Struggling to feel any joy

You are still young, and hopefully have a lot of life ahead of you
Make the most of it!
If you feel the inclination to do something, do it!
As long as they are not illegal, antisocial or life threatening, live out your fantasies.
Eat foods, wear things, visit places, do things, that you have not done before!
And then bask in the confidence that you have given yourself!
You CAN do it!

It is Hetty. I can vouch for that. These drugs are life changing.

I remember a lady who came on a computing course I was teaching. She'd been a 'prisoner' in her home, with anxiety and depression, money worries - and an awkward OH - for years.

Her GP put her on Prozac, and (she said) a whole new life was opened to her. She still had a lot of the same old problems but was so happy every day. Isn't it amazing how an adjustment in brain chemicals can make such a difference?

Of course xx

Ooh, lovely!!! Can I come round to yours please?!

Yes you can get vegan pastry, I’m learning so much. Just popped this is slow cooker for when i finish work at 7pm and then walk my dog xx

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegetarian-casserole

Aha! My daughter in law’s vegetarian and she’s getting mushroom Wellingtons while we have the beef variety! I’m sure you must be able to buy vegan puff pastry? At least I don’t have to do the whole vegan bit! Good luck!

Thankyou all again for your kind words. They help so much.
Humduh hope your ok, please do reach out on here as there of plenty of lovely kind people to talk with.
Phew bee I might just need your help with a vegan Christmas meal for my DD, DS & GS as that’s my challenge for today lol. I’m thinking of a vegan sausage & sweet pot Wellington for some strange reason hehe xx

That’s very sad Humduh. Why so?

That title rings true for me on so many different levels today I just took to my bed

Ceejayjay, you are now a different person since your first post. Good on you!! Onwards and upwards Nonogran, great words ?

Hello Ceejayjay
I’m new to Gransnet and started reading yr post dated 28 Oct.
I really felt for you dealing with a stressful situation and having MH illness also. I’m so pleased to read your last few posts and how positive you are now!
It’s lovely to read how you’re trying things which have been a struggle for you in the past. I read also that you’ve changed your diet and become vegan.
I’ve been vegetarian about 10yrs and vegan for almost a year. I’ve found a renewed interest in cooking and nutrition since becoming vegan and I’m gathering a few recipes I’ve enjoyed! Pls msg me if you want to share/discuss anything food related!
Pheebee

Well done! I read this the other day & think it’s great for those who need courage:

“Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm. ' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.”

Get out there girl & kick up a storm.

Im really happy for you ceejayjay

Really good news! So pleased. You’re doing really well.?

It really is *ceejayjay".
I'm so glad to hear things are going better for you.

Work are letting me switch a day starting week after next. Me & DD & GS already got plans for our first day off together. With our dogs too

Havnt made it to the pub yet or got round to finding out about any courses in my area but I’m going to see what’s on when I’ve got a bit of time. Seen a few friends at mine for coffee this week and it’s surprising what a boost that gives you isn’t it xx

Are there any adult education classes near you? Maybe you could find a vegan cookery course you can go to? Have a look at the U3A in your area, they might have a group for it.

That's wonderful news ceejayjay.

Another great idea Germanshepherdsmum

Im a bit nervous to get out there but its neccesary if I am to start living again. The ideas here have been my starting point and hope to get some more x

That’s wonderful. You sound like a different person already! Thanks so much for coming back and do check in to let your mates here know how it’s going. One thing I thought of, if you have any NT properties nearby, they welcome volunteers with open arms, inside or in the gardens (no experience needed).

Little update

Ive 2 things in my diary

A Christmas meal on 15th Dec with a friend who knows all about my issues and will help me feel relaxed being out and about. Also a meal with same friend for my 50th in Jan.

Ive checked out National Trust and excited to visit a local spot when I can coordinate with someone who wants to go with me.

Ive also put in a request at work to change one possibly two working days over so I can plan things with DD and Grandson through the week.

Me and my dog walking friend will be visiting the village pub soon as Ive spoken to a lady who goes in to see what its like.

Also on the hobbies front going to try out some vegan recipes having recently gone vegan.

Keep your ideas coming as I really appreciate them all and they are so helpful xx

Skydancer that’s brilliant nature is a passion of mine and I’ve recently gone all cruelty free & vegan will take a look Thankyou xx

Outdoor activities have helped me with my depression. Nature is a healer. I would suggest looking at the website of the Wildlife Trust near where you live. There is one in every county. They often have outdoor group activities such as walks in the woods and you don't have to be a member to join in with things. We recently went on a walk through the woods at dusk with an experienced guide where we heard the calls of owls and the guide explained what trees the silhouettes were. We could hear the stream running past. It was fabulous in the dark. We've also been on a fungal foray and a dawn chorus walk. You don't have to be knowledgeable at all - there will be a guide to explain things. You can chat to people or not. I love these types of things. The National Trust is also good and if you look up the website of one of their properties near you, you'll find a lot going on. Most of this is so cheap or free. A lot of the time dogs are allowed too.

Hang in there deejay and remember you are not alone in this. Can you drop back a bit of your work for something you would really like to do ? Some ‘me’ time ? Preferably involving someone you can have a good yack with! Even morning coffees regularly or something social - book group, craft activity, keep fit, dancing etc. All the very best to you.