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Happy Sunday and Cat World Domination Day!
I'm joining my furriend Summer and all my other cat pals today to celebrate Cat World Domination Day! What am I doing? Nothing really, just taking it easy on a Sunday just like any wise feline would. In my selfie below you can see me lounging on my PetFusion Cat longer/scratcher and hoping Mum takes it easy today too. Since moving to our new lovely home I always keep her company in our bedroom as she works hard at her desk in the corner.
I have to watch over her because she hasn't been well lately.
You may have noticed that we don't post much now. It's not only because we've been extremely busy with the move but Mum hasn't been coping well with her depression and anxiety. She hasn't felt motivated to post in a long time. She says there's no point sometimes as both blogs cost too much in time and money to run and though she loves blogging, she needs to earn money as she is unable to work because of her illness. Working from home is the ideal for her, plus she really needs to be a stay at home mum to look after me!
Don't worry though because we are not going anywhere. Mum loves blogging and all her blogging pals but has become so overwhelmed with her problems lately. Depression is so hard to explain to people that have never experienced it. She can't just "pull herself together" and "get on with it". Depression is an illness just like any other.
She wants to talk about what is really bugging her. And I'm doing it for her now. You see, she's had depression for years. And then anxiety followed, which has been getting a lot worse lately. Trying to sell our house really messed her up I think. But it's more than that.
Mum is agoraphobic and suffers from social anxiety. She cannot stay away from home for long. She manages to run a few errands now and then and goes shopping, but rarely on her own. Because of this, she can't work. She wants to work from home. Blogging isn't earning her a penny. Neither is writing. She's tried everything she feels she is good at but nothing works out. She feels such a loser.
And her writing has suffered because of it. That's why she can't write books anymore and only manages a few longer posts here now and then. Writing was once her passion. A sense of failure has seen an end to that, I think.
She is looking for jobs to do at home that aren't scams. And of course, she would love a job that involves animals (especially cats!) I suggested cat sitter, even though the thought of her being affectionate with another cat and bringing home the scent of another feline makes me sick!
So, she is bravely opening up and putting this out there in the hope that someone might offer any advice. And by talking, she is hoping to help others in similar situations.
Remember, we live in the UK (recently moved from London to Essex) but if she can earn any money online which isn't a scam then she would love it.
Mum is good at writing, photography, social media marketing, editing. She has an English degree and has recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Cat Care and Behaviour.
Of course, she is the owner of this blog and Purrs Full of Love and needs to pay for the running of these blogs. Affiliates and advertising haven't earned her enough if nothing at all. Does anyone actually make any money from affiliates and partnerships? And as for our Zazzle store CatGoddessDesigns and our RedBubble store, just like Mum's books, her designs have only earned her a few quid.
One thing many of you bloggers I'm sure can relate to is people approaching her to post stuff on our blog which is blatantly free advertising for them and don't want to pay for it. Mum ignores those emails now, but really she wants to tell them to do one! Mum is tired of working for free and she's lost count of how many of her books she has given away for free on Amazon.
The stress is real. Mum doesn't exaggerate. She feels guilty moaning about her problems as she knows there are people with worse problems out there. But she says she can't take all this stress anymore. The worry just piles on as well as the weight as she tends to overeat when worried and turns to wine in order to help her cope with anxiety.
As a private person, she hates voicing her problems or posting anything about her personal life online. But keeping silent about these issues doesn't help anyone and just adds to the stigma.
Have a good day, everyone 💚
P.S. If you would like to work with us click HERE.
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My answers
1. My favourite scent is Mum.
2. I hope to get more treats this weekend.
3. Silence is music to my ears.
4. Home is where I feel safe with Mummy.
Mum's answers
1. My favourite scent is cinnamon (or maybe vanilla).
2. I hope to not be stressed this weekend.
3. Athena's purring is music to my ears.
4. Home is where I feel safe and happy and I don't really care if people think I'm boring because of it.
17 comments:
We need to be where we are, and where you are too, is probably as much help to your mom right now as anywhere. OK, that sounds strange but the world is just a strange place and nothing stranger than the folks in it. That said, just going out there and doing is an epic thing, and totally recommended for all in need. Mrs H told me that and you know what, once I got out there, when I was feelin' down, and chased a few mice, and chased away a few tomcats that I never wanted to know, I really felt good and part of the community.... Of course the local mice didnt think so, but hey, you cant please everyone, right?
Toodle pips and keep the proverbial chin up ;)
ERin
Mee-you Athena yur foto iss beeuteefull. Mee an LadyMum red yur post carefullee an mee sayss yur Mumma an mine are ree-lated!! Mee iss goin to let LadyMum mee-yow here as shee ree-latess so closelee. Mee sendss you both ***purrss** an **nose kissess*** Siddhartha Henry xXx
Hello Athena & Marie: Thank you Athena for speaking on behalf of your lovely Mom. You are both VERY brave to speak up. I too suffer from Depression (& can't take meds due to stomach issues). And I have Anxiety due to negative interactions with a few tenants here who have either threatened me with death or molested/assaulted me. I am in Trauma Counselling & doing EMDR therapy. It is helping little by little. I have NO idea what counselling is offered in UK or if you can access EMDR therapy. I rarely go out alone either. I'm a bit agoraphobic now due to my physical health limitations & the negative impact from those aforementioned tenants. I sue Disable transit which makes me feel safe as I'm petrified of public transit. Again I've no idea if there is some sort of Specialized transit in Essex.
I also am a poet & writer but gave up publishing years ago as my physical health has declined. I LOVE the idea of you doing cat sitting.
Say do you know Sierra K in USA? Her blog is Fur Everywhere blog. She works from home writing for different magazines or online publications.....maybe she could give you some pointers?
Here is her blog link:
https://fureverywhere.blogspot.com/
Tell her I sent you if you do not know her. I have no good ideas on how to support yourself. I was on Diabled Pension til I was switched to another Federal pension.
For your Depression/anxiety/agorphobiaI say do not pressure yourself. Do what you can each day. Reward yourself with kind words for any positive stuff. Remember that Athena loves you as you are & I know I do also. If there is a hotline/crisis line there you can call, use that service. Do what you need to do to keep on 'keepin on'. And remember you are not alone. If you want to 'chat' via email; I'm at: whitevalleyprincess@gmx.com
With love & respect, Sherri-Ellen <3 <3
Mommy has depression and anxiety issues, too, so we understand. Writing is Mommy's thing. too, but she hasn't even had anything published for years. How about writing stuff for magazines? Your mommy has lots of experiences she can use, and education to fall back on. Maybe helping students with their papers? If we were in England we would come and be friends and talk about our bad days together and share our good days. Our email is ladycristant at aol dot com.
Only those who have anxiety and depression know how bad it can be. Hang in there.
Have a wonderful and stress free Sunday...
Noodle and crew
Just joining in to say I have been (and am currently) dealing with similar issues - so just want you to know you are not alone in this ! I am sure having Athena with you helps you get up and keep going. Purrayers and POTP are being sent your way.
Your Mum and I are so much alike. I have anxiety and agoraphobia too. If I didn't take Effexor, I would never leave the house. I am fortunate in not having depression, but I can understand how difficult it is. I wish I could help your Mum at finding a job from home, I follow a work at home blog that has ideas, but it is for the US, maybe there is a similar one for the UK. I know closed captioning and editing are popular from at home. Also, freelance writing for magazines or somewhere that pays. Maybe the CAT magazine you have in the UK. Thank you both for participating in the fill-ins, I always enjoy your answers. XO
I'm sorry your human is going through a rough time, Athena, and that her longterm depression and anxiety are getting the better of her right now. I do know there must be work for her out there, since she has a lot of qualifications. I hope she is able to use some of the suggestions others have sent her way. My human has been an established writer for so long, she doesn't know how new freelancers get started anymore. :-(
P.S. Make sure you enter our Instagram giveaway - it's worldwide!
Athena and Mum, thank you for sharing what is going on with you. Anxiety and depression are definitely real! Just know that we are thankful for you, and for your friendship. You are not losers. You are talented and kind, and surely there are opportunities for you to work from home, or close by. Hugs, purrs and love to you both.
Thank you to all of you who took the time to comment. I have read all your comments and advice and I'm glad I opened up as it's good to share. I know many people have similar issues, it's definitely a hard life. But having our wonderful pets in our lives make it all bearable. It's just that some people in my life just don't seem to get it so I tend to keep it all to myself and obviously I bottled it up for far too long. This time last year I thought we'd never sell our old house but we did it, so that is something I am grateful for. I just get guilty sometimes for feeling depressed and anxious, even though I shouldn't.
I am feeling slightly better today. It's very hot though, and that gets on my nerves, but I'm coping. Having Athena and the beautiful views from my new home certainly help! And of course all you wonderful bloggers and readers who take your time to read our posts :)
Love and purrs to you all xx
Dear Miss Mum, purr-lease don't put yourself down so. Do me a favor and write on a post-it "I am be-au-a-ti-ful inside and out" and stick it to every mirror in your house. Then every time you look in the mirror you'll be reminded of that fact and it will start to sink in. I'm sure you've read many self-help books, but Mom recommends "JumpStart Your Priorities." It is helping her to try and think more positive thoughts. Though she doesn't have clinical depression, she did go go through a long period of melancholy awhile back. She also has health issues that can be very trying. She like you is also very much a home body, preferring to be around animals than people for the most part. And like you, she gets overwhelmed and sometimes gets bogged down with making decisions. Athena, when your mum realizes how strong she really is, she will conquer that depression! I am so-o thankful we are here for our moms, 'cause they need us. Kisses! Purr purr purr.
We're so sorry your human is going through such hard time ; we were wondering since yesterday what we could write and say to help you. We finally decided to send you tons of love and purrs, and to remind you that every tiny step forward is a step forward anyway. We read great ideas in the other comments, and we hope one of these can help you. Purrs and hugs
My heart goes out to you and while I don't suffer from depression, we aren't that different. I can't work outside of the home anymore due to my kidney condition. Like you, I have been looking for ways to make money, and like you, I am mostly turning away free posts. I had referred some work to Sierra that was mentioned in a comment above.........she never did tell me what happened with the work that I sent to her. If I see anything at all I will be sure to send it your way. I am mostly looking for handling social media for a company and freelance writing/advertising (I also have a degree)......I am lucky in the sense that now I am getting social security and my husband substitute teaches, that has been a big help this past year. Sending you (((hugs)))
Dear Marie, I think you will find many bloggers hare your same medical issues. Currently I take two medications for anxiety/panic disorder. Have been taking that for 18 years. I rarely leave the house, except for doctor appointments. I am much happier at home with the kitties. Due to my neuro-muscullar disease, I have not worked outside the home for 20 years. The freelancing suggestion is probably your best bet. I did that for years. Put your diploma to use through writing for cat publications.The kitty sitting isn't a bad idea, except for the part about leaving the house. You are brave to share what is happening with you. I would definitely suggest taking advantage of any help available to you. Like others, not being in the U.K, I do not know what those services might be. Sending lots and lots of hugs and love, Kitties Blue mom, Janet 🙏🏻
HUGE HUGS to your Mum, Athena. I'm at the same place. She isn't alone. I wish I had advice - I wish I'd learned to master depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. From experience, I know it takes buttloads of courage to even consider a post like this - your Mum is fighting and working so hard, Athena! I need to find work-at-home solutions too - I don't care much what it is - but I need to make money instead of having a blog. Recently, we've done so many free reviews for product only and it just doesn't pay the bills. If you Mum ever wants to talk, let me know. I've always felt connected to her in our struggles - and I understand every word of the miracles you've worked with her. I wish I could give her something more. I wish I had relief. I wish it wasn't an ongoing battle that you fight and fight just to fight some more. We love you and your Mum, Athena - you and your story have been a blessing to us. THANK YOU.
Thank you so much for caring to post, everyone! I have been struggling alone with no one to talk to and I've always felt misunderstood. Comments like yours really help and I'm sorry you are all struggling in your own way.
I will respond to those who have left contact details individually once I feel up to it. At the moment I'm trying not to feel overwhelmed because when I feel overwhelmed and deeply sad I do reach for the wine, even though I have been trying hard to be sober. I'm not an alcoholic, but I do tend to drink more when I can't deal with problems.
Hugs and lots of purrs from Athena xx
Am betting that the move, and the terrible stress before it, really knocked you off kilter. Sending you hugs and purrs, for I know you'll rebound and find your footing again. Please do not compare yourself to others, for you are unique and individual, and no one goes through life in the exact same way as you.
I don't know about in the UK, but I feel like more and more companies in the US have remote-based opportunities. I work from home for a company, so does my mom. And I had a friend who worked from home for a major computer company. You may look for companies in the UK (or global companies) that offer remote-based positions. It seems to be growing more and more so that they don't have the office space overhead. Just a thought, so I wanted to pass it along. Sending you lots of hugs and purrs!
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