I agree, you are taking the right steps. It's good that you are reaching out. Have you found any support groups or any sort of a group therapy you could try? They make a massive difference and you don't HAVE to participate. It is nice to connect with others that you can lean on for support.
Try this: Look at the situations you have been in and try to see the good parts. Like the time you did get to spend with your step-children. Think of how you may have changed their lives and how they have changed yours. I read somewhere once that people and friends come into your life because either because you need to learn something from them or you need to teach them something, or sometimes both. When you have done what you need to do they leave you in one way or another. It's not necissarily a negative thing. It just means that what needed to be done was done, and as hard as it is to believe sometimes, god does everything for a reason and in his own time. We don't always understand right away, but in time it will all make sense.
Good luck hun, and I will keep you in my prayers.

Debra,

It sounds like you are experiencing emotional overload. It must be incredibly hard foryou and your family right now. I am so sorry.

I can relate to what you are going through. Without going into the details, this past year was a real test for me and my family, in many of the same ways as you have experienced.

I sought therapy, wrote down my thoughts, saw a psychiatrist and went through 8 weeks of group therapy. It's taken me a long time to get where I am today. Still very fragile, still on an emotional roller coaster ride but there are a few things that helped me tremendously I want to share with you.

First, keep Jesus in view at all times, like it sounds like you have been doing, The Lord said He would not give us more than we could handle. That was His promise, and it is truth.

Second, Get these 3 books:
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Find Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

They all 3 deal with real life, your purpose in life, how to live with depression, death, illness etc. They are truly amazing books by amazing writers that lift you out of your "depression" and inspire you. Read them or get the audio books and listen to them. They will change your life...I promise.

When you are done, or anytime while reading them, if you want to talk about anything you are reading, please send me a message. I am passionate about their messages and would love to talk to you about them.

Best of luck,

Spiritual Girl in Oklahoma

Hi, dobrmn57

I think you're doing it ... reaching out, talking to people, working through your thoughts, expressing your feelings. These are all very important steps in coming to terms with and working though the changes live throws our way.

You need to stay strong for yourself and strong for all your family members who are experiencing these trials and tribulations.

Ariane talks about SEED sometimes. It stands for:
Sleep -- get the proper amount of rest
Eat -- remember to eat properly to keep your energy
Exercise -- it's important to get some amount of daily activity
Drink -- you need to keep your body hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your body flush any toxins.

Find a priest, rabbi, pastor or social worker -- someone who is trained to listen who can offer you encouragement.

Consider writing in a journal-- what you're thinking--how you're feeling.

Pray -- stay focused on the positive outcomes you would like for your life and for your loved ones ... see them happy and healthy and send them healing energy from your heart.