I’ve been out of work since April.
Trump stop funding the government department that employed me. Instead he sends troops to cities. As an American I can’t afford a therapist. Even if I had insurance I’ve had nothing but bad experience with therepy. I don’t have family that will help me. I’m going hungry most days to stretch my budget.
I don’t hate animals, but pets are expensive. Just spent $225 yesterday on an ear infection. My cat has an allergy we cant figure out. We can’t afford it. Recommending a pet to even a person who likes animals, but stuggles financially isn’t good advice.
This is my first pet, and I probably won’t get another just because cost is high for vet care and food/litter. We have two cats and we spend probably $200 a month or more just for necessities before vet visits. Flea/tick meds are monthly and $100 just for the two of em. So make that $300 a month on necessities, aye..
If you we’re in my neighborhood I would feed youm that goes for anyone.
There’s that ‘lasagna for love’ organization, I’ve never used it, but I’ve heard about it. Give it a go?
I hate using Amazon, and I am absolutely on snap, but maybe I could send you some noodles or something? You just set up a list and I can purchase it for you.
A number of years ago, reddit had that page, idk the name I forgot, but so many people sent us food when we were struggling. I absolutely can pay it forward today. Lmk
Any support circles in the community that can help government or otherwise? Some really nice people in those organizations that are ready to lend a hand
This is usually it for me, but recently I’m feeling down because there’s a strong chance that my just-turned-one-year-old puppy will outlive me. By a lot. And then her life would be depressing because my partner would largely leave her home alone, not play with her, not take her anywhere, and not keep up with her medical needs.
Meanwile, I don’t actually want to live as long as she should and I would feel so guilty leaving her behind, even if I end up having little or no control over it.
So I alternate between living for my dogs (the other one is getting old, so I don’t worry about this with her so much) and wishing that I had never gotten the puppy. But of course, I got the puppy so I wouldn’t kill myself when the older dog dies. It’s a conundrum.
A cold shower. It takes a huge amount of effort for me to actually do it, but if I do, it’s the best thing ever.
Immediately changes my mood, literally cools my head down and I can’t think anything else except “ahhhh cold!” while doing it.
If you’re in a rough mood, you would rather pet your cats than have sex if you could choose, is what you’re saying? Not judging, just trying to gain perspective.
Sometimes what we would choose isn’t what’s best for us.
There’s just something about sitting in a depressed lump on the couch and having a cat hop up and snuggle into your lap that does wonders for your psyche.
I mean, I had several cats over a span of 22 years, but sex is much better for my psyche. 😅 Whatever makes you feel good though, friend, that’s what you do!
Mindfulness meditation is sometimes all it takes. Your mental state is often fully under your control, and in those times you can choose to put down whatever you were upset about and then move on with being happy.
“Remember, it is not enough to be hit or insulted to be harmed, you must believe that you are being harmed. If someone succeeds in provoking you, realise your mind is complicit in the provocation. Which is why it is essential that we not respond impulsively to impressions; take a moment before reacting, and you will find it easier to maintain control.” – Epictetus
My dad’s been trying to get me into that, I’ve gone on a couple rides with him on a 1970s Yamaha 500, I forget the exact model. I focus mostly on what I’m doing and what I need to do coming up while I’m riding, don’t suppose you know how to stress less and focus on the experience more while you’re riding? Is it just an experience issue?
As a rider for 40+ years now, I can honestly tell you that I still get the jitters at times, especially when I am on a new bike but I don’t compare that to stress. I find that even when I am nervous on a bike, I still get off the ride and have less stress than when I started the ride. It’s been a long time since I was a new rider, but I have watched a couple of my kids get started and remember the feelings when you are trying to figure out shifting, clutch work, braking and the rest of what goes along with it. I think you nailed it on the head though, and experience will make that part of the ride all but disappear into muscle memory. When you get comfortable with that part of the ride I find that’s when it becomes more of a relaxing time for me. That might sound wrong, but it’s not like I let my guard down, it’s more like the feeling when you are so focused on one thing that everything else fades into the distance. When I am out for a ride things like bills, work, all of the stressors of life just take a backseat. I also don’t play music while I am riding, although I do have a couple of tunes that my brain seems to just belt out as I am going along. That’s when you know you are in the zone, when you start singing a song to yourself. I have two songs that come up all the time, and oddly enough they aren’t really the type of music I listen to, but hey the brain is a funny thing. First is the Smokey and the Bandit song - Eastbound and down… And the second for some ungodly reason is the opening theme song for Gilligan’s Island. Don’t ask..
I am curious what other riders have as their head music when they are riding. Now get out there and ride more with your Dad. I am sure it means a lot to him to have you along. You are welcome to ride with me as well. And let me know what song pops up in your head when it happens.
Getting harder and harder but my go tos are walks and baths and my dog. food and drink is nice but tends to get into more of a wallow situation. that can be nice sometimes though.
Olio Cafe
toomanypancakes
Nothing.
I just kind of ride it out.
Every day.
You alright?
Nope.
I’m glad you are open about it. That’s a good thing. Are you open about it to anyone close to you in your life? Or not close to you? A therapist even?
I’ve been out of work since April.
Trump stop funding the government department that employed me. Instead he sends troops to cities. As an American I can’t afford a therapist. Even if I had insurance I’ve had nothing but bad experience with therepy. I don’t have family that will help me. I’m going hungry most days to stretch my budget.
In a couple months I turn 40.
I’m sorry this is happening to you. Maybe you could live with someone as a room mate until things turn around.
How’s job hunting? Are you active in that?
I hope your birthday will be a good day, buddy. Cheers!
Judging by the other answers here you should get a pet. I hope you are seeking help.
Pets annoy the hell out me. I hate animals to a point where I became a vegetarian years ago.
I’m not trolling, I’m 100% serious.
I don’t hate animals, but pets are expensive. Just spent $225 yesterday on an ear infection. My cat has an allergy we cant figure out. We can’t afford it. Recommending a pet to even a person who likes animals, but stuggles financially isn’t good advice.
This is my first pet, and I probably won’t get another just because cost is high for vet care and food/litter. We have two cats and we spend probably $200 a month or more just for necessities before vet visits. Flea/tick meds are monthly and $100 just for the two of em. So make that $300 a month on necessities, aye..
I can’t afford to love anything.
A little bit of exercise should help. Start with walks?
I’m going hungry most days. Walking doesn’t help.
If you we’re in my neighborhood I would feed youm that goes for anyone.
There’s that ‘lasagna for love’ organization, I’ve never used it, but I’ve heard about it. Give it a go?
I hate using Amazon, and I am absolutely on snap, but maybe I could send you some noodles or something? You just set up a list and I can purchase it for you.
A number of years ago, reddit had that page, idk the name I forgot, but so many people sent us food when we were struggling. I absolutely can pay it forward today. Lmk
I really do appreciate that from the bottom of my heart. That being said I’m trying to keep a level of animioty between myself and the internet.
I’m willing to give up that animioty for full time employment if you’re in a position to help with that.
I need a job over a hand out.
Once again I very much appreciate the offer.
Yeah no worries, I wish I could help with employment truly. Best of luck to you
Any support circles in the community that can help government or otherwise? Some really nice people in those organizations that are ready to lend a hand
Cat head bump.
My dog. Him being happy makes me happy.
This is usually it for me, but recently I’m feeling down because there’s a strong chance that my just-turned-one-year-old puppy will outlive me. By a lot. And then her life would be depressing because my partner would largely leave her home alone, not play with her, not take her anywhere, and not keep up with her medical needs.
Meanwile, I don’t actually want to live as long as she should and I would feel so guilty leaving her behind, even if I end up having little or no control over it.
So I alternate between living for my dogs (the other one is getting old, so I don’t worry about this with her so much) and wishing that I had never gotten the puppy. But of course, I got the puppy so I wouldn’t kill myself when the older dog dies. It’s a conundrum.
It’s all chemical for me. Eating, hormones, etc
Weed
I’m very lucky to have a friend that doesn’t try to make me “feel better”. She just sits with me and makes me feel… not alone.
I hope I can return the favor one day, but more importantly I hope she never feels this level of despair to begin with.
Music.
I have a playlist of songs that I can’t stop myself from singing along to. That usually helps a ton.
Cuddling with the pups
My cat.
I try to find even 10 minutes alone to decompress and watch what little nature I can. Usually helps a bit.
That or a short walk or stretch, both good.
A cold shower. It takes a huge amount of effort for me to actually do it, but if I do, it’s the best thing ever.
Immediately changes my mood, literally cools my head down and I can’t think anything else except “ahhhh cold!” while doing it.
Afterwards it feels like a big accomplishment.
Cats, sex, drugs and food. In that order.
As long as the cats are consenting!
Cats first, wow.
I stand by what I said.
I love them
If you’re in a rough mood, you would rather pet your cats than have sex if you could choose, is what you’re saying? Not judging, just trying to gain perspective.
Male/female/other?
Sometimes what we would choose isn’t what’s best for us.
There’s just something about sitting in a depressed lump on the couch and having a cat hop up and snuggle into your lap that does wonders for your psyche.
I am male, the cats vary.
I mean, I had several cats over a span of 22 years, but sex is much better for my psyche. 😅 Whatever makes you feel good though, friend, that’s what you do!
A nap usually does me good. But I’m having a hard time today because my family is in Chicago and I’m worried about the lunatics statements this week.
Mindfulness meditation is sometimes all it takes. Your mental state is often fully under your control, and in those times you can choose to put down whatever you were upset about and then move on with being happy.
A nice motorcycle ride. When I am on the motorcycle everything just disappears and I am hyperfocused on the ride.
My dad’s been trying to get me into that, I’ve gone on a couple rides with him on a 1970s Yamaha 500, I forget the exact model. I focus mostly on what I’m doing and what I need to do coming up while I’m riding, don’t suppose you know how to stress less and focus on the experience more while you’re riding? Is it just an experience issue?
As a rider for 40+ years now, I can honestly tell you that I still get the jitters at times, especially when I am on a new bike but I don’t compare that to stress. I find that even when I am nervous on a bike, I still get off the ride and have less stress than when I started the ride. It’s been a long time since I was a new rider, but I have watched a couple of my kids get started and remember the feelings when you are trying to figure out shifting, clutch work, braking and the rest of what goes along with it. I think you nailed it on the head though, and experience will make that part of the ride all but disappear into muscle memory. When you get comfortable with that part of the ride I find that’s when it becomes more of a relaxing time for me. That might sound wrong, but it’s not like I let my guard down, it’s more like the feeling when you are so focused on one thing that everything else fades into the distance. When I am out for a ride things like bills, work, all of the stressors of life just take a backseat. I also don’t play music while I am riding, although I do have a couple of tunes that my brain seems to just belt out as I am going along. That’s when you know you are in the zone, when you start singing a song to yourself. I have two songs that come up all the time, and oddly enough they aren’t really the type of music I listen to, but hey the brain is a funny thing. First is the Smokey and the Bandit song - Eastbound and down… And the second for some ungodly reason is the opening theme song for Gilligan’s Island. Don’t ask..
I am curious what other riders have as their head music when they are riding. Now get out there and ride more with your Dad. I am sure it means a lot to him to have you along. You are welcome to ride with me as well. And let me know what song pops up in your head when it happens.
My wonderful cat and a cozy book
Fluffy pet and a book is a great combo!
Getting harder and harder but my go tos are walks and baths and my dog. food and drink is nice but tends to get into more of a wallow situation. that can be nice sometimes though.
Frozen custard, and a nice afternoon siesta nap.
Laughing at stupid people usually does the trick.
My go-to since 1983 is listening to the B-52s album Whammy!
I drink fizzy drinks and eat chocolate as comfort. Usually Pepsi Max and Cadbury’s Dairy Milk.
It’s a bad habit, I know.
Ride a bicycle into my, I don’t fucking care about anything pain zone
Being restrained, beaten, and bitten, then made to orgasm as many times as master wants.
Sex.
I can coast off the high from a good fuck for about a week.
Drugs and rock & roll, too. They’re classics for a reason, people.
Kissing a kitty belly.
Tequila
When I’m sad I often listen to The Lonely Island, the stupidity and silliness cheers me up.
Suffice to say that I basically know all their songs off by heart.
Cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, LSD
A solid nap.
a nap
Caffeine, a snack, and something short and silly to watch like an old College Humor video.
Cheese.
cum
Pet my cat
Woodworking
Reading
Watching After Hours or OPCD
Hanging out with my wife (100% effective)
Deleted by moderator
Watching that video of Charlie Kirk’s neck exploding was the last happy moment I experienced.
So much suffering ended and prevented with 1 shot, so many lives saved and improved. The world tangibly became a better place on 9/10/25
So, more of that plz. :3
Breakfast burritos do it for me sometimes too.
To go see how many russians were eliminated on the day.