This Christmas is a downer. December 26,  2016  12:28am EST

Now that is called life. Ups and downs every where you will find. Don't be depressed . We are all here for you . Hard days Will be over soon and good days coming ahead. Cheer up buddy. Marry Christmas All.

I'm in the same position. Holiday blues! I stay with my daughter because I can't stay home and be alone while my husband is at work. It was either me moving to stay with my daughter and her family or stay in a nursing home. I had 2 strokes onFeb 20th. I had a stoke on both sides. My left side has significant weakness. since my stroke I have been in and out of the hospital, a rehab facility, and 2 skilled nursing homes. I'm still not able to walk or feel the urge to use the restrooms. I have seen some improvements, my vision is better except on the days I have the extreme headaches, I have gotten stronger on the right side. Since the stroke I have panic attacks and can't be around crowds at time. I know I should be grateful to be here to spend the holidays with my grandkids. But I'm so depressed. I'm only 49 y/o and it just sucks to have to depend on people. I'm truly blessed with the best support team, my husband, daughter, mother and sister. But for some reason I can't shake this depression. I feel as if I'm a burden on inconvenience to my family.

I am a heart attack survivor since 1993 and have had many other surgeries. I am lucky to have a great wife and while my kids are not close, at least they call. However, after the first few years of feeling sorry for myself I just said the heck with it and started to live life as I used to. Sure, there are ups and downs and scary times, but someone wants me to be around. Perhaps it is just my higher power, but I now know that there are other people like yourself who need encouragement. Have you looked for any support groups? Round table discussions are very boring at first, but then friends begin to pop up. Give it a try. Try to do something different each day. I began coloring of all things and it takes up time and the time goes by really fast. Trust you doctors and meds. Live strong and know that there are many, many people out there that feel for you and many others that will want to share their stories and time with you. Take care.

So heart rending and touchy words written by Egriffin at age of just 49 (Im myself a heart attack survivor at 45, just 10 days back ) that I got those two drops rolled from each of my eye. I pray to Allah Almighty for her well being on this xmas. At the same time when I went through the words puched by Mingo 1 my heart filled with courage and hopes that I want to thank him for such soul lifting views. Mingo were you done Angioplasty , stenting etc back in 93 or not ? It was a coronary artery blockad something? Wishes of health for every one here on this forum.

You are not alone. A lot of people grapple with depression (as you said) even without heart attacks or strokes. I have personally found that the community of the gym in the morning gives me structure and helps me connect with people. I recently joined a new gym because I have had severe injuries to my feet (there have been years where I have not been able to walk more than in a supermarket) with therapeutic equipment. I see many men working out post stroke everyday. One man, this week, told me of his survival from a widowmaker and coming back from death. It is enough to make me realize that there is a reason that I am here...and in my case, it is to help connect people together and guide my children. Good luck with your journey.

PS You can feel free to write me.

Christmas and holidays are hard on many of us. Keep up at least a light physical rehab program. Successful activity without overdoing it will help you some. Your kids love you. Recover for them as well as for yourself. You can still make a positive difference to others. Bless you and yours, Larry

Thank you all and blessed