Depression. It's a silent killer.

[Wetkitty09]

Another holiday over. Just the wrapping paper to clean up.
Hope you’re doing well and have the best day you can.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Jodaily]

This has been a really rough holiday season for me this year. Worse than I can ever remember.

But I got a good laugh out of this… and I think you may too.

When I was little, my mother used to make Christmas cookies, my favorite being her pinwheel cookies which we always called swirls.

They are super hard to make, and my mileage varies year to year…

They are painstaking to make… they require a bakers hand. But I try every year to make them… they are refrigerator cookies, and so you have to make the dough, refrigerate them to make them harden up some, then roll them into thin sheets, let them harden again, then take the chocolate and the vanilla ones and roll them up into a roll. Then slice. Mine came in very dry this year.

Inspiration for Festivus poem of airing of grievances.

What they should look like…

https://imgur.com/a/mpcSiJs

How they turned out.

https://imgur.com/a/U5glnDr

Kudos to you! You put a lot into these and made the effort. A lot more than many people do. Have you tried rolling the dough out on parchment paper? After refrigerating those then it may be easier to stack them and roll them up. You should be able to use less flour, which can cause them to be a little dry. Just a thought from an old man baker.

 

[James_Bassytian]

Hope everyone got through the holidays well, they can be tough!

I promised a humorous story, but it's still stuck in pending. If it doesn't have a publication by the time I come home from work tomorrow, I'll cancel it and just post it here. It's not very long, only a little over 1.1k words, so it should fit in a single forum post.

Just a little something that can come out of the twisted mind of Bass when he isn't going through a depressive episode!

 

[Wonderer67]

Kudos to you! You put a lot into these and made the effort. A lot more than many people do. Have you tried rolling the dough out on parchment paper? After refrigerating those then it may be easier to stack them and roll them up. You should be able to use less flour, which can cause them to be a little dry. Just a thought from an old man baker.

TBH, about 70% of the cookies turned out pretty well. The second photograph is really just the scraps and the leftovers.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning in the chilly side or the PNW. I hope today goes as smooth as it can.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[James_Bassytian]

Well, I said I'd do this if the story were still pending today, so here it is! I'm sharing this story to give everyone a much-needed and deserved laugh. I had to step away from it at times to stop laughing while writing it!!

"Christmas with My Ass (Mule)"

​

With Christmas coming soon, I would like to tell you about what the holiday is like with my best friend, my ass.

So, my ass is just like any other. It’s big, strong, stubborn, and covered with gray and brown hair. However, there is no ass like mine; it’s my best buddy! We are inseparable, almost like we’re joined at the hip!

Sometimes, it’s hard to get me off my ass. My wife yells at me about it, but she never stays mad for long. After we fight, we make up, and I let her ride my ass until she wears herself out. Sometimes, when we make love, she sits on my lap, and I sit flat on my ass.

Toward the back of my property is a small pond, a hole really, that I take my ass to drink from. I call it the “asshole” because it’s my ass’s primary source of water. It hovers just above the surface and sucks water in like a vacuum, getting its cheeks wet. Other animals, such as birds, squirrels, and bunnies, also go there to drink. I could spend a day out there, watching all those cute little animals drink water from my asshole.

Sometimes, I catch neighbors trying to fish from my asshole. I always tell them that there are no fish in there. I’ve spent days deep-diving and searching with my hands, but never found anything. Yet, they can’t get it into their thick heads, so they yank their rods and cast their lines into my asshole.

I go to town with my ass a lot, mostly to spend quality time out of the house. It’s just a man and his ass, hanging out in public.

While in town, people stop and wave; my ass is quite popular. Many of them come up and run their hands all over my ass, pinching its cheeks. I even let a few of them have a ride. It’s not uncommon for a line of people to form, all of them waiting for a chance to ride my ass. Sometimes, two ride it at the same time! We tried three once, but that was a bit of a stretch; my poor ass can only take so much!

My family doesn’t get together for Thanksgiving because my son can’t get away from work, so we celebrate both holidays at Christmas. However, my wife and I still celebrate Thanksgiving, and my ass joins in too. We cook a turkey for us, and my ass gets a plate of chopped fruit. You see, asses need fiber-rich diets to stay healthy and regular. They can’t have a lot of protein, although mine tends to get more protein than the average ass does.

I tend to let my ass get hairy throughout the year, so at the beginning of December, I take it into the bathroom with a razor and hair clippers, and shave all the hair off. I shave it every day to keep it smooth all month. After all, everyone prefers to look at a clean-shaven ass!

Our house is where everyone gathers for Christmas. The children, who are grown now, come with their spouses, bringing food and presents. And of course, my ass is just as much a member of the family as everyone else. Whenever we greet them at the door, my children and their spouses hug us and kiss my ass, right on the cheek. Sometimes, my daughter-in-law spends a little too much time kissing it and goes for the mouth; I may need to have a talk with my son about that.

For Christmas dinner, we gather around the table, which is always covered with carefully prepared dishes. You can find anything: turkey, ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, casseroles of all kinds, and much more. There is even a plate of hay set aside for my ass. Joining us at the table, my ass opens wide and devours the hay in just a few gulps. Sometimes, it eats too fast and burps, releasing an odor that empties the room. I really need to do something about that bad breath; toothpaste and a brush don’t seem to work.

Sometimes my ass will steal presents out of our hands as we try to open them. One year, my daughter got a massage wand. She had barely taken it out of the box when that silly ass of mine yanked it out of her hand and ran off with it. It took all of us working together to pull that wand out of my ass’s strong grip!

Last Christmas, there was a tragedy in the family. Uncle Rick, who was seventy-six, always loved playing with and riding my ass. He would spend so many hours riding it that four years ago, my aunt left him, accusing him of cheating on her with me and my ass. He had no children, and his sister, my mother, had already passed, so we invited him to Christmas dinner every year after that. Rick loved feeding hay to my ass; it would suck straws from his hand into its piehole one by one, then bray happily.

That night, everyone took turns riding my ass while the others watched and cheered. My daughter filmed it all on her phone. When Uncle Rick’s turn came, he rode the hardest he had ever ridden it. At one point, he grabbed his chest and fell off my ass onto the floor. Sadly, the paramedics were unable to revive him, pronouncing him dead at the scene. I tell myself that he died doing what he loved most: riding my ass. It’s what helps me sleep at night.

Uncle Rick’s funeral was on New Year’s Eve, held at the church. The entire town showed up to pay their respects. And yes, my ass was also in attendance. Asses have feelings, too!!

We were next in line to view Uncle Rick in his casket; he looked like he was sleeping peacefully. He only ever had that look after riding my ass. I moved to the side to let my ass lean over the edge and nuzzle its cheek against his. Then, it puckered up and gave him a goodbye kiss. After witnessing such a loving gesture, there was not a dry eye in the chapel.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a brief glimpse of what Christmas is like with my ass. We were sad to lose Uncle Rick last year, but I’m sure he’s smiling down at us in Heaven as we speak, looking right at my ass. When we get up there, I’ll let him ride it forever!

We have a portrait of Rick on my ass in the living room. I was looking at it one day and realized how photogenic my ass is! I’m strongly considering taking pictures of it and selling them online!

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to shave and wash my ass, I’ve let it become quite hairy and smelly!

 

[Wetkitty09]

Well, I said I'd do this if the story were still pending today, so here it is! I'm sharing this story to give everyone a much-needed and deserved laugh. I had to step away from it at times to stop laughing while writing it!!

"Christmas with My Ass (Mule)"

​

With Christmas coming soon, I would like to tell you about what the holiday is like with my best friend, my ass.

So, my ass is just like any other. It’s big, strong, stubborn, and covered with gray and brown hair. However, there is no ass like mine; it’s my best buddy! We are inseparable, almost like we’re joined at the hip!

Sometimes, it’s hard to get me off my ass. My wife yells at me about it, but she never stays mad for long. After we fight, we make up, and I let her ride my ass until she wears herself out. Sometimes, when we make love, she sits on my lap, and I sit flat on my ass.

Toward the back of my property is a small pond, a hole really, that I take my ass to drink from. I call it the “asshole” because it’s my ass’s primary source of water. It hovers just above the surface and sucks water in like a vacuum, getting its cheeks wet. Other animals, such as birds, squirrels, and bunnies, also go there to drink. I could spend a day out there, watching all those cute little animals drink water from my asshole.

Sometimes, I catch neighbors trying to fish from my asshole. I always tell them that there are no fish in there. I’ve spent days deep-diving and searching with my hands, but never found anything. Yet, they can’t get it into their thick heads, so they yank their rods and cast their lines into my asshole.

I go to town with my ass a lot, mostly to spend quality time out of the house. It’s just a man and his ass, hanging out in public.

While in town, people stop and wave; my ass is quite popular. Many of them come up and run their hands all over my ass, pinching its cheeks. I even let a few of them have a ride. It’s not uncommon for a line of people to form, all of them waiting for a chance to ride my ass. Sometimes, two ride it at the same time! We tried three once, but that was a bit of a stretch; my poor ass can only take so much!

My family doesn’t get together for Thanksgiving because my son can’t get away from work, so we celebrate both holidays at Christmas. However, my wife and I still celebrate Thanksgiving, and my ass joins in too. We cook a turkey for us, and my ass gets a plate of chopped fruit. You see, asses need fiber-rich diets to stay healthy and regular. They can’t have a lot of protein, although mine tends to get more protein than the average ass does.

I tend to let my ass get hairy throughout the year, so at the beginning of December, I take it into the bathroom with a razor and hair clippers, and shave all the hair off. I shave it every day to keep it smooth all month. After all, everyone prefers to look at a clean-shaven ass!

Our house is where everyone gathers for Christmas. The children, who are grown now, come with their spouses, bringing food and presents. And of course, my ass is just as much a member of the family as everyone else. Whenever we greet them at the door, my children and their spouses hug us and kiss my ass, right on the cheek. Sometimes, my daughter-in-law spends a little too much time kissing it and goes for the mouth; I may need to have a talk with my son about that.

For Christmas dinner, we gather around the table, which is always covered with carefully prepared dishes. You can find anything: turkey, ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, casseroles of all kinds, and much more. There is even a plate of hay set aside for my ass. Joining us at the table, my ass opens wide and devours the hay in just a few gulps. Sometimes, it eats too fast and burps, releasing an odor that empties the room. I really need to do something about that bad breath; toothpaste and a brush don’t seem to work.

Sometimes my ass will steal presents out of our hands as we try to open them. One year, my daughter got a massage wand. She had barely taken it out of the box when that silly ass of mine yanked it out of her hand and ran off with it. It took all of us working together to pull that wand out of my ass’s strong grip!

Last Christmas, there was a tragedy in the family. Uncle Rick, who was seventy-six, always loved playing with and riding my ass. He would spend so many hours riding it that four years ago, my aunt left him, accusing him of cheating on her with me and my ass. He had no children, and his sister, my mother, had already passed, so we invited him to Christmas dinner every year after that. Rick loved feeding hay to my ass; it would suck straws from his hand into its piehole one by one, then bray happily.

That night, everyone took turns riding my ass while the others watched and cheered. My daughter filmed it all on her phone. When Uncle Rick’s turn came, he rode the hardest he had ever ridden it. At one point, he grabbed his chest and fell off my ass onto the floor. Sadly, the paramedics were unable to revive him, pronouncing him dead at the scene. I tell myself that he died doing what he loved most: riding my ass. It’s what helps me sleep at night.

Uncle Rick’s funeral was on New Year’s Eve, held at the church. The entire town showed up to pay their respects. And yes, my ass was also in attendance. Asses have feelings, too!!

We were next in line to view Uncle Rick in his casket; he looked like he was sleeping peacefully. He only ever had that look after riding my ass. I moved to the side to let my ass lean over the edge and nuzzle its cheek against his. Then, it puckered up and gave him a goodbye kiss. After witnessing such a loving gesture, there was not a dry eye in the chapel.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a brief glimpse of what Christmas is like with my ass. We were sad to lose Uncle Rick last year, but I’m sure he’s smiling down at us in Heaven as we speak, looking right at my ass. When we get up there, I’ll let him ride it forever!

We have a portrait of Rick on my ass in the living room. I was looking at it one day and realized how photogenic my ass is! I’m strongly considering taking pictures of it and selling them online!

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to shave and wash my ass, I’ve let it become quite hairy and smelly!

Very fun. I’m sure your ass loves it too.

 

[James_Bassytian]

Very fun. I’m sure your ass loves it too.

Yes, I have a lot of fun sharing my ass with everyone!

 

[Wetkitty09]

I hope you’re having the best day you can.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wetkitty09]

I’m watching the sun rise while drinking coffee. I’m at a friends place and warm and clean. I’m thankful for all that I have, even the hardships.

I hope you’re having the best day you can.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning from the eastern side of the PNW. Last day in my warm comfy place at a friends home. I’m hurting from my lack of activity. Who knew?
Have the best day you can.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[cutcrystal899]

Fortunately I was working 24, 25 and 26 December. So I had no time to slump. Everything seems empty after that. No surviving family, so it's just me. And work again Jan 1.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning. I’m starting a new gig today and then helping with a bonfire for the new year.
Hope you’re having the best day you can.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wetkitty09]

A new year and a new day. I hope it’s better than the last one.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Beholders_Eye]

Along with depression, I am also subject to panic attacks. A year ago, the retirement community I live in had a New Year's Eve casino night at the dinner hour which was replete with noise, commotion, etc. Pushed me into a full blown panic attack where I literally ran out of the dining room . This year, I arranged to eat dinner in my apartment and avoided the casino night chaos. Peace and quiet! Glad to have foreseen and avoided the incident. Proud of myself, actually....

 

[LucianaGrace]

 

[LeeKee]

Hell is your wife of decades knowing you are hurt and responds with dead silence, blank stares into there phone, or worse, the "get over it speech".

Worse even yet, makes it point to rub it in. I could blow my brains out in front of her and she wouldn't flinch.

Complete void of human empathy.

Thats depressing.

 

[Tomr2527]

Hope everyone going back to work for the first time after the holidays is doing well. Always here if anyone wants to chat!

Tom

 

[Wetkitty09]

I’ve been fortunate to be able to build a repertoire of tools to help me with most of the issues that come up in my life. Self care and regulation are two very important tools. I use them constantly and I know when things are going dark when one of those things slips. I am able, many times, to pull myself out of a slump by focusing on what brought on the slip before it became too bad.
Use the healthy tools available to you to find your relief.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wetkitty09]

Along with depression, I am also subject to panic attacks. A year ago, the retirement community I live in had a New Year's Eve casino night at the dinner hour which was replete with noise, commotion, etc. Pushed me into a full blown panic attack where I literally ran out of the dining room . This year, I arranged to eat dinner in my apartment and avoided the casino night chaos. Peace and quiet! Glad to have foreseen and avoided the incident. Proud of myself, actually....

As you should be.

 

[Beholders_Eye]

I’ve been fortunate to be able to build a repertoire of tools to help me with most of the issues that come up in my life. Self care and regulation are two very important tools. I use them constantly and I know when things are going dark when one of those things slips. I am able, many times, to pull myself out of a slump by focusing on what brought on the slip before it became too bad.
Use the healthy tools available to you to find your relief.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

Excellent advice for the new year. Smart lady!

 

[Wetkitty09]

Morning from a mushy slushy eastern Washington state. Such a weird weather year so far.
The birds are a delight to watch out the window while I enjoy my coffee. Quail, Juncos and little brown birds with red heads.
Getting outside my head and enjoying the world around me helps keep the dark at bay.
Have the best day you can.
Be safe out there.
Love you.

 

[Wonderer67]

Along with depression, I am also subject to panic attacks. A year ago, the retirement community I live in had a New Year's Eve casino night at the dinner hour which was replete with noise, commotion, etc. Pushed me into a full blown panic attack where I literally ran out of the dining room . This year, I arranged to eat dinner in my apartment and avoided the casino night chaos. Peace and quiet! Glad to have foreseen and avoided the incident. Proud of myself, actually....

Good call and good catch. Glad you saw it and were aware of it.

 

[Wonderer67]

I’ve been fortunate to be able to build a repertoire of tools to help me with most of the issues that come up in my life. Self care and regulation are two very important tools. I use them constantly and I know when things are going dark when one of those things slips. I am able, many times, to pull myself out of a slump by focusing on what brought on the slip before it became too bad.
Use the healthy tools available to you to find your relief.

Be safe out there.
Love you.

That is learning and knowing oneself.

 

[Wonderer67]

I know a lot about myself, my feelings and my mental awareness now to know how and where to reach out. I went into a very dark and very bad place late last year… maybe around early November. I told my doc during my annual checkup things were going dark. She told me to make use of the tools I had. She knows me.

November and December were rough. Really bad. SAD, ptsd dreams, depression, anxiety. I feel like I am over the hump now the holidays are behind me. It was so bad a few times that I didn’t see any way out.

The days are getting longer. The holidays are behind me. Feels sorta like w new years, there’s a feeling of a new start, although I am still very irritable.

I still have a lot to learn. There are times I hold myself to a ridiculously high standard. Compare myself to others. Sometimes I am too proud to reach out.