The discussion today will be two-fold, first, depression again. I’ll bet you’re saying, ’What the Frig (WTF), John, I’m depressed enough without you telling me about it’. (Would someone correct the punctuation on that for me? Now I’m just fishing for an email). And secondly, Happiness. I’ll bet you’re saying, ’What the Frig, John, I’m depressed enough without you telling me about it. I had a stroke remember! How can I be happy?
Actually, the first topic is really “feeling sorry for yourself” which leads to depression. I often fall into this trap. Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this? Why does everyone look funny at me like I’m weird because I walk with a limp and my hand is clenched tight all the time? Why do I always have pain on my numb side? How can I be happy? Do questions like this go through your head, too? I’m betting the answer is yes. Well, we’re not alone. I think that most stroke survivors go through this at one time or another. And the ones that don’t are the ones who get better quicker. They’re the ones with the type A positive attitude, damn them! I wish my attitude was type A positive! Luckily, I get by with a little help from my friends both human and chemical. Thank God I am lucky enough to have found the correct combination of meds. Sometimes you just can’t do it on your own and there’s nothing wrong with getting some help. I’m also lucky with the friends and family I have been given they’re very positive, loving and supportive. Especially my wife Mary who doesn’t give me a break! She keeps reminding me of all the good things I have! Thanks, Babe!
And therein comes the happiness part. I have one Mary, I have two fantastic daughters, I have two great grandsons and soon I will have two great sons-in-law. Plus all the grandparents get along with each other. How good is that? The list even goes on. I’m sure a lot of you can be thankful for your own Happiness builders if you think hard enough.
But what about those of you out there who don’t have friends and family to give you positive, loving support? And I’m sure there are a lot of you out there since there are so many of us stroke survivors. And we all have one thing in common to be thankful for survival! Many people who have a stroke aren’t that blessed to be alive! And some of you out there are saying why didn’t I die? It would be better than living like this.
Well, guess what, that’s one of the reasons this blog is here. To give those of you without much going for you the love, support and friendship you might need. Not just from me, but from my network ( I do have more than 10 readers, honest!), due to the large number of stroke survivors around there must be some like you who have been down and out, but pulled themselves out of it. Why not try to tap into that positivity and get some help from someone who’s walked the walk you’re walking right now? And how about those of you who have made the comeback writing in to tell us how you did it whether it’s a mental or physical comeback doesn’t matter. Both are valuable. Even I who have a lot to be thankful for can benefit from information especially the physical comeback stories. Maybe we can get some really good dialog going and help people. I think most people enjoy helping others and a lot like a little help now and then. I am one of the ones who likes to help others. Why not give me a shot at helping you? It doesn’t take much time.
If you made it this far thanks for reading the whole post. I appreciate it.
Take care!