Trying something new.

[Lynn]

Not sure how or where to start, maybe there isn't really a "right or wrong" way to start. I've been part of forums before but nothing dealing with my own personal self.

I've been going through some stuff since losing my brother about 8 months ago from ALS. But along with that throughout life I've lost my mother about 4 years ago and (even though it's been an awful long time, I still think it counts) but lost my father when I was about a year old.

Recently I've slipped in and out of a funk as I mentioned shortly after losing my brother. And I think I'm realizing that I have a lot of grieving to do or haven't "let go" of  what others would call baggage or weight. I'm not severely depressed but I think there is some depression mixed in with this "funk" I've been going through for a time now.

Still not sure why but I found a counselor to talk to and one of the things she suggested was a local support group where I could be around and share, talk with others that might understand or deal with similar situations that I'm dealing with now.

The catch with that though is I'm not much for groups, crowds, talking about myself for that matter and finding a local group was just not sounding like an option for me. I have been online since it's early days and I have always believed that people online are just as real as anyone else. It's just another way of communicating, doesn't make anyone less real. So, I'm seeing what I can find maybe in an online forum/support group where I might feel more at ease with people around me.

[Judy Davidson]

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about what you're going through.  I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother through ALS and your mother 4 years ago along with your father when you were still a baby.  It's normal to experience a "funk" or even mild depression.  I was surprised when I had a mild depression in August; the 10th year Anniversary of my husband's death.  

Communication is key to recovery so feel free to reach out to other members through blog posts, the discussion forum and cha room.  Check out the blogs on the Home page too.  I pray this site provides you Help for Today & Hope for Tomorrow.

Take Care,

Judy

Founding GHN member    

[Lulu]

Lynn what you are going through is called mourning and just because your mother passed away four years ago and your father when you were a baby it doesn't make it any easier of course it counts, 20 years may pass and you will still mourn the loss of your loved ones. Its impossible to let go of family  and its not baggage or weight its grief and sadness of missing someone so dear. Sometimes other people dont understand what we are feeling sometimes we dont understand what we are feeling, Its okay that you dont feel comfortable with local groups thats why Judy created this site where we could connect and find some comfort with people that are going through the same pain.

I hope to see you on chat sometimes soon because your counselor is correct talking helps. Take care.

[Lynn]

Judy and Lulu, Thanks for your kind words and replies.

I find it odd that a good friend of mine would question why I'm including my father in all of this that I've been going through lately. As I was told that was so many years ago and I didn't really know him. As I tried to explain that it didn't matter how long ago or that I hardly knew him, the fact is he's still my dad. I've been told by family that he was a good father and I have decided years ago that he was the kind of guy I would have liked to meet and got to know.

This is just one reason why I've never been one to "open up", Most people I've met or know just don't get where I'm coming from and that stops me from talking about anything deeper. I don't feel they would really understand.