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Hi again, people. I have a question about dating with severe depression.

I started seeing someone earlier this winter. And then I had a bad relapse. I was open and honest with that person and told him about my condition and that I was very interested in him and wanted to continue dating him. He told me he was very interested as well and agreed to wait until April. I had to cancel a few dates on him because I was hoping I could still do it but later learned I did not have any energy to go out. I also had tons of homework and 7 college courses on my plate.

School's over but the person, who messaged me many times while I was taking care of my issues, now does not want to see me.

Why make all these promises and then ghost me like that? Was that revenge? Did I hurt his feelings when I asked to wait for me a couple of months?

This is not the 1st time this happens to me. Do people find it offensive when I tell them I am going through  stuff and would like to take some time off?

I don't know if there is a way to explain to someone who's healthy what it's like living with severe treatment resistant depression. It gets worse when I have lots of stress in my life, and that's exactly what I was going through trying to complete those 7 courses.

Hi Everyone

Would you have any tips on how to figure out when to stop chasing after certain types of people.

I am female, so I don't chase aggressively but I do let them know if I am interested.
Yes, rejection is normal and it happens to all of us... But how do I know I am trying to date guys that will never find me attractive?
When does the normal rate of rejection end and the signs that I should re-think my dating goals begin?

I am using online dating apps and am looking for someone who is a nerdy guy, who is into all things thechy, who is over 32 a bit underweight. 

3 out 5 dates turned me down. And the ones who liked me - unfortunately, I did not feel a connection.
Is that a warning sign? Or is that normal?

For some reason, it's the ones I like that end up ditching me.

I will be spending the holidays alone and this is the tenth year I end up like this.
Not sure what to do because I have tried different things but feeling lost now.

Have you been isolated because of overwhelming pain? I don't know how to interact with people when I'm like this. I feel I have no skin.

Wanted to volunteer and serve Xmas dinner at an elderly people's place, but with my low energy level and social anxiety I don't think they will enjoy my presence. When I'm this low I tend to burn food. I feel afraid to even look at people so intense my internal pain is.

I worked so hard to avoid this scenario this year and here it all coming at me again.
I am a mess, can't even go get some groceries as that triggers tons of intense emotions and mental pain.

I've started looking for a therapist. Kind of confused right now.
Hmm, how do I find someone I am comfortable with long-term?
Are my expectations realistic?

I guess this will be a bit of a rant...

Most of therapists say they specialize on anxiety and depression, and even trauma  .
You see, the thing I am confused about is why the two therapists I've talked to would not comment back on how far I've come in my recovery. They'd start with "what do you do for a living" and keep it there. They'd acknowledge that I am a university student and praise my academic effort, yet no one would see past these look-good-on-a-resume badges and talk about what it really takes to pull yourself out of *.

Recovering from severe mental illness has cost me more time, effort and energy than anything else in my life. Being a student comes nowhere near that. But, unless I become a peer support worker, no one wants to hear about mental illness, disability and recovery. Not even the two therapists I've talked with. I kinda wanted to start from there and avoid discussing some of the more external stuff for some time.

My experience with mental health workers in government-sponsored programs (I'm in Canada) has been mostly positive  . I love those folks, but the programs are short-term. These guys often notice each person's progress, even if that person is not enrolled in school or is not employed. Yes, I used to be that girl. No job, no degree, no social life. Locked in my apartment, completely alone. So I am really grateful for all these short-term CBT and DBT and WRAP groups that are offered around here for free. I now have many more tools in my self-care tool box.

But I kinda expect paid therapy(covered by my school insurance) to be somewhat like that, too.

Fighting a disease takes a lot of energy and commitment, yet I can't put that experience on my resume or discuss it at a networking event.
But can I talk about that with a therapist, please? Someone who really gets it would be nice.

Anyone can become disabled and unfit for service. And this life experience is no less valuable than any other.

Hi everyone,

I'm a university student from Canada.    Been looking around and decided to register.
This is a great resource with lots of helpful info and genuine support. Hope I can contribute in some ways and learn more from you. I just received Pete Walker's book in the mail the other day. It's a treasure! And thanks for recommending SFhelp.org. I am now ready to address my CPTSD.

My recovery journey began when I was 15. At that time, I was diagnosed with depression and hospitalized. Well, meds didn't really do much for me. Then I was treated for Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD). I have done some talk therapy, CBT, DBT, learned mindfulness meditation, attended some self-help workshops, worked a naturopathic doctor, and am finally coming to the realization that it is my CPTSD that is at the core of it all. I am happy I've found the real reason for my struggles and am hopeful about my recovery.

It is amazing how many resources are available on the internet. I have not found a therapist yet but am learning about CPTSD recovery online and find that very encouraging.