What do you do to make you happy? I'm so depressed and gloomy, and I can't seem to shake it.

There are several reasons, but one major reason: my partner has been out of a job since early December, and hasn't had any luck in finding anything thus far... and it's getting to the point where rent and other bills are going to be very hard to cover on my salary alone. I've been working as much overtime as I can, and he's really really really trying to find something, but... ugh. I feel so frustrated for him because he's a great guy, hard worker, very devoted, very smart, and someone just needs to give him a chance.

We keep telling ourselves that everyone has ups and downs in life... things were going so great, and then out of the blue this happens. I just feel like everything has been turned upside down. He was the one making more $$$, so his salary being lost is a huge hit.

I feel like the uncertainty and the bills and debt are just weighing me down. He's had interviews, and some promising ones, but... no dice yet.

I really just want some good news... that's all I ask.

But in the mean time, I need something to cheer me up. I usually turn to music, but the new Lucinda Williams album - brilliant as it is - is just depressing me more, heh. It's a very down album.

Sorry for rambling.. it just feels good to vent a little.

What do ya'll do to keep your spirits up when you're down, or going through bad times?

I know what you mean, I'm going through a bit of a rough time too myself.

are you also suffering from seasonal affective disorder? this baby gets me every year about this time. february in minneapolis, cold, dark, dreary..

i won't suggest retail therapy (where you buy the latest book of your favorite author, or a nice new pair of pants to make you feel better about your appearance) since money is a component of your unhappiness.

anyway i exercise my butt off. exercise never fails to give me a sense of well-being. also, plenty of sleep and good food. hanging out with friends. spending quality time with pets. starting a silly project and seeing it all the way through.

don't know if any of this will help any. sorry you're not having fun. i hope things get better for you.


compohnent edit
[Edited 2/13/07 10:47am]

this time of year SUCKS for depression crap - i'm a total seasonal affective disorder poster child.

working out is great. no matter how jacked up my mind is when i walk into the gym, i'm always at least 50% more serene when my workout is done and i walk out of the gym.

cleaning is great - put on some music and just clean the hell out of your home. you'll feel like you accomplished something and you'll have a nice home to enjoy.

and i do crosswords a lot this time of year. they engage my brain and take my mind off everything going on in my life. great little timewaster for when you can't get to sleep.

Light candles all over the house. Seriously, it helps. Get some fresh flowers, even if it's a little 5 dollar bouquet.

Eat food that's good for you. The impulse when we feel shitty is to eat junk, but it makes depression worse. Eat some fruits and veggies and good proteins. And then have some ice cream. Ice cream makes everything better.

I always keep something to look forward to. For 16 years now I've been hosting a sci-fi party at my place, and the preparation leading up to it keeps me going. There's the yearly camping trips, wedding anniversary, etc. All stuff to keep me looking towards the future in a positive way.

i hate questions like this, as almost anything can cheer me up if i'm down, so i can't be of much help here.

TMPletz said:

wow! that's impressive. do people come in costume?

.

Order in Dominos Pizza & Get out your fave Sitcom.

anyone have any non-depressing albums to recommend? i keep listening to not-so-cheery stuff which is probably a bad idea.

XxAxX said:

I used to ask people to feel free to come in costume back when I first started hosting the parties, but no one ever did so I kinda phased that out pretty quick.

evenstar3 said:

evenstar3 said:

i think kate bush's 'aerial' album is a happy winter album, and i think bjork's 'vespertine' is a happy winter album, though i think i have a less-than-elated take on what defines "happy" music, heh. you can never go wrong with deee-lite or scissor sisters.

evenstar3 said:

thanks for the suggestions, all


I like the idea of lighting candles.. and maybe putting on some good "comfort" music...

Maybe my guy and I will turn off the lights, light some candles, put on some music and have ice cream tonight... maybe light a fire in the fireplace..... that would be sweet.

I think the season is probably contributing to it as well. It's just so dark and grey and dreary here.... that's how I feel inside basically, heh. But I don't want to seem like I'm whining. I'm probably just feeling sorry for myself. But I guess we all do that from time to time....

TMPletz said:

That's VERY VERY cool

That's a good suggestion, actually. We have a trip coming up in March... nothing elaborate, just a bunch of friends getting together and renting out a ski lodge for a long weekend. We basically get really drunk, play games, drink more, listen to music, drink alcohol, sit in the hot tub, drink some more, and go snowtubing. It's fun!!

XxAxX said:

Great suggestions. it will all work out i'm sure.

i like the silly project idea... i'm really into that sort of thing. usually with me its music related. i did this valentine's day mixed CD last night that i'm really proud of. i was supposed to have dinner w/ friends tomorrow night and they asked me to bring the music, but i think the weather will probably end those plans, or at least delay them..... maybe i'll do a different mix tonight. A "comfort music" mix perhaps... songs that just make me feel good
[Edited 2/13/07 11:17am]

I stomp 1/2 naked through the woods almost growling like a wolf and rip the head off the 1st rabbit I catch

NorthernLad said:

You could call me and we can be gloomy and depressed together.

Stymie said:

i just wanted to add - please feel free to ignore any advice from Anx about 'diapers'.

trust me.

XxAxX said:

HATER

Anx said:

are you wearing them now? are you?

XxAxX said:

I'll trust you on this one!

Stymie said:

I really like this forum. Some truly good people are here.

XxAxX said:

you could find out for yourself if you log on to the web cam site and pay your $19.95 per hour just like everyone else.

Anx said:

I just have one question - Huggies, or Pampers?

NorthernLad said:

i buy them from a, um, specialty shop. they're called MAN-PERS.

Anx said:

I hope you use plenty of baby powder..... that CAN'T be comfortable between diaper changes.

You wouldn't want a rash.....

NorthernLad said:

hey, if huggies came in black, it'd save a LOT of trouble.