, everyone will think I'm pathetic. No one will want to hire me if I quit because they'll hear depression and think I won't be able to work. Maybe I am just lazy, irresponsible, and a worthless piece of crap.
3): Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down?
I really try to keep my emotions on a leash, especially sadness to the point of crying. I am a solution being heated unevenly. I'll look like I'm not boiling, but then suddenly boil before calming down again, then repeat. I "bump" if anyone knows the terminology. I get overwhelmed and suddenly break down. I know it doesn't help, but I haven't been able to shake the habit. The most I've been able to do is to allow myself to experience my emotions at least when I'm home (live by myself).
4): What gives you hope to keep going?
I'm going to be going on a roadtrip about a month and a half from now with my brother that I get along with really well. He's going to help me move in to my new apartment as well as letting me adopt his dog. I'm so looking forward to having Riley as a friend that I often dream vividly that she's already here and those are the only comforting dreams I have right now. Sucks to wake up from them though.
5): Say what you need to hear right now.
It is okay.
@irime
It is okay. And I hope you'll find lots of strength in you soon.
@blossombreathe
Hello as I promised i will answer the questions today!
1) It was 1 week ago and it lasted for 3 weeks
2) Im useless,I shouldnt be living,life is mean,everybody hates me
3) I have diary that I write thoughts and feelings there but I also have an awesome pschycologist that had told me that i can message her whenever i want.
4) Um I always think that theres something out there that will change my life to a better one and of course I live for all my dreams!
5) 'Here's a hug for you! Everything will be alright just dont give up!'
Hiya! @sensitiveShade5337 Thank you for your response, I hope you are having a good day. 
Firstly, I am sorry that your most recent tough time lasted for a total of 3 weeks, that must've been extremely hard to deal with. I do hope that you have a good support system in place to make sure you feel safe when you are struggling. Even just having someone to phone up and sit with for a while can be reassuring.
I can understand what was going through your head during that situation also. All of which you have listed come under the category of "all or nothing" thinking. This is where you thing it is either certain or not at all. One way you could combat this is by coming up with a list of questions you could ask yourself to talk back to these thoughts! For example:- What about all the people who love me? What about when I acomplished (this)?, etc.
It's great to know that you have a nice psychologist who you can message at any point in the day! Also, being able to write your thoughts down really can help to express yourself.
Everything will be alright, lovely! Keep fighting, we are all here for you. *huggles*
@blossombreathe
Thank you so much for your reply!! <3
@sensitiveShade5337
You're welcome, lovely!
1) When was your last tough time?
~ This past Friday night and Saturday were difficult, as I did not feel like I was "me" or in my own body. Saturday I went shopping with some family members, decreasing my self-esteem and making things worse.
2) What sort of thoughts were going through your head?
~ What am I doing here? Why can't I look like *Person A*? or Why can't I be like *Person B*?
3) Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down?
~ I have found healthier methods of coping with my emotions, such as coloring, reading, cleaning, and listening to happy music.
4) What gives you hope to keep going?
~ More than ever I want to attend university, I keep going just so I can get away where things will be different.
5) Say what you need to hear right now.
~ Listen to what your body is telling you. Things will get better, just give them time. You are valid, despite how illegitimate your "problems" are. Don't give up.
@ApplePiney
Hiya lovely! Thank you for sharing your answers to our questions. I hope you are having a good day so far.
It seems like you've only just recently struggled with a tough time, I'm proud of you for dealing with those challenging emotions and thoughts though. You are very brave. ^-^ What you describe sounds a bit like derealisation/depersonalisation, it sure can be very scary! The thoughts you have explained also point to the fact that your self esteem may not be as high as it should be! That's okay though. Through time we will learn to love ourselves. One step at a time, eh?
All of the coping skills you have listed are great ways to distract yourself from tough times, awesome! And also, having a goal such as wanting to attend university must give you lots of strength to keep going.
And I agree with you! Things will get better, lovely.
Wishing you the best.
1) When was your last tough time? Last night, actually. Got a 81% in a major lab report. Made me feel like crap because it's another one which continues the chain of bad grades that has been lasting for nearly a whole month. It made me seriously doubt if I'm truly fit for med school. Being a perfectionist since elementary school does not help.
2) What sort of thoughts were going through your head? Why is "trying harder" not working? Why am I so stupid? I should just die right now to end this prolonged misery called my failure of a life. There's no way I can become someone who has a decent job and become financially stable to support my family.
3) Can you list any ways in which you release your emotions when you are feeling down? I went on this website to calm myself down after realizing I could be having one of my worst breakdowns in a long time. A session with a listener helps a bit, but after that I just started bawling uncontrollably in my room. Is it really effective? I don't know, but at least I'm feeling too tired to even consider harming myself anymore.
4) What gives you hope to keep going? Deep inside my heart, I realize there are people who truly love me (even if in my darkest hours I keep telling myself no one will mind me dying,) and I do not want them to be sad by my death, at all. I love them so much to just leave this world when I'm still so young.
5) Say what you need to hear right now. As long as you're still living, things can change for the better. Even if those changes can't lead me to become perfect, I think it's still okay for someone like me to live, at least for a little while longer.
@blossombreathe