Today's Articles

• I want to smoke really badly

  Question:

  > > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes > not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes. > Fuck it.. curse as much as you fuckin want to.  Shit, curse the goddam > mailman if it helps.  Just don’t fuckin smoke. > SteveS (shoulda been a sailor) > Two weeks, six days, 22 minutes and 21 seconds. 600 cigarettes not smoked, > saving $105.08. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 0 minutes.

  Yeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaa and Yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipeeeeeeeeeeeee! With hope and heart, Kathleen, and her seal/stamp of approval

  Response:

  Humming "anchors away" here, Steve….excellent point, tho….cuss it up, break shit, just don’t smoke. Lee — 2m 4w 21h smoke-free, 5,392 cigs not smoked, $808.80 saved. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes > not > > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes. > Fuck it.. curse as much as you fuckin want to.  Shit, curse the goddam > mailman if it helps.  Just don’t fuckin smoke. > SteveS (shoulda been a sailor) > Two weeks, six days, 22 minutes and 21 seconds. 600 cigarettes not smoked, > saving $105.08. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 0 minutes.

  Response:

  You will get through this, and every time you get through a bad patch like this one without smoking, you are making the next one easier.  I know it’s not easy now, but it will get easier and easier, if you don’t smoke.  If you smoke, it will get harder. You’re doing great.  Hang tough. epvof

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I woke up after sleeping the whole day. Feel like I didn’t sleep at all, > woke up many tiimes and felt like smoking but forced myself to stay in bed > and sleep again. I work nights this week and I am not used to it anymore. > Now it would be the time where I would have my coffee and a nice smoke. But > Fuck no I can’t I quitt a week ago. fuck right now Mr. Smoke is bugging me > pretty badly. I am running around the apartment like a jojo looking for > smokes. Didn’t find any but didn’t made me feeling better. > Just that I look for them makes me even more upset. I should know by now > better than that. But that urge is killing me. > No youf frickend smoke you are not getting me. I hate that. why can’t I take > that of my brain and think of something else. > No No no fucking way that I will have a fucking smoke. Not yet and never. > I am a FWD and I am proud of it I want to keep it that way. > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Response:

  Carmen…..Curse if you must but please don’t smoke.  Smoking will not make you feel any better.  If you smoke, you will be so pissed off at yourself, you will curse even more for having done it. Hang in there, the craving will pass. Eileen Smoke free for Seven months, one week, six days, 22 hours, 55 minutes and 46 seconds.  6778 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,152.16. Life saved: 3 weeks, 2 days, 12 hours, 50 minutes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I woke up after sleeping the whole day. Feel like I didn’t sleep at all, > woke up many tiimes and felt like smoking but forced myself to stay in bed > and sleep again. I work nights this week and I am not used to it anymore. > Now it would be the time where I would have my coffee and a nice smoke. But > Fuck no I can’t I quitt a week ago. fuck right now Mr. Smoke is bugging me > pretty badly. I am running around the apartment like a jojo looking for > smokes. Didn’t find any but didn’t made me feeling better. > Just that I look for them makes me even more upset. I should know by now > better than that. But that urge is killing me. > No youf frickend smoke you are not getting me. I hate that. why can’t I take > that of my brain and think of something else. > No No no fucking way that I will have a fucking smoke. Not yet and never. > I am a FWD and I am proud of it I want to keep it that way. > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes > not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes. > Fuck it.. curse as much as you fuckin want to.  Shit, curse the goddam > mailman if it helps.  Just don’t fuckin smoke. > SteveS (shoulda been a sailor) > Two weeks, six days, 22 minutes and 21 seconds. 600 cigarettes not smoked, > saving $105.08. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 0 minutes.

  Response:

  > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Fuck it.. curse as much as you fuckin want to.  Shit, curse the goddam mailman if it helps.  Just don’t fuckin smoke. SteveS (shoulda been a sailor) Two weeks, six days, 22 minutes and 21 seconds. 600 cigarettes not smoked, saving $105.08. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 0 minutes.

  Response:

  No you don’t wnat to smoke.  You want relief.  It is going to come whether you smoke or not.  But if you smoke, you will feel just as much depression/discouragement and shame as you do relief.  Hang in there!  Think good thoughts.  Divert your mind.  What is your dream vacation?  You know, something like that.  Maybe that urge is for something else.  Oh, oh, oh, something I learned in recovery: are you hungry?  angry?  lonely?  tired? (remember HALT) if so, it is not a cigarette what you want.  Try to take care of yourself when you get like this Carmen.  Try to get to the root of what you want/ what you feel.  Maybe it is a crave…  but sometimes it is not. With hope and heart, Kathleen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I woke up after sleeping the whole day. Feel like I didn’t sleep at all, > woke up many tiimes and felt like smoking but forced myself to stay in bed > and sleep again. I work nights this week and I am not used to it anymore. > Now it would be the time where I would have my coffee and a nice smoke. But > Fuck no I can’t I quitt a week ago. fuck right now Mr. Smoke is bugging me > pretty badly. I am running around the apartment like a jojo looking for > smokes. Didn’t find any but didn’t made me feeling better. > Just that I look for them makes me even more upset. I should know by now > better than that. But that urge is killing me. > No youf frickend smoke you are not getting me. I hate that. why can’t I take > that of my brain and think of something else. > No No no fucking way that I will have a fucking smoke. Not yet and never. > I am a FWD and I am proud of it I want to keep it that way. > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Response:

  Carmen—-you know you don’t WANT to smoke.  If you did you wouldn’t be here. What you want is the cravings to end.  Smoking will only postpone them. Only time will cure them. Give it more time,   you will never regret it. Chris f3as3 Off of smokes for  One month, one day, 9 hours, 25 minutes and 53 seconds. 627 stinky cigarettes not smoked, saving $109.87. Life saved: 2 days, 4 hours, 15 minutes. It’s my meter and I’m sticking to it! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

  Response:

  Carmen – you are doing fantastic – like Diane said deep breathes – drink water – chat with us.  Just keep strong.  It’s nearly 2 WW’s Carmen – now tell me that’s not exciting??? Keep cursing if it helps and go tell Mr. Smoke to Fuck off:) Damn, now you have me cursing.. Beth One month, one week, one day, 4 hours, 45 minutes and 12 seconds. 1336 cigarettes not smoked, saving $327.55. Life saved: 4 days, 15 hours, 20 minutes. "> – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Response:

  I’m glad that you’re already feeling better Carmen.  It helps us remember that a craving is just that, a craving.  and even though it feels like they never will, they do pass after a few minutes (hours! lol!).  You are doing awesome, and you almost have another W to add to your collection!  Keep at it. : ) Jo Three months, three weeks, two days, 3 hours, 6 minutes and 8 seconds spent free. 1597 times I didn’t cave, $597.36 not gone up in smoke. Life gratefully saved: 5 days, 13 hours, 5 minutes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thanks Amy, > what a nice thought just get through today. Yes, tomorrow is another day. > This day was pretty screwed anyway. And I don’t think smoking would change > that. Smoking would not get the stupied bank of my neck, it would not do the > shopping for me either, I don’t even think it would relax me at all any > longer. So hell what am I looking for smokes? > Better pack my gym back and go for a run. > Carmen- cooled off a little bit. > Just for today Carmen. > Just get through today. > Amy > 2 Weeks 5 Days 16 Hours 58 Minutes 43 Seconds. 197 cigs. > 22 Hrs 59 Mins 31 Secs doing other stuff.

  Response:

  Just for today Carmen. Just get through today. Amy 2 Weeks 5 Days 16 Hours 58 Minutes 43 Seconds. 197 cigs. 22 Hrs 59 Mins 31 Secs doing other stuff.

  Response:

  Thanks Amy, what a nice thought just get through today. Yes, tomorrow is another day. This day was pretty screwed anyway. And I don’t think smoking would change that. Smoking would not get the stupied bank of my neck, it would not do the shopping for me either, I don’t even think it would relax me at all any longer. So hell what am I looking for smokes? Better pack my gym back and go for a run. Carmen- cooled off a little bit.

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just for today Carmen. > Just get through today. > Amy > 2 Weeks 5 Days 16 Hours 58 Minutes 43 Seconds. 197 cigs. > 22 Hrs 59 Mins 31 Secs doing other stuff.

  Response:

  Hang in there.  You are at a rough stage.  Just remember – it will get better, nad it will be worth all of the work you are doing.  :-) Take some deep breaths – In to the slow count of 3, hold to the count of 3, and out to the count of 3.  Drink some water.  Think about what you want to buy with your quit savings.  Imagine your lungs getting all pink and healthy.  And repeat to yourself "I can do this".  :-) Diane M.

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I woke up after sleeping the whole day. Feel like I didn’t sleep at all, > woke up many tiimes and felt like smoking but forced myself to stay in bed > and sleep again. I work nights this week and I am not used to it anymore. > Now it would be the time where I would have my coffee and a nice smoke. But > Fuck no I can’t I quitt a week ago. fuck right now Mr. Smoke is bugging me > pretty badly. I am running around the apartment like a jojo looking for > smokes. Didn’t find any but didn’t made me feeling better. > Just that I look for them makes me even more upset. I should know by now > better than that. But that urge is killing me. > No youf frickend smoke you are not getting me. I hate that. why can’t I take > that of my brain and think of something else. > No No no fucking way that I will have a fucking smoke. Not yet and never. > I am a FWD and I am proud of it I want to keep it that way. > Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) > One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Response:

  I woke up after sleeping the whole day. Feel like I didn’t sleep at all, woke up many tiimes and felt like smoking but forced myself to stay in bed and sleep again. I work nights this week and I am not used to it anymore. Now it would be the time where I would have my coffee and a nice smoke. But Fuck no I can’t I quitt a week ago. fuck right now Mr. Smoke is bugging me pretty badly. I am running around the apartment like a jojo looking for smokes. Didn’t find any but didn’t made me feeling better. Just that I look for them makes me even more upset. I should know by now better than that. But that urge is killing me. No youf frickend smoke you are not getting me. I hate that. why can’t I take that of my brain and think of something else. No No no fucking way that I will have a fucking smoke. Not yet and never. I am a FWD and I am proud of it I want to keep it that way. Carmen – cursing like hell ( hope that doesn’t become a new habbit) One week, four days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 39 seconds. 410 cigarettes not smoked, saving $106.60. Life saved: 1 day, 10 hours, 10 minutes.

  Response:

  No comments Depression Recovery
  
  

• When does your brain return?

  Question:

  You don’t want to smoke???  You should be really happy! I’m sorry I don’t have any advice for you Laurie… Just a shoulder to cry on. It’s Ok… it’s ok…. it’s ok…   there-there    :-) You’re gonna be alright! > I don’t know, but I just feel sad.  I > don’t even want to smoke or eat or anything.  Thanks for listening, > sorry for whining. > Laurie > One month, 13 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second. 611 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $224.45. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 55 minutes.

  Hey, another one of the June Quitters!!! —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am having a very difficult time at work because of my brain > apparently being somewhere else, (probably somewhere that is air > conditioned) I am making so many mistakes at work that my job may be > in danger.  It’s not like newbie brain fog, I feel like I am all > there, but evidence proves otherwise.  Has this happened to anyone > else?  When does your brain come back? > In addition to this or perhaps because of it, I am having the worst > day since Days 1, 2, and 3.  I have spent most of the day crying. > Maybe the heat is getting to me, I don’t know, but I just feel sad.  I > don’t even want to smoke or eat or anything.  Thanks for listening, > sorry for whining. > Laurie > One month, 13 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second. 611 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $224.45. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 55 minutes.

  I am at 4 weeks tonight, and I still get kind of silly here and there.  Just kind of floaty/spacy feeling and not quite thinking straight.  Strange enough to where I feel I have to apologize/explain it.  I have had some really cry-a-lot days too (if you’ve read my posts).  It seems to come and go.  I have had a couple really good days now, but the couple days before that were just down in the dirt.  Hang in there, your body is still adjusting! With hope and heart, Kathleen

  Response:

  > I am having a very difficult time at work because of my brain > apparently being somewhere else, (probably somewhere that is air > conditioned) I am making so many mistakes at work that my job may be > in danger.  It’s not like newbie brain fog, I feel like I am all > there, but evidence proves otherwise.  Has this happened to anyone > else?  When does your brain come back?

  I’m 6 weeks down and still waiting. > In addition to this or perhaps because of it, I am having the worst > day since Days 1, 2, and 3.  I have spent most of the day crying. > Maybe the heat is getting to me, I don’t know, but I just feel sad.  I > don’t even want to smoke or eat or anything.  Thanks for listening, > sorry for whining.

  You’re not alone. I’m feeling exactly the same, cept without the concentrated heat (though it’s been v warm across the pond today for a change). I have lots of other reasons for being blue right now, but missing my old way of life is right there in the mix and close to being top of the list. I know it doesn’t make sense. I know that smoking isn’t going to help (though it’s hard to shake the whispered ‘oh yes it will’ in my ear). I honestly don’t feel like smoking, and I can’t imagine buying a packet. I do think about the upsides — the easier breathing, the sense of taste/smell coming back — but it’s not helping a whole lot. There’s not even much in the way of craving, just a constant nag. It feels like crap. So I definitely sympathise. I’m just trusting the rest of the people in here when they say it gets better. Hang in there. > Laurie > One month, 13 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second. 611 cigarettes not > smoked, saving $224.45. Life saved: 2 days, 2 hours, 55 minutes.

  Nice meter and congrats on your hard won FMD, btw. Jean One month, one week, six days, 2 hours, 43 minutes and 43 seconds. 862 times I said NO, saving

  No comments Recover from Depression
  
  

• Not as depressed……

  Question:

  …as I was 3 or 4 days ago. This is mainly due to this groups’ amazing optimism and positive vibe. It helps just reading everyone elses’ ….stuff. A week or ten days ago I was feeling utterly depressed and found myself lurking around alt.support.depression. Have you been to this place? Support? It was full of posts like; "…my cats’ tail fell off…oh well" "…I might go the mall one day" "..I have a red thing on my ear now" "..I got my goldfish Chris on sale because  he didn’t have a dorsal fin, but he seems happy" "..my pants are full…now what" "..its’ OK if I get leprossy, I have plenty  of velcro.." OK, I made those up, but I found the place completely depressing. There wasn’t much support at all. I’ve made a step forward by realizing it’s not 80% depression and 20% stopping smoking. It’s 20% stopping smoking and 80% how effectively I deal with it…and 10 % caffeine. Thanks for helping me deal with it. the real me

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->…as I was 3 or 4 days ago. >This is mainly due to this groups’ amazing optimism >and positive vibe. >It helps just reading everyone elses’ ….stuff. >A week or ten days ago I was feeling utterly >depressed and found myself lurking around >alt.support.depression. >Have you been to this place? Support? >It was full of posts like; >"…my cats’ tail fell off…oh well" >"…I might go the mall one day" >"..I have a red thing on my ear now" >"..I got my goldfish Chris on sale because > he didn’t have a dorsal fin, but he seems happy" >"..my pants are full…now what" >"..its’ OK if I get leprossy, I have plenty > of velcro.." >OK, I made those up, but I found the place completely >depressing. There wasn’t much support at all.

  I’d also suggest you look at alt.support.depression.recovery, and/or alt.support.depression.recovery.sanctuary if you are interested in support for depression. They are off shoots of a.s.d. made by people who found they weren’t getting the support they needed in asd (The .sanctuary one is moderated and thus no trolls/spam)These groups are small, and one has a resident lite troll that everyone ignores, but they can be helpful. (Though with any depression site you have to factor in that the tone of the group may not be all sunshine and roses cause the people on it are indeed depressed) I see below you changed the percentages on the degree of depression so you may not need these ngs. Just thought I’d let you and others know that there is decent support out there if you know where to find it. I’m so glad that you are feeling better, and thrilled to see the real you posting. This ng has made a huge difference in me own quit, and i hope it does the same for you. It does get better. Red Robin, who by the way posts at the above ngs in case you couldn’t tell.

  Response:

  "The Real Me (formerly ‘Possibly Me’ and ‘not me’)" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> alt.support.depression. > Have you been to this place? Support? > It was full of posts like; > "…my cats’ tail fell off…oh well" > "…I might go the mall one day" > "..I have a red thing on my ear now" > "..I got my goldfish Chris on sale because >  he didn’t have a dorsal fin, but he seems happy" > "..my pants are full…now what" > "..its’ OK if I get leprossy, I have plenty >  of velcro.." > OK, I made those up, but I found the place completely > depressing. There wasn’t much support at all.

  Shit! I was just LMAO and ready to go read for myself! LOL! Your doing great- what you are experiencing is very normal- even for people who dont have depression! You will be *SO* glad you persevered when you find out how liberating it is to not be a slave to this addiction. It defies description, but you’ll know it when you feel it- and it doesn’t take long to start kicking in! Just hang on tight and make the most of this group. Read heaps and post heaps. Its compulsory, and you have a lot of catching up to do Its going to be hard to follow your posts if your nick keeps changing…..and how am I to know if you’re a girl or a boy??? Such things are of the utmost importance you know! all the best! GG. <- a girl. Duh!

  Response:

  I was totally ROFLing myself.  Humor is good.  I just hope that no one from the original depression NG sees this.  It might get them really depressed. Unless, of course, they have a sense of humor.  Although when you are depressed like I’ve been it’s pretty hard to see yourself out of that wet paper bag you’re in at times. It’s nice to see you have found your sense of humor, Real Me (formerly ‘Possibly Me’ and ‘not me’). GG is right!  You really need a name. Kim

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> "The Real Me (formerly ‘Possibly Me’ and ‘not me’)" > alt.support.depression. > Have you been to this place? Support? > It was full of posts like; > "…my cats’ tail fell off…oh well" > "…I might go the mall one day" > "..I have a red thing on my ear now" > "..I got my goldfish Chris on sale because >  he didn’t have a dorsal fin, but he seems happy" > "..my pants are full…now what" > "..its’ OK if I get leprossy, I have plenty >  of velcro.." > OK, I made those up, but I found the place completely > depressing. There wasn’t much support at all. > Shit! I was just LMAO and ready to go read for myself! LOL! > Your doing great- what you are experiencing is very normal- even > for people who dont have depression! > You will be *SO* glad you persevered when you find out how > liberating it is to not be a slave to this addiction. It defies > description, but you’ll know it when you feel it- and it doesn’t > take long to start kicking in! Just hang on tight and make the > most of this group. Read heaps and post heaps. Its compulsory, > and you have a lot of catching up to do > Its going to be hard to follow your posts if your nick keeps > changing…..and how am I to know if you’re a girl or a boy??? > Such things are of the utmost importance you know! > all the best! > > GG. <- a girl. Duh!

  Response:

  Your sense of humor is going to help you through this process.  Laughter is a great quit aid! Thanks for the laugh . . . ep  dof "The Real Me (formerly ‘Possibly Me’ and ‘not me’)"

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> …as I was 3 or 4 days ago. > This is mainly due to this groups’ amazing optimism > and positive vibe. > It helps just reading everyone elses’ ….stuff. > A week or ten days ago I was feeling utterly > depressed and found myself lurking around > alt.support.depression. > Have you been to this place? Support? > It was full of posts like; > "…my cats’ tail fell off…oh well" > "…I might go the mall one day" > "..I have a red thing on my ear now" > "..I got my goldfish Chris on sale because >  he didn’t have a dorsal fin, but he seems happy" > "..my pants are full…now what" > "..its’ OK if I get leprossy, I have plenty >  of velcro.." > OK, I made those up, but I found the place completely > depressing. There wasn’t much support at all. > I’ve made a step forward by realizing it’s not > 80% depression and 20% stopping smoking. > It’s 20% stopping smoking and 80% how effectively > I deal with it…and 10 % caffeine. > Thanks for helping me deal with it. > the real me

  Response:

  No comments Depression Recovery
  
  

• Article on FF Attitude Changes -

  Question:

  >Here is an interesting Article, which represents exactly how I (and many >others I know) are reacting to the airline industry’s present day attitude. >You can only treat your customers like dirt for so long before they rebel >you into bankruptcy. Agree or not, an interesting read: >http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm

  I think these guys are dreaming if they think the current fare structures are going away.  I’ve been flying AA full fare between ORD and LGA recently. The price is nearly identical to what it was pre-9/11 (at least through my corporate travel agency).  Additionally, every flight seems to be full. AA flys every hour and still half their flights are overbooked.  On Thursday at LGA I was on a 1pm return flight, tried to get there early to catch the 11 or 12.  Both flights oversold.  Only two standby passengers got on the 11.  AA was giving away vouchers to people volunteering to get bumped on the 12.  And the 1pm was oversold as well.  Where’s the depression in the industry? —

  Response:

  > > Totally agree with your last sentence.  Can we break the addiction of FF > miles? > If you look at Air Canada, I suspect that the difficulties in actually using > your miles would make it easy for one to perhaps consider another airline when > the later is more convenient. The only value of FF right now are the > "privileges" one gets when you get to a certain status (check-in lines, lounge > access etc), not the actual redemption of points for free flights.

  If you get to SuperElite, both are useful, actually. > This means that once you have obtained sufficent points to keep your status, > flying another airline doesn’t hurt the level of service you get from AC when > you are forced to fly with them.

  Still hurts though, because AC’s treatment of VFFS is still dichotomic.

  Response:

  It’s time for "full disclosure" of FF seats.  I propose that airlines be required list the number of seats they fly each month directly between city A and city B.  Then list how many of those seats were used by frequent flyers using the ‘normal’ amount of miles. I don’t think it’s possible to list the connections nor is it fair or practical to have them tell us ahead of time.  With full disclosure, we can at least see if FF miles are worth the effort if it’s not practical to redeem them.  Some enterprising programmer would take the data and make some nice charts on their web site. I’ve done a bit of research on Northwest’s FF seat availability during formerly blacked-out dates and posted them on the "comparisons" section of my web site.     Bob www.InternetTravelTips.com

  Here is an interesting Article, which represents exactly how I (and many others I know) are reacting to the airline industry’s present day attitude. You can only treat your customers like dirt for so long before they rebel you into bankruptcy. Agree or not, an interesting read: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm

  Response:

  > I agree.  So what you are saying if the airlines did away with the miles, > and just gave you the perks like you mentioned based on the dollars spent or > number of miles flown, that this would make a major difference to the FF.

  The problem is that the FF programmes are profitable for airlines.  Remember that when you rack up points by using your credit card, the credit card company actually sends cash to the airline to purchase those points for you. Same with hotel, car rental etc etc. It costs nothing for the airline to give you points when you fly, and it costs nearly nothing for the airline to give you essentially an empty seat on a flight for free (food, landing fees, fuel). Of course, accountants make it look like it is a huge liability, costs the airline mega money etc, but those are just accounting tricks that don’t involve real money.

  Response:

  > I recall that one airline exec said that they need to make flying fun again. > Who said it was fun in the first place?

  I have had many flights on CP where the experience was fun and flying was part of the trip. The airport experience was just as important as in-flight service.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I believe the airlines as any business would count on the fact that they > believed the business flier was trapped.  The airlines could reduce service > and passengers would not rebel or change their preferred carrier.  With the > advent of the FF programs, that was another incentive NOT to change your > carrier.  The airlines realized that the FF had an "investment" in that > particular carrier.  The airlines kept pushing the envelope to see how far > they could reduce service. > With the imposed new security changes the airlines had an excuse not to give > FF’s preferred treatment.  Now this has precipitated into FFs saying they > will not fly as much, since i don’t really get any different treatment for > spending my significant dollars. > Unfortunately all of the FFs have had this power, but we chose not to > exercise it.

  I have a ridiculous amount of useless miles on every major airline. USELESS.  I am going to Greece next month, and paying for my ticket — and I tried to make my awards reservation 7 months ago, only to be told that there were no award seats available.  Delta, United, American, USAir… they all pulled that crap.  Now I fly *only* on Southwest, regardless of their fares (when I fly to a city served by it), because I can use their award tickets. They are not wasted, like on every other airline.   So maybe some of us our voting with our feet. Donna

  Response:

  > Totally agree with your last sentence.  Can we break the addiction of FF > miles?

  It’s not necessarily miles that attracts frequent flyers.  Features such as priority check-in and security lines, seating preference/reserved seating and early boarding, as well as upgrades, are more important to the frequent traveller. If the discount airlines offered something like this, they may well attract more frequent travellers.

  Response:

  >It’s not necessarily miles that attracts frequent flyers.  Features such >as priority check-in and security lines, seating preference/reserved >seating and early boarding, as well as upgrades, are more important to >the frequent traveller.

  That for sure! I almost don’t care about the miles – it’s all about the perks! I have flown about 70 segments on NW and CO so far this year (40K miles), ANYTHING that makes it more bearable will appeal to me. Being able to board first so I don’t have to fight for overhead space, not having to stand in a long checkin line, and F upgrades make my traveling life that much easier. And even as a lowly Silver Elite, I am upgraded 90% of the time. The actual miles? I have about 150K total on NW, I have used exactly ONE award ticket (18K miles used). Given that they are supremely reluctant to give upgrades on award tickets, I would rather just buy a ticket if possible. The one case was a short notice personal trip just for fun so the miles came in handy. Kevin Rhodes Westbrook, Maine

  Response:

  :>> >Northwest had opened a separate security line for first class and Worldperks :>> >elite passengers, but the government made them eliminate it when they took :>> >over security in the airports. :>> These lines are now back and they can be found at the MSP, DTW and :>> SFO airports, among others. :>AA has it at SJC CO at IAH. — http://www.dissensoftware.com

  Response:

  The hassle factor has been the main reason I don’t fly as often. To wit, I am an Elite Platinum with AA, which usually meant that I could get into first class. The advantage wasn’t the free drink or extra pretzels, it was the ability to get my roll-on stored in the overhead so I didn’t have to check it in and get off the plane in short order. With the random gate checks, that advantage has disappeared because by the time I get on the overheads are full. I now stay in coach on most legs, because even if I do get tapped for the gate shakedown I can still board ahead of most coach passengers and find some overhead space. I recall that one airline exec said that they need to make flying fun again. Who said it was fun in the first place? Pat Coughlin

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm > I agree with the article. Just surprise it took so long for the press to clue > in on this. After 9/11, the press kept saying that passengers welcomed all the > extra hassles of airport security, welcomed the militia armed with machine > guns at airports etc etc. And airlines were saying that those measures were > attracting passengers back. > Sounds strange that they are only now cluing in on the fact that it is those > very measures that are repelling passengers.

  Response:

  > Totally agree with your last sentence.  Can we break the addiction of FF > miles?

  If you look at Air Canada, I suspect that the difficulties in actually using your miles would make it easy for one to perhaps consider another airline when the later is more convenient. The only value of FF right now are the "privileges" one gets when you get to a certain status (check-in lines, lounge access etc), not the actual redemption of points for free flights. This means that once you have obtained sufficent points to keep your status, flying another airline doesn’t hurt the level of service you get from AC when you are forced to fly with them.

  Response:

  Article on FF Attitude Changes –  

  Here is an interesting Article, which represents exactly how I (and many others I know) are reacting to the airline industry’s present day attitude. You can only treat your customers like dirt for so long before they rebel you into bankruptcy. Agree or not, an interesting read: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm The Plane Guy writes:

  I fully agree with the article.  Remember when United had that "We’re Back" (or something like that) ad campaign.  They admitted that they sucked and implied that they were were not going to suck anymore. Trouble is they still suck and so do most other airlines.  JetBlue, Virgin and Southwest seem to be the only airlines that I have flown that still care about customers. Maybe it has to do with the leadership.  JetBlue, Virgin and WN have outstanding CEO’s.  And their attitude passes down to their employees. The only thing we can do is boycott the bad ones and patrornize the good ones, even if you don’t earn the FF miles you want, until the bad ones hopefully become good again

  Response:

  > The Plane Guy writes: > I fully agree with the article.  Remember when United had that "We’re > Back" (or something like that) ad campaign.  They admitted that they > sucked and implied that they were were not going to suck anymore. > Trouble is they still suck and so do most other airlines.  JetBlue, > Virgin and Southwest seem to be the only airlines that I have flown that > still care about customers. > Maybe it has to do with the leadership.  JetBlue, Virgin and WN have > outstanding CEO’s.  And their attitude passes down to their employees. > The only thing we can do is boycott the bad ones and patrornize the good > ones, even if you don’t earn the FF miles you want, until the bad ones > hopefully become good again

  Totally agree with your last sentence.  Can we break the addiction of FF miles? So far I have not seen this happen.  We the consumer have left the service aspect slide.  We have no one to blame but ourselves! Wayne —

  Response:

  > From the article: > " Finding a way to get frequent business travelers back in the air is > vital to the airline industry’s recovering from its depression, > Mitchell said. One major carrier has said that while frequent > travelers make up only 7 percent or so of some major airlines’ > customers, they provide an estimated 40 percent of their revenue, and > the bulk of their profit, he said." > Which I believe, says it all.

  The original article and the above referenced quote indicates that the FF had the power to make changes in the airline industry, just withhold or curtail your airline travel budget, or travel on airlines which you do receive good service. I believe the airlines as any business would count on the fact that they believed the business flier was trapped.  The airlines could reduce service and passengers would not rebel or change their preferred carrier.  With the advent of the FF programs, that was another incentive NOT to change your carrier.  The airlines realized that the FF had an "investment" in that particular carrier.  The airlines kept pushing the envelope to see how far they could reduce service. With the imposed new security changes the airlines had an excuse not to give FF’s preferred treatment.  Now this has precipitated into FFs saying they will not fly as much, since i don’t really get any different treatment for spending my significant dollars. Unfortunately all of the FFs have had this power, but we chose not to exercise it. Wayne —

    saunders_wayne.vcf

  < 1K Download

  Response:

  >Northwest had opened a separate security line for first class and Worldperks >elite passengers, but the government made them eliminate it when they took >over security in the airports.  

  These lines are now back and they can be found at the MSP, DTW and SFO airports, among others. HTH, — – http://www-personal.umich.edu/~myke   = my web page            - – Michael Dautermann… U-M Alumni calling in from way out there –

  Response:

  > >Northwest had opened a separate security line for first class and Worldperks >elite passengers, but the government made them eliminate it when they took >over security in the airports. > These lines are now back and they can be found at the MSP, DTW and > SFO airports, among others.

  AA has it at SJC

  Response:

  > >Northwest had opened a separate security line for first class and Worldperks >elite passengers, but the government made them eliminate it when they took >over security in the airports. > These lines are now back and they can be found at the MSP, DTW and > SFO airports, among others.

  Wasn’t there a subtle change in the way the lines worked?   Originally, as I understood it, the airlines set up completely separate security stations for first class and elite passengers.  The government said that was unacceptable. Doesn’t the latest set up use two lines that feed into a single security site?  The government decided they couldn’t prevent the airlines from setting priorities on who is fed to the security stations, as long as security isn’t separated.

  Response:

  > Yep, and it’s not just security.  Perks for FFs continue to be cut back, > free seats and upgrades are harder than ever to get, services continue to > get cut back.  Who among us would fly if we didn’t absolutely have to?

  I have noted some officious behaviour by Qantas check-in staff, which may be limited to their bottom-tier FFs.  Being a United 1K and having to use a lot of OneWorld within Asia has meant revisiting the rigours of the bottom tier. Last week I was boarding at SYD and was with my colleagues – two QF Platinums, two Golds, and me (Bronze).  We went to the Platinum line, where the Golds and I were told to go to the other line.  Not long after, the Platinum line was empty and the same agent served us (no complaints there). At United’s 1K lines I have always been able to check in with a lower-status colleague and sometimes the free upgrade (in the US) has been extended to my colleague if available. Thankfully, our airports have recently dropped the requirement to remove the battery from laptops at the X-ray machine.

  Response:

  > Originally, as I understood it, the airlines set up completely separate > security stations for first class and elite passengers.  The government > said that was unacceptable.

  From the article: " Finding a way to get frequent business travelers back in the air is vital to the airline industry’s recovering from its depression, Mitchell said. One major carrier has said that while frequent travelers make up only 7 percent or so of some major airlines’ customers, they provide an estimated 40 percent of their revenue, and the bulk of their profit, he said." Which I believe, says it all.

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >Northwest had opened a separate security line for first class and Worldperks > >elite passengers, but the government made them eliminate it when they took > >over security in the airports. > These lines are now back and they can be found at the MSP, DTW and > SFO airports, among others. > Wasn’t there a subtle change in the way the lines worked?   > Originally, as I understood it, the airlines set up completely separate > security stations for first class and elite passengers.  The government > said that was unacceptable. > Doesn’t the latest set up use two lines that feed into a single security > site?  The government decided they couldn’t prevent the airlines from > setting priorities on who is fed to the security stations, as long as > security isn’t separated.

  AA’s lines at ORD (T3) are distinct and separate – process is the same, it would appear. amp

  Response:

  > http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm > I agree with the article. Just surprise it took so long for the press to clue > in on this. After 9/11, the press kept saying that passengers welcomed all the > extra hassles of airport security, welcomed the militia armed with machine > guns at airports etc etc. And airlines were saying that those measures were > attracting passengers back.

  Good grief . . . I agree with you! All the security window dressing may have made casual flyers feel more secure, but it sure didn’t impress FFs, and the hassle factor has increased to an intolerable level.  It’s about time that the airlines woke up and realized where their bread is buttered (I loved that statistic: FFs are 7% of all flyers, but represent 40% of the revenue and most of the profit). > Sounds strange that they are only now cluing in on the fact that it is those > very measures that are repelling passengers.

  Yep, and it’s not just security.  Perks for FFs continue to be cut back, free seats and upgrades are harder than ever to get, services continue to get cut back.  Who among us would fly if we didn’t absolutely have to?

  Response:

  Northwest had opened a separate security line for first class and Worldperks elite passengers, but the government made them eliminate it when they took over security in the airports.  I know other airlines had done this also to help speed their most frequent/high revenue passengers through security, but the Feds said you can’t do that anymore. Deb

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm > I agree with the article. Just surprise it took so long for the press to > clue > in on this. After 9/11, the press kept saying that passengers welcomed all > the > extra hassles of airport security, welcomed the militia armed with machine > guns at airports etc etc. And airlines were saying that those measures > were > attracting passengers back. > Good grief . . . I agree with you! > All the security window dressing may have made casual flyers feel more > secure, but it sure didn’t impress FFs, and the hassle factor has increased > to an intolerable level.  It’s about time that the airlines woke up and > realized where their bread is buttered (I loved that statistic: FFs are 7% > of all flyers, but represent 40% of the revenue and most of the profit). > Sounds strange that they are only now cluing in on the fact that it is > those > very measures that are repelling passengers. > Yep, and it’s not just security.  Perks for FFs continue to be cut back, > free seats and upgrades are harder than ever to get, services continue to > get cut back.  Who among us would fly if we didn’t absolutely have to?

  Response:

  Here is an interesting Article, which represents exactly how I (and many others I know) are reacting to the airline industry’s present day attitude. You can only treat your customers like dirt for so long before they rebel you into bankruptcy. Agree or not, an interesting read: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm

  Response:

  > http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm

  I agree with the article. Just surprise it took so long for the press to clue in on this. After 9/11, the press kept saying that passengers welcomed all the extra hassles of airport security, welcomed the militia armed with machine guns at airports etc etc. And airlines were saying that those measures were attracting passengers back. Sounds strange that they are only now cluing in on the fact that it is those very measures that are repelling passengers.

  Response:

  > http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/business/3403116.htm > I agree with the article. Just surprise it took so long for the press to clue > in on this. After 9/11, the press kept saying that passengers welcomed all the > extra hassles of airport security, welcomed the militia armed with machine > guns at airports etc etc. And airlines were saying that those measures were > attracting passengers back. > Sounds strange that they are only now cluing in on the fact that it is those > very measures that are repelling passengers.

  As an Air Canada regular PAX I flew 65 segments in 1999, 56 in 2000, 43 in 2001 and only 4 in 2002. I try to avoid Air Canada as much as possible. They tolerate me and I can no longer tolerate them. They could give a rat’s ass about their customers and ‘They Know It’.

  Response:

  No comments Recover from Depression
  
  

• cigs. i want one. i think.

  Question:

  Face it Red, you don’t want just one you want to smoke. You wanna smoke smoke smoke smoke. That will fix everything. I’m tired of quiting. All I think about is not smoking cause I wanna smoke. I wake up in the morning and have to think about not smoking. I take a break at work and force myself not to smoke. Damn! When will this end. So why’d ya quit in the first place? Join the gang. I had a really really bad day 2 days ago. From 2pm afterlunch till I drove home from work. Good days, bad days. Last night was our first night of summer volleyball. 4 outdoor sand courts, music and beer. Listened to my co-player and gf talk last year about "smoking dreams". I thought about how distant quiting was. They did it but I couldn’t. Gawd! How could I stay a day without smokes. Don’t you think I walked onto the courts with my ego taped to my forehead last night! I don’t smoke and neither do you. Smoking is one of the things in your life that has been repaired. Don’t break it again. cw btw- i had a really good afternoon yesterday. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of >craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit >and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so >crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a >"healthy" way to punish myself. >Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want >a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll >be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just >have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I >can’t. >I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. >Red Robin

  Response:

  TODAY I WILL NOT SMOKE! NOT EVEN ONE PUFF 1 IS TOO MANY 1,000,000 IS NOT ENOUGH SFB’RS MUST CONQUER. HANG TOUGH. PAT CAVANAUGH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Response:

    Do not make me come up there young lady. Paul    SFB

  Response:

  I want one too, but I’ll resist because I want to grow old.  I figure I’ll always want one….. -Alan

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself. > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Response:

  Hi Robin, Don’t you dare smoke, you have come to far to blow it now. I have been pretty bleak the past week, feeling so horrible.  I am at 9 weeks tomorrow.  And I think we just have to go through it. Bear it and wait for it to pass. I try to think about how much I hated smoking when I smoked, how much I wanted to quit, and also about how much fighting to actually do it. Hope you are doing better tonight. Cathy

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself. > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Response:

  Sometimes it helps to re-read some of your earlier posts.  It helps you remember how much you went through to get to where you are.  And you DON’T want to start over, do you? Never starting over again! Chris f3as3 Off of nicotine for  One week, four days, 10 hours, 48 minutes and 59 seconds. 229 stinky cigarettes not smoked, saving $40.08. Life saved: 19 hours, 5 minutes.& I intend to enjoy every minute of it!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of >craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit >and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so >crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a >"healthy" way to punish myself. >Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want >a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll >be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just >have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I >can’t. >I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. >Red Robin

  Response:

  Hi Robin

  : : i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of : craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit :and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so :crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a :"healthy" way to punish myself. oesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want :a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll :be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just :have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I :can’t. : :I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. : : Red Robin you’re down at the moment, and what did we always do when we were down? We smoked, and imagined it made us feel better. It didn’t, the only thing it did was to relieve the withdrawal created by the cigarette we smoked earlier. When we get low it is easy to fall back into old patterns of behaviour that we thought made us feel better. They didn’t, and they still won’t now. It will only make you feel even worse. If you get through this without smoking, you’ll have that lovely warm glow of achievement! If you smoke, you’ll end up re-addicted and the cigarettes may well be a lot more persistent than the depression. I’m talking through experience here! My best way out of these low moods has always been exercise – a walk, a swim, a cycle;  whatever it takes to get the adrenaline going again and shake off the blues. Good luck and keep going, we’ll be thinking of you. Liz

  Response:

  > I hope this depression can get settled for you– it’s heartbreaking to see how > some folks struggle with this. > Hugs, > elle

  I think it’s heartbreaking because we’ve been there, in some form or another. I see depression expressed in so many ways (and at different levels) in quits, and experienced it in my own way in several attempts and even in this one during the first several months. It’s a huge mental (and perhaps physiological? any doctors here?) hurdle to leap… getting by the constant imagery of smoking/cigarettes once it sets in. I was able to substitute with activity, and eventually, "doing something" became the habitual response to that overwhelming urge. I hope you will also find your way out, or over your hurdle, Robin. It’s not easy but it CAN be done. MaryO 10 days away from DOF

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself. > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Robin,  You DON’T want a cig. Because you don’t want to have gone through what you’ve  gone through up to this point and have to repeat it all over again later.  Once you smoke that first one you will wish you hadn’t.  You will feel even more depressed by this evening than you feel right now not smoking.  You will really, really be in the bottom of the pit over this if you bust your quit.  I can just about bet my life on that.  Now do you WANT to feel even worse?  Would you LIKE to make yourself more depressed?  I don’t think you do.  Smoking will NOT make you feel better, it will within a few hours, make you feel much, much worse. Please remember that.  Hang onto that thought.  It’s not a guess.  It’s a certainty.  At least, I’m certain of it.  I’ve been there and done that too many times. Just ride it out.  You can do it. — *Hugs* BinnieBee – HOF         %%       (—-)      ( >__< )      ^^ ~~ ^^      ~f3as3~

  Response:

  When you sit back and really think about it, I don’t think a cig is what you need.  Don’t let the idea that a cig will help get into your noggin.  You, like the rest of us addicts, know that isn’t true.  Stay strong, Robin.  Smoking isn’t the problem but it will be if you light up again! Sally – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of >craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit >and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so >crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a >"healthy" way to punish myself. >Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want >a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll >be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just >have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I >can’t. >I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. >Red Robin

  Response:

  Hi RR,  I don’t remember where you are in your quit but I’ve had some moments like you are describing.  They are hard to take.  I really understand that.  But please don’t put one in your mouth.  I know that sounds simple but it’s the only thing that works for me when it gets bad. And hey,  I want one too.   I’m not far enough away from them yet to decided to smoke.  I just know I don’t want to smoke ever again and the only way to do that is not to do it.  Hang in there.  Try to focus and remember why you are quit. Kim

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself. > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Response:

  Good Morning Red Robin – I hope you are feeling better than when you posted earlier.  I hope you got past those moments ok and that you are doing well. Remember,  the cravings will pass whether you smoke or not.  Better to still be a non-smoker after the craving.  :-) Hang in there!  You are doing great!  Hope you are feeling better soon. ~August   f3as3 http://www.quitbuddies.org/frogs.html I quit smoking at 9:00 a.m. on Oct 27th, 2001. That’s seven months, two days, 22 hours, and 3 minutes since I last smoked a cigarette.  1504 cigarettes not smoked, saving me $218.14! I’m kickin’ BUTT!

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself. > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Response:

  [posted and mailed] Red Robin opened all of our eyes with this: > i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself.

  There’s that advanced ever learning (specific to you) junkie thinking. It sucks, don’t it? > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t.

  Well, you wouldn’t because you don’t smoke! Don’t allow yourself to ‘go there’. When you start this sort of self-destructive thinking, cut it off early. The nicodemon plays very dirty pool. S/he does the best work while you are down. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  I forget where you’re at. Robin. But I know that you’re at least past the physical phase of this addiction/recovery. Now it’s you against the nicodemon. It’s all behavioral from now on. If you want to be successful and more at peace, you have to change your thinking. You don’t smoke anymore. Don’t even let it be an option. Try looking at it this way: Smoking is a self-sustaining addiction. You are no longer physically addicted to smoking. You no longer smoke. Now why would you want to start up such a killer disgusting habit? Repeat after me: I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. I don’t smoke, because I don’t smoke. Me either Have a nice day -G. 15M or OF+QOF or 1Y+3M… whatever!… I don’t smoke anymore!

  Response:

  Robin, you have to ride this one out.  Remember that these depressions don’t last forever and though you may want one *today* you are not going to be happy about having had one next week.  I know, I know, it’s little consolation when you’re in that pit of "I don’t care" despair but believe me it is NOT worth it. I hope this depression can get settled for you– it’s heartbreaking to see how some folks struggle with this. Hugs, elle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of >craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit >and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so >crappy i might as well smoke to top it off.

  Response:

  > i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself.

  I dunno how long ya smoked but I smoked for what seemed like forever. They were always there for me. After funerals they were there for us to stand outside and smoke and talk about the fella that’d died. They stood there beside me, in my pocket, wherever, and were silently supportive. When I was stressed from work and didn’t have anybody to talk to about it for whatever reason, they were there for me. They were there for the long hours I would get to put in over double shifts. They were there for me instead of food sometimes. They were there after a really good meal. They greeted me first thing in the morning with my coffee, and were the last things to touch my lips at night before bed. I’d be surprised to think I wouldn’t miss them. We spent a lot of time together. Good times and bad times we spent together. That’s years of learned behavior to unlearn. It’s not going to be fast or easy, but neither was the learning process, the years of getting used to having them there, or thinking that I had them there for whatever I needed them for. Yeah, I miss ‘em. I could go back now just talking about them… but it’d be stupid of me. People go back to spouses who abuse them, smack ‘em around, beat the heXX out of ‘em all the time because ‘they’re there for them.’ Because ‘they don’t mean to hurt me,’ because ‘I musta deserved it.’ or ‘I was asking for it.’ Sorta like those cigarettes. I’m done with this abusive relationship. I’ve put up with them beating the snot outta my lungs and my health for the last time. They’re not good for me. It’s not fair to my family, my new nephew, my friends to slowly kill myself just cuz I think it’ll all be better if I go back to the friend I always had who beat me up. Yeah, I miss ‘em too. That don’t mean it’s a good thing though, just a measure of how deep my unhealthy relationship was/is, and how long it’ll take to get over. Ask anyone in here who has quit long-term abusing themselves, and allowing the cigarettes to abuse them, if they regret breaking up with their hot-headed, filter-bottomed friends. *shrug* I suspect it’s hard, but I hope it’s worth it. Cuz honestly? I’m tired of going back to the same old date that keeps beating the shXX outta me. — Rich G. http://www.geocities.com/simplerichg/index.html "You can’t go around building a better world for people. Only people can build a better world for people. Otherwise it’s just a cage."         — (Terry Pratchett, Witches Abroad)

  Response:

  I go through that too, Robin.  Then I think about the long-term.  The packs, the cartons, and all that shit associated with what "just one" leads to.  The urge goes away. Yep, it sucks sometimes.  I’m an addict.  Could be worse.  Could be a PRACTICING addict. Lee — 4w 1d 6h smoke-free, 1,741 cigs not smoked, $261.15 saved. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of > craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit > and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so > crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a > "healthy" way to punish myself. > Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want > a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll > be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just > have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I > can’t. > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. > Red Robin

  Response:

  i’ve been craving really bad the last day or two. its an odd kind of craving as it is tied in with my depression. i’m slinking into the pit and for some reason my brain thinks well, since my life is going so crappy i might as well smoke to top it off. As well as seeing it as a "healthy" way to punish myself. Doesn’t really matter my reasons. All I know is that I really do want a cigarette lately. I’m too afraid to have one cause I know that I’ll be back smoking a pack a day and I don’t want that. If I could just have one i prolly would, which just depresses me further. But I know I can’t. I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one. Red Robin

  Response:

  In alt.support.stop-smoking, on 30 May 2002, Red Robin announced: > I don’t know. I want a cig, I don’t want one.

  Hang in there RR, you’re doing so great! Look at that meter of yours!  Post it here for us all to see! Don’t be depressed, you should be proud of how well you are doing – the more you think about how depressed you are, the more depressed you will be, but if you instead think of how great you are doing, you can give yourself the moral encouragement. No matter what else is going on in your life, whether you smoke or not won’t change it, if anything, smoking will just make things worse, because as you know and you said, you *can’t* have just one – if you could you wouldn’t be here, so smoking will just depress you further rather than making you feel better. Hang in there, you can do it! Regards OgO — my Quitting smoking page: http://qjc.cjb.net/quit.html Quit Stats home page: http://qjc.cjb.net/quitstats.html -=- Current version 1.2.20.16 – released 20/02/2002 -=- (—) f3as3     wun – OF+1/3 – asdfg (ok, I made that last one up Since 1/01/01 at 10:31:05 AM, OgO has not smoked for: 1 year, 4 months, 4 weeks, 1 day, 10 hours, 36 minutes and 10 seconds.   10,294 cigarettes not smoked, AUD $3,187.12 saved, life saved 1M 5D 17:52:02.

  Response:

  No comments Depression Recovery
  
  

• Cat lethargic after fight

  Question:

  Perhaps a puncture wound (difficult to see them) that became infected? Definitely vet time. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  >>I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? >Yes, take your kitty to a vet.

  Agreed. Lethargy is often a sign of fever, which may well indicate an infection. He may need antibiotics.

  Response:

  > Perhaps a puncture wound (difficult to see them) that became infected? > Definitely vet time. > Cathy

  Indeed. Some abcesses can be subcutaneous. She needs to see a vet. Happened to a friend of mine’s cat. The abcess finally rose to the surface and broke open, and the cat required stitches and antibiotics. SEE A VET. Karen

  Response:

  >>Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into >the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. >she is taken to the vet every year…normal >weight and up to date on shots. >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? >If she has had her rabies,4-in-1, FIP, and FLV shots there’s not much to >worry >about.

  The feleuk vaccination isn’t 100% reliable, and the FIP vacc is far less effective. I’d be more worried about a fighting cat catching FIP than anything else; but it can take months to show up in a blood test. Sherry

  Response:

  >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts?

  Yes, take your kitty to a vet. =^..^= See my cats:   http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043

  Response:

  hi Laurence,    She could  have got an infection throught a scratch it bite. It would be a good idea to take to the vet for  a check up.             Alison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  It could just be post-battle depression. In his younger days, our siamese Oscar would always be depressed after a dust-up. He just could not understand aggression. However, it could also be a festering bite wound. They are often difficult to find as the less serious punctures heal very quickly but may turn into an abcess after a week or more. Keep checking her for any signs of tenderness and off to the vet if you find anything. Brian

  Response:

  >Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into >the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. >she is taken to the vet every year…normal >weight and up to date on shots. >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts?

  If she has had her rabies,4-in-1, FIP, and FLV shots there’s not much to worry about. Sounds like she’s just brooding because she didn’t get to finish the fight. But, seriously, check that kidney function.  Once they shut down, it’s near impossible to get them pumping again. CPS. I never met a cat I didn’t like.

  Response:

  Have a question for those in the know… Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up and down stairs. No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal weight and up to date on shots. I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? Thanks

  Response:

  Have you taken her to see a vet after the fight?  This is not normal and there may be something wrong that you are missing. Kelly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  Perhaps a puncture wound (difficult to see them) that became infected? Definitely vet time. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  >>I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? >Yes, take your kitty to a vet.

  Agreed. Lethargy is often a sign of fever, which may well indicate an infection. He may need antibiotics.

  Response:

  > Perhaps a puncture wound (difficult to see them) that became infected? > Definitely vet time. > Cathy

  Indeed. Some abcesses can be subcutaneous. She needs to see a vet. Happened to a friend of mine’s cat. The abcess finally rose to the surface and broke open, and the cat required stitches and antibiotics. SEE A VET. Karen

  Response:

  >>Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into >the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. >she is taken to the vet every year…normal >weight and up to date on shots. >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? >If she has had her rabies,4-in-1, FIP, and FLV shots there’s not much to >worry >about.

  The feleuk vaccination isn’t 100% reliable, and the FIP vacc is far less effective. I’d be more worried about a fighting cat catching FIP than anything else; but it can take months to show up in a blood test. Sherry

  Response:

  >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts?

  Yes, take your kitty to a vet. =^..^= See my cats:   http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043

  Response:

  hi Laurence,    She could  have got an infection throught a scratch it bite. It would be a good idea to take to the vet for  a check up.             Alison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  It could just be post-battle depression. In his younger days, our siamese Oscar would always be depressed after a dust-up. He just could not understand aggression. However, it could also be a festering bite wound. They are often difficult to find as the less serious punctures heal very quickly but may turn into an abcess after a week or more. Keep checking her for any signs of tenderness and off to the vet if you find anything. Brian

  Response:

  >Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into >the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. >she is taken to the vet every year…normal >weight and up to date on shots. >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts?

  If she has had her rabies,4-in-1, FIP, and FLV shots there’s not much to worry about. Sounds like she’s just brooding because she didn’t get to finish the fight. But, seriously, check that kidney function.  Once they shut down, it’s near impossible to get them pumping again. CPS. I never met a cat I didn’t like.

  Response:

  Have a question for those in the know… Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up and down stairs. No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal weight and up to date on shots. I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? Thanks

  Response:

  Have you taken her to see a vet after the fight?  This is not normal and there may be something wrong that you are missing. Kelly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  Perhaps a puncture wound (difficult to see them) that became infected? Definitely vet time. Cathy — "Staccato signals of constant information…" ("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  >>I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? >Yes, take your kitty to a vet.

  Agreed. Lethargy is often a sign of fever, which may well indicate an infection. He may need antibiotics.

  Response:

  > Perhaps a puncture wound (difficult to see them) that became infected? > Definitely vet time. > Cathy

  Indeed. Some abcesses can be subcutaneous. She needs to see a vet. Happened to a friend of mine’s cat. The abcess finally rose to the surface and broke open, and the cat required stitches and antibiotics. SEE A VET. Karen

  Response:

  >>Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into >the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. >she is taken to the vet every year…normal >weight and up to date on shots. >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? >If she has had her rabies,4-in-1, FIP, and FLV shots there’s not much to >worry >about.

  The feleuk vaccination isn’t 100% reliable, and the FIP vacc is far less effective. I’d be more worried about a fighting cat catching FIP than anything else; but it can take months to show up in a blood test. Sherry

  Response:

  >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts?

  Yes, take your kitty to a vet. =^..^= See my cats:   http://www.picturetrail.com/mickey4paws/703043

  Response:

  hi Laurence,    She could  have got an infection throught a scratch it bite. It would be a good idea to take to the vet for  a check up.             Alison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  It could just be post-battle depression. In his younger days, our siamese Oscar would always be depressed after a dust-up. He just could not understand aggression. However, it could also be a festering bite wound. They are often difficult to find as the less serious punctures heal very quickly but may turn into an abcess after a week or more. Keep checking her for any signs of tenderness and off to the vet if you find anything. Brian

  Response:

  >Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into >the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. >she is taken to the vet every year…normal >weight and up to date on shots. >I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts?

  If she has had her rabies,4-in-1, FIP, and FLV shots there’s not much to worry about. Sounds like she’s just brooding because she didn’t get to finish the fight. But, seriously, check that kidney function.  Once they shut down, it’s near impossible to get them pumping again. CPS. I never met a cat I didn’t like.

  Response:

  Have a question for those in the know… Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up and down stairs. No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal weight and up to date on shots. I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? Thanks

  Response:

  Have you taken her to see a vet after the fight?  This is not normal and there may be something wrong that you are missing. Kelly – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Have a question for those in the know… > Our cat had a fight with another outdoor cat a week ago….she raced into > the house after I broke it up and since then has been very lethargic. > I checked her immediately for bleeding, lumps, bruises but found minimal > damage.  She continues to eat and drink though a bit less then normal. > Initially she did walk with a limp but that went away; still, she doesn’t > move very fast and will not leap up on stools or beds (though she will go up > and down stairs. > No whining, meowing or complaining…breath is normal. > My initial thought was just an emotional shock.  But now I’m wondering if > there is something more to it…she is taken to the vet every year…normal > weight and up to date on shots. > I just don’t understand why she hasn’t recovered by now….any thoughts? > Thanks

  Response:

  No comments Recover from Depression
  
  

• An introduction and It's alwasys there

  Question:

  Hi AK, You’re making a lot of sense.  I have never been particularly suicidal, and there are people here who are more knowledgeable about the subject.  Perhaps you didn’t get responses because your post is complex and takes more thought. First of all, I’m so glad you’ve found the right therapist.  I think that’s the hardest thing to find, partly because you don’t know what to look for. Also because it expensive to interview a therapist; it involves paying for a visit! It seems that a lot of people who once think about suicide, keep it around as an option, like a tool, even after they no longer are tempted by it actively.  I’m a recovering alcoholic.  I’m not tempted to drink any more, but it is in my toolbox (the one in the attic).  If I just couldn’t cope, I’d know that alcohol was in the attic tool box with the other inferior tools.  I’d know I could get it, but also that it’s an ineffective, undesirable tool for me. I went to a self defense course a couple weeks ago.  Looking at the videos of it, I can see I was very relaxed, in spite of it being an extremely intense class.  All I can think of that could account for that is my experience with a past abuser, and how I dealt with it.  I didn’t deal with it well, because I didn’t stop the situation in an appropriately timely way. But I did know that I could withdraw and survive until an opportunity arose. Also, before I took out the restraining order, I considered worst case scenarios.  I might kill him, and go to jail for it, and all that jail implies.  So, now I know I could kill to save my life.  That also is a tool in my box that I never want to use.  And it’s an awareness that will probably stay with me for the rest of my life. Christina

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> x-no-archive:yes > Hello, > It’s been over a year now since I’ve though of suicide (I mean really > though as opposed to thought of it just idly, you know what I mean, I > think) and a bit less than a year since I’ve stopped feeling > depressed. > But it’s a funny thing that once you (or maybe just me?) make friends > with death like that, thinking about it all the time as this exit, the > idea never completely leaves your head. It’s like an internal scar. It > doesn’t even hurt any more, but it’s still there. So I’ll be walking > along thinking about for example how I haven’t made any close friends > in this new place where I live (which is OK, it’s only been a short > time and I’m sure some of the aquaintances will turn into firends > eventually) and the thought suggests itself, well, there’s always > death, the one exit. > And now there is no emotional connection. I don’t feel the impact of > the thought. Just: well, that’s silly. Of course I don’t want to do > that. But the thought is there, and I guess it will always be there, > even though it doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t tempt me. > The good side of this is that I have thought about death a lot and I’m > actually not scared of dying at all. I feel like I almost died, but I > was saved, or I saved myself I guess by having the sense to get a good > therapist, and so my current life I feel is not like something that is > owed to me, but a kind of gift. I am very glad I have it, and I like > it very much and want to keep it, but I don’t feel scared about it > ending. > And another funny thing is that even though I’m not depressed any more > it comes up sometimes in strange situation that I was and it freaks > people out. Like I was walking across this beautiful and very big > bridge with a friend, and he made a joke about how this would be a > good place to jump, because there were rocks below. He didn’t know > about my history and I said how I felt about the technicalities of the > jump (won’t go into detail here) and that I had given these things a > lot of though it the past. Now I am happy I can walk across the bridge > and look down and feel perfectly safe with myself. A good thing or I > wouldn’t have seen the seal that was swimming under the bridge. I > didn’t know they came so close to people. Anyway, so this friend was > kind of freaked out by what I told him. I guess he thought he was > being funny or badass by making the joke and was worried I was > offended. And I wasn’t really, but it felt strange to realize that > what for him was just black humor had been a reality from me. > I know from reading this group a bit that some of you guys are > struggling through depression and some are closer to happy than > others. I guss I just wanted to say that it’s possible to get to the > other side. It takes a while, and the expericne is not something you > can leave behind and forget, but it’s possible. > This is kind of long and rambling and hopefully  will make some sense. > I just wanted to share a bit of my experience with people who will > probably understand. > – ak > (when replying please write x-no-archive:yes at the very top of your > reply, before any other text)

  Response:

  I like your anology of suicide as a tool in the tool box, just not a very good one.  I have been trying for years to find a way to describe what it means to me and yours seems to fit.  I know it is there if I want to use it but I also know that it does not work to solve the problem.  The only time I think I would disagree with taking ones life is if the person was terminally ill.  To me though that is a very different issue though from the suicide I talk about in my own life. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >It seems that a lot of people who once think about suicide, keep it around >as an option, like a tool, even after they no longer are tempted by it >actively.  I’m a recovering alcoholic.  I’m not tempted to drink any more, >but it is in my toolbox (the one in the attic).  If I just couldn’t cope, >I’d know that alcohol was in the attic tool box with the other inferior >tools.  I’d know I could get it, but also that it’s an ineffective, >undesirable tool for me.

  Response:

  No comments Recover from Depression
  
  

• What things has helped you to cope with depression/BP

  Question:

  Having someone close for support has helped a lot.  My wife seems to know when I am having a lot of trouble even when it is not so obvious to me.  She works with me so that I can remain aware of where I am at with the BP on a daily basis.  Having her there to help me is the main reason I am still here. Jim Please have a look at my web site – http://mybipolar.tripod.com/jim/

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What things have you found help with your depression? > — > LyndaNP > I do not respond to personal attacks. Consider the source.

  Response:

  >Having someone close for support has helped a lot.  My wife seems to know >when I am having a lot of trouble even when it is not so obvious to me.  She >works with me so that I can remain aware of where I am at with the BP on a >daily basis.  Having her there to help me is the main reason I am still >here.

  It’s nice to have someone in real life who understands.

  Response:

  nothing. sorry. nothing changes a thing m >What things have you found help with your depression?

  –

  No comments Depression Recovery
  
  

• how can i get past the anger and guilt? pls read all if u can thx

  Question:

  If you have the time please listen.  If not, thanks anway  But it will feel good to just let some stuff off my chest.  I can’t really get into everything or it would take a VERY LONG TIME to write.  I’m just having a hard time dealing with guilt.  Has anybody out there ever had to deal with it?  Overcome it?  My guilt is alot my fault.  Is it my fault i’ve felt depressed and made the wrong decisions?  I don’t know, I would hope not.  I’m only 23.  It’s taken me alot longer to grow up and mature.  I was sheltered a long time and lived with very strict religious parents.  I wasn’t exposed to the "real world" until I was like 18.  Which is the time I met my girlfriend.  Ever since I met her, it seems I’ve gone through my stupid stage in life.  The bad thing is, she’s ALWAYS been there for me, cared for me, loved me, complimented me in ever way, always giving me anything I’ve wanted.  She went through tough times before I met her.  I believe girls in general seem to mature faster and go through those stupid stages alot earlier than guys seem too.  I honestly think that everybody has to go through them sometime in their life, more go through it in high school, rather than like me at 21, 22, 23.  My girlfriend and I had a screwed up relationship from the start.  I should have known better anyway to start off so serious.  I was dealing with social anxiety/depression at the time.  Anyway i can’t explain everything, but just put it this way, from the start things weren’t healthy.  Both situations weren’t healthy for a normal relationship to work.  But being young and nieve and very gullible i stuck with her.  I loved her, but going through my depression and all I didn’t love myself.  I was immature.  Ok well on throughout the relationship we had our ups and downs. She was my first and this just drew me closer.  But then came my stupid stage. The alcohol the pot, the going out wanting to explore.  Everything was becoming new to me.  During these times plus still dealing with my depression/anxiety (not even knowing i really had it at the time) i treated her like shit during these times.  I verbally abused her, we even got into shoving matches.  She’s italian, believe me she has her temper too, but i wouldn’t blame her, dealing with someone unhealthy and immature like me.  Anyway that and alot more BS went on for a long time.  All together we’ve been together for about 5 years, i’m now 23.  She still stuck with me.  Finally this past year I had some close relatives die.  I also was blessed with having a baby boy with her.  But I know this is going to be hard.  It made me mature and sober up.  I will say for the past 8 months i’ve gone to a psychiatrist and my regular doctor.  I’ve put myself back into shape and have been eating healthy.  Trying to find the right anti depressants to get my mind back on track.  Stayed off the pot and alcohol, and I know not to EVER go back to it, it only leads down the wrong path.  If using it for the reasons I used it for.  I will have a glass a wine every now and then.  But this new sober life has been hard.  The past creeps me and has caught up with me.  I can’t seem to let go of the past.  I feel so ashamed of how i treated my girlfriend.  During this past year I can’t even stand to be around her and be nice.  It’s like I feel so disgusted with myself and the past, that i feel sick to be nice to her.  I sometimes will still be very rude and an asshole to her.  It’s like I don’t even mean to be, it’s like this guilt that makes me do it.  I’ve treated her bad for so long, and she never deserved it.  She truely loves me, I’m starting to realize how much I love her since I’ve started loving myself for once.  But I can’t open up to her yet, when I look at her all I can think of is the past.  I know a good idea is therapy. But I don’t know if it’s too late.  I don’t know if anybody can recover with ALL we’ve been through.  If it’s worth it.  I know our son is involved now.  I want everything to be right.  Do you think it’s possible.  Do you think it’s worth one more round.  I know the %’s of couples in these situations is probably not high in getting back and being happy, but there’s got to be some hope.  Take care, and if you read this story thanks very much.  Any support would be a big help. C. Miller

  Response:

  (Not grandiosely and presumptiously emailed, but POSTED only!)

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If you have the time please listen.  If not, thanks anway  But it will feel > good to just let some stuff off my chest.  I can’t really get into everything > or it would take a VERY LONG TIME to write.  I’m just having a hard time > dealing with guilt.  Has anybody out there ever had to deal with it? Overcome > it?  My guilt is alot my fault.  Is it my fault i’ve felt depressed and made > the wrong decisions?  I don’t know, I would hope not.  I’m only 23.  It’s taken > me alot longer to grow up and mature.  I was sheltered a long time and lived > with very strict religious parents.  I wasn’t exposed to the "real world" until > I was like 18.  Which is the time I met my girlfriend.  Ever since I met her, > it seems I’ve gone through my stupid stage in life.  The bad thing is, she’s > ALWAYS been there for me, cared for me, loved me, complimented me in ever way, > always giving me anything I’ve wanted.  She went through tough times before I > met her.  I believe girls in general seem to mature faster and go through those > stupid stages alot earlier than guys seem too.  I honestly think that everybody > has to go through them sometime in their life, more go through it in high > school, rather than like me at 21, 22, 23.  My girlfriend and I had a screwed > up relationship from the start.  I should have known better anyway to start off > so serious.  I was dealing with social anxiety/depression at the time. Anyway > i can’t explain everything, but just put it this way, from the start things > weren’t healthy.  Both situations weren’t healthy for a normal relationship to > work.  But being young and nieve and very gullible i stuck with her.  I loved > her, but going through my depression and all I didn’t love myself.  I was > immature.  Ok well on throughout the relationship we had our ups and downs. > She was my first and this just drew me closer.  But then came my stupid stage. > The alcohol the pot, the going out wanting to explore.  Everything was becoming > new to me.  During these times plus still dealing with my depression/anxiety > (not even knowing i really had it at the time) i treated her like shit during > these times.  I verbally abused her, we even got into shoving matches. She’s > italian, believe me she has her temper too, but i wouldn’t blame her, dealing > with someone unhealthy and immature like me.  Anyway that and alot more BS went > on for a long time.  All together we’ve been together for about 5 years, i’m > now 23.  She still stuck with me.  Finally this past year I had some close > relatives die.  I also was blessed with having a baby boy with her.  But I know > this is going to be hard.  It made me mature and sober up.  I will say for the > past 8 months i’ve gone to a psychiatrist and my regular doctor.  I’ve put > myself back into shape and have been eating healthy.  Trying to find the right > anti depressants to get my mind back on track.  Stayed off the pot and alcohol, > and I know not to EVER go back to it, it only leads down the wrong path. If > using it for the reasons I used it for.  I will have a glass a wine every now > and then.  But this new sober life has been hard.  The past creeps me and has > caught up with me.  I can’t seem to let go of the past.  I feel so ashamed of > how i treated my girlfriend.  During this past year I can’t even stand to be > around her and be nice.  It’s like I feel so disgusted with myself and the > past, that i feel sick to be nice to her.  I sometimes will still be very rude > and an asshole to her.  It’s like I don’t even mean to be, it’s like this guilt > that makes me do it.  I’ve treated her bad for so long, and she never deserved > it.  She truely loves me, I’m starting to realize how much I love her since > I’ve started loving myself for once.  But I can’t open up to her yet, when I > look at her all I can think of is the past.  I know a good idea is therapy. > But I don’t know if it’s too late.  I don’t know if anybody can recover with > ALL we’ve been through.  If it’s worth it.  I know our son is involved now.  I > want everything to be right.  Do you think it’s possible.  Do you think it’s > worth one more round.  I know the %’s of couples in these situations is > probably not high in getting back and being happy, but there’s got to be some > hope.  Take care, and if you read this story thanks very m uch.  Any support > would be a big help. > ]

  You must be a really good person. You are assuming responsibility for your part. And its so much better to be a good person, than one who wishes to be seen as a right person. No one is perfect, or good all the time. Accepting you’re just like everyone else, therefore imperfect, faultfilled, capable of much good, but also capable of pettiness, and rudeness, and being plain bad, and ugly minded is good thing for you to do.  . Everyone does all kinds of stupid, petty, bad, ugly, really shitty things. Only those who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions, and seek to scapegoat others, rather than admit and forgive themselves for their pettyness, and ugly mindedness wind up lifelong headcases. If you can accept your faults, and forgive yourself when you err, you will do fine in this life. Its definitely not too late for you to work with a counselor on it. Given your qualms, might make arrangedments to see a counselor, only once every 6 weeks. 73% of depression sufferers seen by a counselor just once every six weeks recovered FULLY from depression, including guilt feelings associated with depression, by such counseling alone.  . Go for it! (PS.  Stay off this ng.  It is being trolled by people whose specialty is exploiting sufferers of depression low self worth, and proneness to feelings of guilt. ) . – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> C. Miller

  Response:

  No comments Recover from Depression
  
  

• Life after depression

  Question:

  A couple summers ago I was recovering from a profound depression. I had been whacked up on meds, unemployable, dropped out of university, pill and booze addicted, nearly homeless and terrified. I was only 21. I lived through a serious suicide attempt by the blessed dialysis machine and started to see that I would have to find some way to live -that suicide wasn’t an option. I was real shaken and sad -you know how it is trying to recover from the shambles of depression? Re-build the life. Get into the world again and all that was terrifying. I moved to a new city, got back into school and had no friends. I had the internet and found this group. I became a regular lurker and never posted once. I just was so relieved to see that their were others with the same fucked up depression and I enjoyed the comedy of all the fighting between posters. I found hope. Since that time I have been slowly re-building my life. I guess I want to say thanks to all who share on this site and to anyone who is struggling- there is hope. I got my life back. I’m 23 now and almost graduated. I just got a job in Social Services and I’m just real grateful to be back from the dead. I see my shrink frequently and am on Celexa. I found a med that works for me. I am sober. And I feel free. I know that depression will come in and out my life and I accept that. Thanks to all for being a puzzle piece in my recovery. Amelia

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > A couple summers ago I was recovering from a profound depression. I > had been whacked up on meds, unemployable, dropped out of university, > pill and booze addicted, nearly homeless and terrified. I was only 21. > I lived through a serious suicide attempt by the blessed dialysis > machine and started to see that I would have to find some way to live > -that suicide wasn’t an option. I was real shaken and sad -you know > how it is trying to recover from the shambles of depression? Re-build > the life. Get into the world again and all that was terrifying. > I moved to a new city, got back into school and had no friends. I had > the internet and found this group. I became a regular lurker and never > posted once. I just was so relieved to see that their were others with > the same fucked up depression and I enjoyed the comedy of all the > fighting between posters. I found hope. Since that time I have been > slowly re-building my life. I guess I want to say thanks to all who > share on this site and to anyone who is struggling- there is hope. I > got my life back. I’m 23 now and almost graduated. I just got a job in > Social Services and I’m just real grateful to be back from the dead. > I see my shrink frequently and am on Celexa. I found a med that works > for me. I am sober. And I feel free. I know that depression will come > in and out my life and I accept that. Thanks to all for being a puzzle > piece in my recovery. > Amelia

  Good for you, Amelia!  I’m glad you found some entertainment value during your period of lurking.  It’s such a hard road, some folks never get to the point you’re at now, so, congratulations and keep well. Deborah

  Response:

  hi Amelia… a very inspiring story that can serve to remind us that there is hope and much more out there. Continued good health to you. — regards, Compucat  >^+^<

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A couple summers ago I was recovering from a profound depression. I > had been whacked up on meds, unemployable, dropped out of university, > pill and booze addicted, nearly homeless and terrified. I was only 21. > I lived through a serious suicide attempt by the blessed dialysis > machine and started to see that I would have to find some way to live > -that suicide wasn’t an option. I was real shaken and sad -you know > how it is trying to recover from the shambles of depression? Re-build > the life. Get into the world again and all that was terrifying. > I moved to a new city, got back into school and had no friends. I had > the internet and found this group. I became a regular lurker and never > posted once. I just was so relieved to see that their were others with > the same fucked up depression and I enjoyed the comedy of all the > fighting between posters. I found hope. Since that time I have been > slowly re-building my life. I guess I want to say thanks to all who > share on this site and to anyone who is struggling- there is hope. I > got my life back. I’m 23 now and almost graduated. I just got a job in > Social Services and I’m just real grateful to be back from the dead. > I see my shrink frequently and am on Celexa. I found a med that works > for me. I am sober. And I feel free. I know that depression will come > in and out my life and I accept that. Thanks to all for being a puzzle > piece in my recovery. > Amelia

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > A couple summers ago I was recovering from a profound depression. I > had been whacked up on meds, unemployable, dropped out of university, > pill and booze addicted, nearly homeless and terrified. I was only 21. > I lived through a serious suicide attempt by the blessed dialysis > machine and started to see that I would have to find some way to live > -that suicide wasn’t an option. I was real shaken and sad -you know > how it is trying to recover from the shambles of depression? Re-build > the life. Get into the world again and all that was terrifying. > I moved to a new city, got back into school and had no friends. I had > the internet and found this group. I became a regular lurker and never > posted once. I just was so relieved to see that their were others with > the same fucked up depression and I enjoyed the comedy of all the > fighting between posters. I found hope. Since that time I have been > slowly re-building my life. I guess I want to say thanks to all who > share on this site and to anyone who is struggling- there is hope. I > got my life back. I’m 23 now and almost graduated. I just got a job in > Social Services and I’m just real grateful to be back from the dead. > I see my shrink frequently and am on Celexa. I found a med that works > for me. I am sober. And I feel free. I know that depression will come > in and out my life and I accept that. Thanks to all for being a puzzle > piece in my recovery. > Amelia

  Thanks amelia .. as somebody who is only a year out of my life-threatening depression (and now seeing a therapist, taking depakote and wellbutrin, working again at a new university and in a new city), it is good to hear your story … though i think others think i’m fine (and most never knew, so don’t even suspect) – i don’t always believe it is true now or will be true tomorrow thanks. d

  Response:

  Wonderful to hear of recovery – enjoy. Squiggles — Truth has become a commodity.              - Squiggles

  Response:

  No comments Depression Recovery
  
  
• « Older Entries

  Newer Entries »