6 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

How do you help others when you can hardly help yourself? I find myself taking a traumatic path again leading to the death of a loved one. First last Nov and now again with my husband's mom. But this time I have to be strong for someone else...how do you provide support when emotionally you are falling down yourself???

I tried to bury myself in recent pictures I'd taken to show him to lighten the mood and all I could focus on was how much editing they needed.

It seems my mind is narrowing...so I asked questions where I always go when things are tough about the pictures and then I realized I could ask about the other as well... for being there to help...its the greatest gift of this site.

[TCdamsel]

Thank you for being authentic, emotionally honest, and courageous in letting others know your struggles.

You are demonstrating exactly what it takes to stay emotionally safe and resilient in the face of overwhelming adversity.

[uwfan]

Sometimes the tears just come. Sometimes crying with someone is exactly what they need. Sometimes words fail and being there in the silence feeling the pain of that other person when neither of you has strength or energy to say what you want to say, sometimes that is exactly what is needed.

Sometimes the thing that supports someone the most is the prayers you pray.
Hang in there and know we're all thinking and praying for you.

[Sharklover]

What a difficult situation you are in. So sorry you are feeling so very vulnerable in a time where you want to feel strong. Please, do not beat yourself up about where you are or where you are not, your feelings are quite normal.

Have you ever taken any sort of meditation class? I did once, learning all sorts of techniques, as everyone is different in what works for them. Not that you have time to take a class right now. But when you find yourself at that breaking point, could you find a quiet place, and just sit and breathe deeply in and out, trying your best to empty your mind of everything that is going on and just focus on your breath?

I thought it sounded kind of silly myself. But I hit bottom at one point and had to try it. It really helped me to garner what strength I had to deal with what i had to deal with, and to try to get some of the worry and noise out of my brain. I sometimes still take 5 minutes to do this before embarking on a difficult conversation at work or in life.

Virtual peace coming your way.

[Mermaid Lady]

Kamala,

Scott is right. Your being there with Bill is a much bigger gift to him than trying to appear strong. He is very lucky to have you, strong or not.

Sending love and prayers your way!