Isolation or Stress?

[Guest guest]

I'm having a very difficult time responding to messages. I've read them all,

and saved the ones I want to respond to, but just having a really tough time

doing it.

Isolation is the one symptom of depression I haven't been able to completely

overcome. So I'm wondering if this is a form of isolation.

Then I tell myself if I had a voice activated computer, that I would answer,

and that the problem is that I'm just physically hurting.

And then, I wonder if what's really happening is that I'm stressed out about

Dan's test tomorrow. I've been really strong for him, and when I'm a rock for

someone else, I tend not to take care of myself. I don't have anyone to lean

on.

3 months of tests to see if the cancer has returned in various parts of his body

has been very difficult for him, and I think it's been more draining on me than

I've realized.

I need to be strong for the kids. We talk about it, but I can't let them

know I'm scared. My sisters are useless, and my mom said it's no big deal.

Just hanging in here.

Thank you to everyone who responded with prayers and good thoughts for Dan

with his test tomorrow. I did finally get him to laugh today when I found an

old box of Depends my mother left here the last time she visited, and asked him

if he would like to use them in case he didn't make it to the bathroom on time.

I have to drive him tomorrow. It's over an hour, so I'll be in serious

arthritis pain tomorrow. We also have to leave at 7 a.m. I am NOT a morning

person! I will wear clothing, but that's it. No fixing my hair, no make-up.

Get up at the last possible moment.

Thanks for listening.

Dix

[Guest guest]

Dixie,

I " think " I understand what you mean about the isolation--I tend to

clam up when I'm really hurting because when I talk about it too much

then Ron's tremors get worse because it upsets him, and I think

has so much to deal with having her kids, a new husband, an ex who is

a jerk, working, trying to decide on a new career, etc., so I just

keep quiet and smile and try to do what I've always done, be a rock

as you say. But that's what this group is for, so just let it all

hang out here because we'll hug you, pray for you, and hopefully make

you feel less alone. Keeping you and Dan in my prayers,

Judi