Gratefulness.org is full of caring people.  We listen as we can, and hope you know that you are being heard.  We are not, however, a professional counseling service, and there are limits to the support we can provide.  If you need further help, you can call the counseling center at the college or university nearest you and ask for referrals to services in your area. 
 
Occasionally we hear from people so distressed that they are thinking of ending their lives.  The National Hopeline Network provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Please call 1-800-784-2433.

Dear Margaret,
I think I know what you mean by this post, but then I'm not depressed. I'm a bit worried that it comes over as this:
 
"We can't help you, so don't come here."
 
I'm absolutely sure that isn't what you are saying, but one person has already emailed me saying she thought that's what it meant.
 
Best wishes, Jude

Love is the only way

Dear Margaret, thank you for this post pinned to the top. There have been times when I have received an email and did not know what was available in the particular area where someone lived. It was so often stressed to us and we are still reminded of it in Peer Review that as Spiritual Directors, we need to be able to recognize the difference between giving spiritual support/companioning and when an individual needs professional counseling assistance. We are consistently reminded that if possible, support/companioning should continue while the individual is getting professional help and that we are doing that individual a real disservice if we do not suggest it or if we allow it to become an either or situation. Thank you for giving a very positive reference point.

Yesterday is gone forever.Tomorrow may not come. Live Fully each moment today. Look for Good Things that Happen to you Every Day.

Dear Margaret,
 
I understand completely. I come here at times when I
feel bad and need some advice.Of course I never
take it as professional advice. However I thank people
for their kind words. I light candles often,too.
 
When I really need to talk to someone,I turn
to my real friends. They understand me more
because they know me online and offline.
 
Anyways,Even though I'm a stranger,I consider
 a few folks here as online friends,only.

''Before You Judge Someone By Their Manners,
Behavior ,Disabilities, Way Of Life,Or Appearence.
Imagine Yourself In Their Position First...

Hello Admin
 
Sorry now but I  not sure where to pop this post.
 
I have run out of candles -could I just ask for a few extra for  now.I respect you have to give a quoter
 
but there is a group I really need to light up morning and night  .
 
Sandra

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love~and be loved in return♥♥  


 

Dear Sandra,
 
It doesn't hurt to ask, and you might send a PM to Margaret or Pat.
When these limits were set, there was quite a bit of discussion about them on our part. They were necessary because of spamming. The abuse on the part of some unfortunately leads to restriictions that seem to punish the innocent!
Usually, if you wait for a while, some old candles will extinguish and you'll have space for more. And you still can light candles, but they won't show! Your intention really is what counts!
 
You might want to re-read the third thread from the top which explains the limits.
 
Much love,
Edda

Peace and joy!

Thank you dearest Edda for replying
 
I will send a pm to Margaret in the hope she may take pity on me
 
how very sad to think that there is even abuse in candle lighting.
 
Thanks again Edda xx

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love~and be loved in return♥♥  


 

I can count the number of times I've prayed for myself on both hands, and that was just "Father, help me keep my control" when I've gotten angry.  I'm just not a person who usually asks for prayers for myself, because I always do the praying for other people. But I think right now I need a lot of it done, because I haven't been able to quit crying over my friend. It's been that way for over a year now. The rare times that I'm not crying physically, I'm staring off into space and physically drained on the outside; on the inside, I'm crying 24-7 and can't stop.
I have to pretend there's nothing wrong around other people I get around so no one knows the truth. But it's hard to keep that wall up.
Could someone please light some more candles in the group in post 21 of the welcome thread lilsparrow set up for me? 

(If that question was out of line I apologize because I'm not meaning it to be; I don't want to seem like I'm monopolizing anyone's attention. If it was out of line, please disregard it.)

Praying for friends~
Missing a lost friend~
Kelly C

Dearest Kelly,
 
You are not monopoizing anyone's attention, and it s just fine to ask for candles. There has been much discussion back and forth in your own thread about your problelms. I do hope you find another therapist! You need someone to talk to face to face! We are happy to support you but you need more help!
 
I have kept a candle burning for you in your group  K C !
 
Much love and prayers,
Edda 

Peace and joy!

Dear Kelly,
Of course I will light a candle for you. It might be that you are suffering depression, and in need of medication.
 
Keep asking for another therapist. I think there are other issues in your life that need talking about besides your friend.
 
With Love,
Jude

Love is the only way

I keep a candle lit for you,
dear Kelly,
both here on the forum
and at home.
I do hope you will continue to try and find a new therapist.
Like Jude,
I believe that there are other issues in your life as well,
and they are probably being magnified and focused
on the loss of your friend Will.
We here at the forum,
can support you as best we can,
but face to face help from a trained therapist
who is skilled in working with loss, pain and anger
will help you so much
if you allow it
with love . . .
sparrow

everything counts... ♥

My mother said "oh, I've made a call, we'll hear from a therapist soon."  What a load of BS. She supposedly "made the call" over three months ago and we haven't heard anything. I don't know what to do myself. I've looked up numbers all over the place, but I don't know which of them would work and which wouldn't.  I hope something gets done before Christmas.

Praying for friends~
Missing a lost friend~
Kelly C

Dear Kelly,
 
Do you have a friend who might help you sort out the numbers so you know where to call?
You might try to call the number of the National Hopeline Network provided at the beginning of this thread by Margaret,  
1-800-784-2433.
 
You are in my prayers,
 
Love,
Edda

Peace and joy!

Yes Kelly . . .
try the number Edda has written.
They  may be able to guide you
with love . . .
sparrow
ps. I repeat here,
part of what I wrote in a pm . . .
 
You do so much need someone who can work with you hands-on
in a compassionate and understanding way.
You must find a way out of your prison
(without hurting yourself).
Try not to think of yourself as a victim,
but as a soldier,
and an advocate for yourself.
I know people who have squandered their whole lives
being victims . . .
there is so much more than that.
Surely you have heard stories
even of people locked up in prisons
who free themselves spiritually and emotionally
and somehow are able to turn their lives around . . .
perhaps that can be an example to hold before you.
With great strength, courage and faith
it can be done,
I promise, Kelly . . .

everything counts... ♥

Hildegard


Dear Kelly,
 
Do you have a friend who might help you sort out the numbers so you know where to call?

No. I wish I did, but the only friends I have now on this side of the veil are my internet contacts (Messenger, G-Mail and Facebook) and we're only in touch through chat programs. I think I've lost a few of them because they thought I was putting my feelings above theirs by constantly talking about my pain over Will.

I'm still trying to figure out what I should say if I can make the call.

Praying for friends~
Missing a lost friend~
Kelly C

Dear Kelly,
 
Siimply say what you have told us that you lost the one friend who really understood you, that your family doesn't undertand you, and that you can't stop crying. Just say what you feel! Do give it a try!
 
Much love,
Edda

Peace and joy!

Just say what you feel! Do give it a try!

Yes Kelly,
do give it a try.
Once you begin
the words will come
with love . . .
sparrow
 

everything counts... ♥