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From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-28-2005, 10:52 PM (1 of 13)
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Has anyone else NOT been able to sew for awhile ??? I have 4 machines sitting in my sewing room. I have projects, quilts, t-shirts, nightgowns, pillows, blouses, etc. Cut out, ready to sew, embroider, whatever. I keep hoping by starting, cutting things out, setting up to embroider, looking through my embroidery cards to find something I want. That I'll be able to set down and sew/embroider. I haven't been able to since Dec. (after Harry my ferret died.) I feel like the last two years, mystery stereo (yes it still plays), 5 dead ferrets, bad furniture, 2 hurricanes (damages, repairs), my MIL in and out of the hospital. Taking care of my neighbor (sorta), my husband is home 2 wks a month, if I'm lucky, has taken something out of me. I'm on 'drugs' (lexapro and klonopin so I don't get too upset at the stereo and keep my blood pressure down)( ambien to sleep, cause of my friend the thumping stereo, again) since Feb of this year. Never took things like that before and I really don't think they work. I don't feel depressed. (that MAY be the drugs), but I also don't feel like doing anything. I've always been a crafty person, always doing something with my hands, full of energy (most of the time). Now I just feel blah, or I have crying fits ONLY at the computer. I belong to 3 'pet bereavement' sites. (they make me cry). I can sit at the computer for hrs on end, reading, typing, playing games. I can watch t.v. I can talk on the phone (to my neighbor across the street, she likes to call, rather than just come the heck over.) for hrs. I can read. I sleep pretty well. I just don't seem to be able to sew/embroider. It's been 7 mnths.....Has ANYONE been through something like this ??? Thanks, Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: blackie
Date: 07-28-2005, 11:21 PM (2 of 13)
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Kath - I am so sorry to hear how hard of a time you are having. To answer your question, I haven't had experience with losing my desire to do something I love. My history shows I respond to depression by hyperfunctioning, so in other words taking on waaaaayy too much in an attempt to avoid my problems. But 'nuff about me. From the outside, it sounds like moderate to serious depression. I would urge counseling. I don't know if your insurance covers it (mine does, thank God) but just remember it is even more expensive (in every way - not just monetarily) to ignore depression and its effects. A counselor can help you find what part of grieving for Harry is helpful and what part has turned into something that is keeping you from achieving peace. A counselor can also help you know just how well medication is or isn't working. I don't know if you've been to counseling, but it is not a "cure all". I believe one has to be prepared for slow healing (sometimes, not always) and realize that counseling will only help if you are going to help yourself (not just be a "worry well"). Also, give yourself a break and know you are an OK person to feel this way! Life is full of losses and some of them take a while to move on from. I couldn't tell by your post if you wanted to just vent, or if you wanted addvice, or sympathy. I am a big "advice-giver" so that's mostly what I do. But you have my support and I hope you continue to post here if it helps. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Skye
Date: 07-29-2005, 03:07 AM (3 of 13)
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Oh I can relate to wht you are saying. I haven't sewn for 1 month other than make some button holes 2 days ago and that's not real sewing. I have 2 tops cut out and a quilt top to machine quilt and I just cant get motivated (sigh) I have , however, bought fabric today so perhaps that's a sign - either that or my stash is just going to grow. Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-29-2005, 06:55 AM (4 of 13)
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Chrys -- I agree with Blackie. It sounds like a touch of depression and finding someone professional to talk to would probably help a lot. I get that way occasionally. I did it to some degree after each baby and again at or just before menopause. I was about 50 and had just left a job. I think it is really hormonal but something traumatic sets it off. That noise probably isn't helping either. Why not try making something small for someone else. A purse for a friend or something like that. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: grandmasue
Date: 07-29-2005, 09:33 AM (5 of 13)
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Yes I agree with the others who say this could be depression. I have had to accept the fact that I have a medical condition called depression. Many people are not educated on what depression is so they do not recognize it or think you can fix it yourself. You have certainly experienced enough in your life lately to set off a bout of depression. One of the triggers for my depression is just having a couple of nights where I get disturbed sleep. Even tho my sleep patterns return to normal quickly, it will have triggered a bout of depression off for me. And from reading your posts you have had MANY nights of poor sleep) So yes, Chrys, please talk to your doctor or seek couseling if you can. And don't wait, it's easier to deal with what you are feeling now than to wait as long as I did and try to climb out of a really deep dark hole like I did. Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: toadusew
Date: 07-29-2005, 09:55 AM (6 of 13)
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I agree that depression may be the culprit here. It does sound as if you have had a rough couple of years. My last couple of years have been a bit odd and rough as well, so I can relate. I can also relate to not being able to sew/embroider. This has just happened to me in the past couple of weeks or so--I think it's just too much going on in my own life. However, there are a couple of "have to" jobs waiting on me at the sewing machine, so I'm going to try to get to those today. I agree with the advice others have given--talking to a doctor/professional may help. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-29-2005, 10:24 AM (7 of 13)
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You have several strong reasons for a case for depression. However, sometimes the depression can be enhanced by the drugs we are taking. You need to talk to your doctor and make sure that the drugs aren't "helping" the condition and follow his suggestions. Depression can cause exhaustion, exhaustion can cause depression too. Some drugs can also cause sleeplessness. The diagnosis is pretty simple, and the causes seem obvious, but there may be more to it. I've fought this over the last few years through my mother's illness and tragic death (and dealing with health care and workers before and family things during and after). It is very difficult to get out once you are "in the hole" without help. I hope that the doctors can help you quickly! If they suggest drugs, keep in mind that it often takes several tries at the drugs to find one that is good for you and to get the doses right...so hang in there. They can work miracles and you'd be surprised at the people you know who are taking them (I guarantee). pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 07-29-2005, 11:11 AM (8 of 13)
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It is very difficult to get out once you are "in the hole" without help.. I agree with Pam here. There is a point where it gets overwhelming enough that we need outside help. It's nothing to feel bad about. Far more foolish is to do nothing! My dad has had bouts of depression in his ongoing bout with cancer (which started a few years ago). His depression has changed the family in many ways, many of them sad ways, yet he does nothing to get help. One thing I thought of... If you had some sort of saintly friend who would help you get through those items in your sewing room. ANY project sitting for 7 months is hard to get back to, let alone several of them AND recent traumas to boot. If someone could help you finish, you could get a "clean start". Don't be afraid to donate or gift some of them, if that's what it takes. When I got all my UFOs finished it was a big relief and I was able to... buy more fabric... and now I have more UFOs.  Hee hee! But! They're 2-week UFOs, not see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: DragonLady
Date: 07-29-2005, 12:59 PM (9 of 13)
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I haven't sewn for a couple of months now. Mostly, it's the heat. Just the idea of turning on the iron is enough to make me go find a book to read instead. I guess the real question is do you usually go through cycles where you don't want to persue a particular hobby? I do -I spend a month or two gardening everyday, then quit & move on to something else -sewing, or cooking, or reading every book by a particular author. If you do, then I'm sure your interest will return. However, if this is your only real hobby, and it isn't usual for you to quit for a couple of months at a time, then I would have to agree with the others that you are depressed. If that's the case, start by visiting your doctor. He can help you decide if you need to change your medications, or seek a professional counsellor. Honestly, it sounds like you just have too much going on all at once. Maybe just scheduling one day a week when you will concentrate solely on sewing might help you relax and get back in the mood? "No more twist! No more twist!"
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User: DragonLady
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 152 
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From: Dede
Date: 07-29-2005, 02:25 PM (10 of 13)
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Not feeling like doing something we like is one thing, taking medication to calm us down is something else and so is berievement process. A series of event is enough to mess you up. If you're gonna seek professional help, make sure you shop for it. I was quite sick last year and the first therapist I saw did absolutely nothing for me so I stopped and that didn't help any. Finally found someone who was willing to work with me and I owe her a lot. Writing about things helps, verbalizing it can do miracles. Admitting we need help is the first step in the right direction - go for it. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-29-2005, 08:30 PM (11 of 13)
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Chrysantha/Kath, I'm sorry you're in this slump. I've been down near the bottom before and I know how awful it feels. I called about 10 or so counselors on the list my insurance company gave me, and then I picked the one that I felt most comfortable with on the phone. At our first visit, she gave me a handful of suggestions, and following them really made (and continues to make) a difference in my life. Enough about that though. Do you think you might consider dropping in at a sewing group locally? Bring one of your cut out projects along for show-&-tell, see what others are up to, mingle a little teeny bit... You could ask at the local sewing shop to find out about a group, or poke around the American Sewing Guild (www.asg.org) website and find one of their neighborhood groups. Just a thought. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 07-29-2005, 09:31 PM (12 of 13)
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I've been depressed before...but this doesn't feel like depression. (besides my Dr has been telling me for mnths that I don't 'fit the criteria for clinical depression'. The ENT I see has said the same thing.) So I guess I'm too stressed, but not depressed. I've asked to see a counselor (and a dermatologist) but have been told the AF (ins we have) doesn't have anyone avaliable. I believe that, they're all overseas or too busy with active duty. (retired people get zip no matter what you have to pay) Maybe Margie (my local quit shop owner) was right yesterday. I went into see her and wish her a safe journey to Janome U. (In New Orleans) and to see what new fabric she had before the shop was closed for a few days. She said it sound's to her, like I've been living a tortured life. She asks about the ferrets. (she has cats and parrots). With all the deaths, 3 in 7 mnths. She says she's always surprised to see me come in with a smile, knowing I can't sew, but I enjoy the fabric and her shop. (and her and the employees). I donno...But thanks for all the advice.... Maybe what I really need is to get away from my home for awhile and step out of the life I've been living. Just forget things, no responsibilities. [[[ ]]] Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: AdvaP
Date: 08-02-2005, 02:54 PM (13 of 13)
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I am just back from a few 'dry' months. The sewing machine has been on the table forever. I see it every day. I have my lovely fabrics in the computer room, so I see them every day. Just couldn't bring myself to sew. I don't think I was depressed, maybe just felt 'blah'. I have so many projects to finish. Some I would like to enter in our quilt show in November, and some I would like to sell (we will have a booth for 'quilts for sale by guild members'). So today I started to sew again, but look what I'm doing now....can't get away from the darn computer !  
Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325 
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