How are we all starting out 2018 ? Good ? Not so good ? Check in please....

[steve2470]

I'm about a 6 I guess. Waiting for my son to call me.

How about you ?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I think I'm probably an outlier, my dear Steve...

I'm feeling quite well today. I'm organized and getting some things done around the house, which makes me feel happy.

You know, I don't have any overwhelming mental health issues. Mine are all small and pretty easily handled. I do see my psychologist about every 2 weeks, but often it's more like visiting an old, treasured friend. I don't need medications for those issues. We talk everything out and it works really well.

I hope your son will call.

[steve2470]

11. Glad you are doing well!

I hope he calls soon too

[Polly Hennessey]

2. Good.

The sun is shining and it is a pleasant. Expecting rain on Thursday. We are well and the animals are healthy- not bad for the first day of 2018.

[Siwsan]

3. My cousin chose last night to let me know she's been diagnosed with cancer

The same cancer that took my sister. She is the cousin closest to me in age.

Both were/are mothers with families who depend(ed) on them. I am on my own and nobody is depending on me, save for by 'default'. I struggle every day with survivor guilt, which I suspect will now intensify.

She picked the time that was best for her, I guess.

I was so hoping to start 2018 with a relatively fresh emotional slate.

[DeadLetterOffice]

5. I'm so very sorry.

Many gentle virtual hugs to you.

[BigmanPigman]

4. GOOD!

I have new found knowledge and experience as far as Resisting goes and the current politics in general. My health is holding out for now so I plan on doing what I can, while I can. Older and wiser! I am focused and energized (harnessing my anger and putting it to good use).

[DeadLetterOffice]

6. The physical is impacting the emotional, as usual.

I'm really hoping this year will see a slow down in my degenerative chronic illnesses, so that my emotional well-being has a chance to catch the hell up.

OTOH, I am feeling grateful that a new provider has at least heard of my genetic illness and takes me seriously about it, so yay that!

to all.

DLO

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Bipolar cycles and anxiety always lurk in my background, and

I have been seriously hung up over food calories and exercise for a while, but especially so over the holidays.

I have a lot to untangle in my brain, but little desire to do it. I think the pain of being stuck where I am is preferable to the pain of doing the hard work of getting behind my compulsive behavior to the issues that drive it.

Otherwise, I am doing ok, esp given the lack of meds and counseling. Those are luxuries for people who live in countries with decent access to affordable health care.

[irisblue]

8. From Amy Siskind @Amy_Siskind

"In 2018, let’s drown out the darkness in this country by being our best selves. Practice empathy, compassion and kindness - and self care by letting go of people who are who are mean, bigoted or toxic."
Tweeted today. Think I'll adopt this

[progree]

9. 2017 was the worst year in about 2 decades. So today, I'm glad 2017 is over with n/t

[PennyK]

10. Except for tRump, I'm pretty good!

I've resolved most of my depression and anxiety (and a bit of an addiction to pain pills), and even my physical issues, cancer treatment-related and otherwise, are responding well to treatment. And by treatment, I mean strategies that seem to work for me, which include Epsom salts baths, chiropractor, time outside in the sunshine every morning, and reading. I even stepped outside my self-centered existence to do a few small good deeds for others (and boy is that worth it).
This will be the year that I get back to my annual NYC trip to visit with family, and also, the year that I get my breast reconstruction. My mastectomy was August 2016, but there were so many complications afterward that it had to be postponed.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

12. Guess Ill be the downer.

I got sick with the flu the first day of winter break. Sick for two weeks, through my birthday—the big 60—, xmas and that all three me way off track. Depression, anxiety, isolation—-feel like I’m at square One once AGAIN.

The lack of anyone who cares about any of this combined with my hermit-ism is sucky. My sleeping has been badly screwed up for a long time too, I’m finally realizing that I need to talk to psychiatrist about it.

I haven’t been able to get to sleep until around 4am lately. New Year’s, went to bed at 10, nothing else to do, hoped I’d be able to wake up at a decent hour. Finally fell asleep around 9am. Slept all through New Year’s Day, woke around 10pm, made sure pupperz had food n water, went back to sleep...found out this morning I accidentally killed my frog....didn’t realize it was getting dry in his tank.


Sorry for venting on and on.

[irisblue]

13. Hey you

[BlancheSplanchnik]

15. Tanks!

Much appreciated, irisblue! ❤️

[hunter]

14. My wife and I picked up a flu-like cold virus in our Christmas visitings.

We feebly toasted to the New Year a few hours before midnight and then we crashed.

Or tried to. Unfortunately that's when the BIG fireworks started, terrifying our dogs.

I swear someone was playing with fuel-air explosives and the shock waves would hit our house with a big WUMP! that sounded like giants kicking our every door and window. Our dogs were trembling. Car alarms were going off.

My wife had to work New Years Day and we were not happy dragging ourselves out of bed a few hours after the explosions had stopped.

Life's a little better today, January Second. Maybe the trajectory of the entire year can be similarly upwards!

I think my 2016 prescribed psych meds are still working, the side effects are not intolerable, and I seem to be somewhat functional, so I feel safe to say "Happy New Year!"

[steve2470]

16. I hope you and your wife are well now :) nt

[irisblue]

18. I'm understanding you.

Glad you're back.

[withoutapaddle]

19. Thank you! nt