21 Comments
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James Ron's avatar

Kiki - I've known a few people with chronic fatigue/depression, it passed in time. May I humbly offer - Don't "should be" or "should do" yourself crazy, and don't turn to drugs or alcohol. Life takes time to unfold, you can't force it. All the best!

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Love this advice -- thank you!

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Jacqueline Dooley's avatar

Read this during a 4 am bout with insomnia and sent you a mental hug.

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Rosy Gee's avatar

Writing is draining, Kiki. Mentally and physically. Sometimes it does us good to have a break from it. I hope you can get things sorted as it doesn’t sound good that you’re so tired all the time. I stopped writing on Medium as it wasn’t worth it. I still get views but never earn a cent. I hope you feel stronger and livelier soon. Sending virtual hugs and positive vibes.

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Hi Rosy! I find myself writing on Substack more right now. It's a refreshing change. And at least I'm writing! :-)

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Sheri Handel's avatar

Oh, Kiki, I didn't realize you were here and read this piece on Medium first. I have not totally migrated off it yet, but I'm here more than there. Sorry for the fatigue and depression; I understand it, have lived it, and hope you find more energy and more peace of mind. You are a treasure and so many of us have found/strengthened our writing selves with your help.

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Hi Sheri!! Nice to see you here! Even though I have the pubs on Medium, I've also been posting more here lately myself. It's kind of a breath of fresh air. Wishing you a fantastic 2025!

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Sheri Handel's avatar

To a fantastic 2025!

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Chris Falk's avatar

I hear you. I've been sober 5 years (this time) and can say it's been the most challenging period for my mental health. No question, Covid "fun", buying a small business that was totally F'd up, adjusting to life in crazy LaLa Land contributed. Depression is a bitch too and I naively thought when booze was removed from the equation for an extended period, the depression would magically dissipate.

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Thank you for sharing your experience. I can definitely identify with much of what you say!

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Scarlet Ibis James's avatar

Thank you for sharing your journey through your mind map. 🎈 Grace be with you.

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Thank you, Scarlet!

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Scarlet Ibis James's avatar

It was a gift to tune in

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Abruptly Biff's avatar

Kiki, I am sitting here thinking this piece should include the word Irony somewhere in the title. Wonderful writing about fatigue and depression and sobriety, but mainly it is a beautiful essay on the difficulty of writing!

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Thank you so much!

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Susan McCorkindale's avatar

Depression drives me to my bed too. And as Rosy said, writing can be exhausting. I wish I could do more than send you a hug and pray you feel better. 💐

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KiKi Walter's avatar

Hi Susan!! It's been a while! Thank you for your warm wishes! xo

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Susan McCorkindale's avatar

It has! Wonderful to be in touch again. xo

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Jennifer Brown's avatar

I may not understand from the perspective of sobriety but the constant state of depletion is highly relatable. Is it depression, perimenopause or a state of feeling stuck? Most likely a combination of all three and it has become debilitating. Sending you thoughts of light and love.

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Trace Nuttall's avatar

I find this so brave, to write with such honesty. I very much relate and am happy to have found someone who puts a voice and words to things I feel, but feel ashamed to admit. Thank you.

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Sarah Rennix's avatar

So. Deeply. Relatable! Xo

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