Lupus Support Group

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for self help or spirituality books. I have been super depressed and I think I'm going to get a therapist. Yes I am already on anti depressants. I need more. Since all this started I have fought to stay positive and I can't pull myself out this time. I was hoping somebody had some books they could recommend. thanks

I wish I had some book suggestions for you but I don't. When I get super depressed I call my sister because she is very religious and she always helps me through the rough patches. Have you thought about going to your local library?

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

I would suggest to use the Bible your first reference point for a boost in spirituality. I'd also like to recommend Power in Praise by Merlin R. Carothers. This book was given to me by my husband's aunt and it is truly amazing.

I actually mentioned to my husband recently that I think I may need to see a therapist to help me cope with all my issues. My Father is a really great person for me to discuss spirituality and truth with because he is a Pastor. He really knows the Bible and reflects your life off of a scripture and puts everything in prospective.

Hang in there and I hope my suggestions will help.

I'm so sorry you're having a rough time.

Please consider talk therapy. Anti-depressants are a good start but talk therapy (with someone who understands chronic illness) is so much more helpful.

Being sick 24/7 sucks!

What helps me is to be grateful that my children are healthy, I have a good marriage with a husband who's incredibly understanding and that life, in general, is good. Things can always be worse! There is always something more terrible out there.

Try to find out what exactly is causing the depression. That'll give you a place to start. Is your pain controlled? Are you overwhelmed with being sick and still having to manage a home, kids, spouse, etc? Are you newly dx'd? Or all the above?

By acknowledging you have a problem, you are already on the road to recovery!

A couple books that I've found helpful

Strong at the Broken Places

Being Sick Well: Joyful Living Despite Chronic Illness.

by Jeffrey H. Boyd

http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/oct/24/ living_well_despite_chronic_illness19906/

Celebrate Life: New Attitudes for Living With Chronic Illness

Kathleen Lewis

http://letscelebratelife.com/

Hugs

Wow! these are all such good suggestions. I sure hope this helps you hshoe29.

Thanks for suggestions. I guess I'm depresses because I'm new diagnosed. In the being I thought that it was going to be over quickly. Boy, I was wrong. It's been nine months and my rheumy is still having to change around meds. Not being able to work has really taken the wind out of my sails. For almost all of my life, I have worked and gone to school. I was in the middle of my school for my fourth degree and working full time night (7pm-7am) when this all started. I know that there is never a "good" time for lupus or a flare. All and all it was a good time. I had great benefits. And as much as a feel sorry for myself, I have been able to manage, keep insurance, receive short term disability and now long term disability for work. The feeling of not know or having control over my life right now it very hard for me. I have always planned and built on tomorrow instead of living in the moment. Now I feel like I can't get out of the moment. It's trying to live with the guilt and anger and feeling helpless. I was the one doing the helping. I don't like feeling helpless and useless. I time I will find my path again. It's just difficult to not just want to give up and say, "fine you win." Thank you all for your help and support and listening to me vent.

HUGS!!!!!!!

Totally understand! Have been there, done that.

Remember, control is an illusion. We truly don't have control over our lives. We can plan all we want but doesn't mean it'll always work out the way we want. I'm a control freak so I know how hard it is to "give up" control.

Lupus really throws a wrench into our lives. I was dx'd 13 yrs ago and I still get angry, sad, depressed, etc. It's ok.

Find someone to talk to- a therapist, preacher, etc... someone who's trained in counseling. Talking to friends won't get you the same results, at least in my opinion.

Keep taking it one second at a time. Find some place to volunteer. It helps to give a sense of purpose. And you'll always get more back than what you put in.

I've been struggling with this sense of purpose, etc... my kids are 11 and 13 and I'm terrified of what I'm going to do when they leave. These years will fly by and I'm afraid......

if you ever want to chat, I'm crimsonshedemon on yahoo and msn .

Thats what were here for is to listen and support. It is difficult to going from a normal life to living with a disease. Not only has this changed my life but my families too. We go from enjoying the great outdoors-sunshine to living in a dungeon. I have become used to it but there are times when I see people walking and enjoying themselves outside it kind of gets to me. I usually go outside just when the sun is setting and actually it has become my very favortie time of the day. I enjoy the sunsets the birds the crickets and its my peacefull place just for me. We need those quiet times to ourselves. We all are in this together. Please take care of yourself.

Eva

I don't know if this is right for everyone, but I love "The Four Agreements" and "Mastery of Love"... Also, I anually read "The Tao of Pooh"; it helps me to get back to reality and trust the universe (God) and to know that it's easier to go with the flow and not fight it (what life gives you), or it makes the fight worse-especially when your all ready to exhausted to fight.