hello depression my old friend

darklyndsea

Everything was going great for two months... and then, depression struck again! Fortunately I'm still in a caloric deficit, but this past week it's felt impossible to go out on my walks. I can't get up early in the morning like I have been to walk when it's cool, and now my depression's telling me "it's too late in the day" to go for a walk. Listen, depression, I've gone for walks at this time of day before. Yeah, it's hot, but I can do it. I like taking walks. I have a goal to walk the entire trail, and I'm not going to get there if I don't walk regularly. If I walk, I earn more calories, delicious delicious calories.

Ugh, stupid brain chemistry. Come on, happy pills, kick in already.

kx7003

@darklyndsea Do you ever listen to music to psych yourself up to see if that changes your mood and makes you feel more inclined to take a walk even if it’s later in the day ? Do you live alone or have anyone who could accompany you a few times to lift your motivation and spur you on until u settle into walking later on?

darklyndsea

kx7003 wrote: »

@darklyndsea Do you ever listen to music to psych yourself up to see if that changes your mood and makes you feel more inclined to take a walk even if it’s later in the day ? Do you live alone or have anyone who could accompany you a few times to lift your motivation and spur you on until u settle into walking later on?

I always listen to music when I walk, because nature bores me to tears and traffic sounds aren't any better. It doesn't really psych me up, though. My walking buddy's on vacation. I'll get back to waking up at 5:30 to walk when she's back in town, for sure, but it's just a struggle for now.

Pamela_Sue

My sister and I like to say, "starting is halfway there". I have chronic depression and really have to dig in to do anything. Perhaps lay out your workout clothes and shoes so you can put them on when you first get out of bed. Tell yourself you will just step outside the door. Then down the sidewalk. Sometimes I tell myself I will just sit on my seated elliptical trainer. The first step is the biggest for me. I wish you well.

elisa123gal

I pray whatever went right the past two months happens again for you. We are here to support you.

gottswald

I don't know what you'll get from this, but sometimes I just don't give myself the option. I make the decision it's happening and then stop thinking about it. That way I don't let my brain interfere, once it's settled all my mood's complaints are ignored. The things I'm not determined to do is where my daily mood interferes...

annliz23

darklyndsea wrote: »

kx7003 wrote: »

@darklyndsea Do you ever listen to music to psych yourself up to see if that changes your mood and makes you feel more inclined to take a walk even if it’s later in the day ? Do you live alone or have anyone who could accompany you a few times to lift your motivation and spur you on until u settle into walking later on?

I always listen to music when I walk, because nature bores me to tears and traffic sounds aren't any better. It doesn't really psych me up, though. My walking buddy's on vacation. I'll get back to waking up at 5:30 to walk when she's back in town, for sure, but it's just a struggle for now.

Music always lifts my spirits and sometimes I exercise by dancing to it usually with my grandchildren.

lg013

I always find if I can get myself to start—I’m ready to keep going after about 10 min.

Music and suiting up make a huge difference for me too—been some great suggestions.

And, these is nothing wrong with seeing a doctor and getting some help. Mental health is a real thing many of us struggle with and there is nothing wrong with looking into getting help and trying to see what works with battling it.