SO Depresssssssed

SafariLara

So not to tell a bunch of strangers my life story and all... But I have some pretty severe clinical depression.

It's mostly under control through medications, diet, and exercise, but I still have really low days where I just feel like even being alive is a challenge.

That being said;

Today I am SO depressed. Those of you out there with depression, how do you cope when you have low days like this?

I feel like I don't wanna do anything. I don't wanna go out of my apartment. I don't wanna go to work. I don't want to work out (which is crazy talk because I LOVE to work out) I just want to sleep. All. Day.

Any suggestions on how to get myself out of this slump and into the world to deal with life? Seriously any encouragement will help

busyPK

I don't have experience with what you are going through, but I hope someone here that has been-there-done-that is able to lend some advice fo you.

ZombieChaser

*bump* b/c this is important, but I'm afraid I cannot chime in this discussion.

rockonerin

i've been on meds for clinical depression since i was 14 - now 26. they help a lot but i definitely still have ups and downs. when i'm feeling down, i go into what i call "radical self care." this means truly spoiling yourself. if you had the flu or a broken leg, you would have no problem spending some time and money to make yourself feel better - depression is NO different than any of these other ailments! you can't see it but it's real!! with that in mind, take care of yourself!! buy yourself a new cd. take a bath. cuddle under a bunch of your fuzziest blankets and watch a movie. buy yourself a nice meal to make at home with a nice bottle of wine. make a collage. read a trashy magazine. give yourself a manicure. don't feel guilty about spending the time on YOU!

but the real best thing right now is the knowledge that it IS temporary and that this feeling WILL pass - even though it doesn't feel like it. please feel free to private message me anytime if you need some words of encouragement or just want to talk

ajbeans

Drink a glass of water. Take a shower and put on some clothes that make you feel good. Do your hair and makeup -- nothing fancy, just enough to make you like what you see in the mirror. Then leave the house. Basically, do the opposite of whatever you feel like you want to do. Because that's not YOU wanting to sleep all day, that's depression.

I think of depression as a parasite. It needs you to hole up in bed and not take care of yourself because if you get up and pull yourself out of the funk, it has to let you go. It won't have anything to feed on. So it makes you think you want to lie around in your pajamas doing nothing, because that's what depression needs you to do in order for it to stay alive. So depression wants you to mope, tell depression to screw itself and do the opposite of that. Get out there. Exercise, even if it's just taking a walk outside or doing some good stretches and jumping jacks. Eat healthy food. Take your vitamins if you take them (and if you do'nt, I suggest looking into a D supplement -- it's helped me more than I can explain). Turn on some happy music. Do not sit around in your pajamas. If you try to get moving and it really just doesn't take, then sit and read a good book or watch your favorite movie, and don't let yourself feel bad about what you're not getting done today, because that's also the depression talking. Just keep going.

Jconner30

It took a death in the famlily (Meagan Kandis - 15 yrs old BEAUTIFUL cousin). She would have celebrated her sweet 16 on Jan 12 but she will be clebrating it in Heaven. It opened my eyes and let me know what was really important to me - my 3 girls! I thank God each day for my great health, WONDERFUL children and a family who loves me. I focus on that - and not 'me'. Also, running 30-35 miles a week and setting goals helps me keep my eyes on the ball. If I have too much time on my hands - I will start to feel depressed. I just dont have time to get depressed anymore.

Also, you may not see it - but you are a shining star in many people's eyes! They love you, check up on you, smile when they hear your voice or see you or even think of you. If you were gone from this Earth (like our precious little Megs), MANY MANY MANY people would be devistated. You would have weeping parents, siblings, friends, relatives and others. Dont be afraid to talk to someone when you feel depressed. It killed Meagan! Dont let it kill anyone else! This is for anyone thinking/contemplating suicide! I can tell you this, its left my family in turmoil. She wrote in her notes that 'we would cry a little but we would get over it' - BULL****! Its a LIFE SENANCE for her mother, grand parents, my children and me, friends, relatives, and a slew of other people she touched daily.

rbryntes

I don't know if I can help you, because when I get depressed I just stop functioning. I hate the attitude that one can "shake it off." No. It's is almost impossible.

I find the one thing that often helps me is to pick ONE thing that you want or need to do and do it. It can be simple (buy milk, cook dinner, workout). Reward yourself for doing whatever it is. Lather, rinse, repeat.

mmocarr

Remind yourself of your strength and take care of yourself even though you don't want to. If its really bad perhaps call a trusted friend to help you get to work if you have to go or take a walk if tha'ts priority #1 today.

hang in there!

seanmcdh

this time of year is horrible. i am normally pretty upbeat but I have struggled to get out of bed the past week. January sucks.

I hope you feel better... strangers do care, man =]

Sean

dendra7

I used to get seasonal depression. I make myself do the very things I don't want to do. 1. Get up. 2. Work Out 3. Go To Work 4. Go for a Walk in any sunshine you can find or lay in a sunny spot...key here is SUNSHINE. After you do all that, if you want to go home and crawl under a blanket and watch hours of junk tv or whatever...fine.

You don't have to be happy about getting your list done. You don't have to talk to anyone about it. You don't have to like it.

But exercise releases those good endorphins and can help a whole lot.

My mood is DRASTICALLY better with regular, consistent, intense exercise.

Stay well and take care of you.

onefitdiva

If you are having really low days that are making you not want to get out of bed or sleep all the time, it actually could be your medication, it may need to be evaluated and adjusted. Talk to your Dr.

shiseido_faerie

Drink a glass of water. Take a shower and put on some clothes that make you feel good. Do your hair and makeup -- nothing fancy, just enough to make you like what you see in the mirror. Then leave the house. Basically, do the opposite of whatever you feel like you want to do. Because that's not YOU wanting to sleep all day, that's depression.

I think of depression as a parasite. It needs you to hole up in bed and not take care of yourself because if you get up and pull yourself out of the funk, it has to let you go. It won't have anything to feed on. So it makes you think you want to lie around in your pajamas doing nothing, because that's what depression needs you to do in order for it to stay alive. So depression wants you to mope, tell depression to screw itself and do the opposite of that. Get out there. Exercise, even if it's just taking a walk outside or doing some good stretches and jumping jacks. Eat healthy food. Take your vitamins if you take them (and if you do'nt, I suggest looking into a D supplement -- it's helped me more than I can explain). Turn on some happy music. Do not sit around in your pajamas. If you try to get moving and it really just doesn't take, then sit and read a good book or watch your favorite movie, and don't let yourself feel bad about what you're not getting done today, because that's also the depression talking. Just keep going.

Having also dealt with depression, I 100% agree with this. Do not listen to the depression, it feeds it. Do the opposite of everything you feel you want to do.

SafariLara

Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully all will be well as the day goes on. I'm gonna go do my hair, and get out of here and distract myself if nothing else

It's good to know that there are people like you all out there, that care.

Have a great day and I'll keep ya'll updated
xoxoxo

Lady_Chilli

Music, put some music on that you love and is upbeat, nothing depressing and get dancing, do a work out, go take a shower, get dressed put some make up on and call a friend for a catch up.

cbear017

Drink a glass of water. Take a shower and put on some clothes that make you feel good. Do your hair and makeup -- nothing fancy, just enough to make you like what you see in the mirror. Then leave the house. Basically, do the opposite of whatever you feel like you want to do. Because that's not YOU wanting to sleep all day, that's depression.

I think of depression as a parasite. It needs you to hole up in bed and not take care of yourself because if you get up and pull yourself out of the funk, it has to let you go. It won't have anything to feed on. So it makes you think you want to lie around in your pajamas doing nothing, because that's what depression needs you to do in order for it to stay alive. So depression wants you to mope, tell depression to screw itself and do the opposite of that. Get out there. Exercise, even if it's just taking a walk outside or doing some good stretches and jumping jacks. Eat healthy food. Take your vitamins if you take them (and if you do'nt, I suggest looking into a D supplement -- it's helped me more than I can explain). Turn on some happy music. Do not sit around in your pajamas. If you try to get moving and it really just doesn't take, then sit and read a good book or watch your favorite movie, and don't let yourself feel bad about what you're not getting done today, because that's also the depression talking. Just keep going.

I know where you are coming from and I think this ^^^ is sound advice.

As much as you want to sleep and it feels as though your body were made of lead, don't allow yourself to sleep during the day. Disturbed sleep patterns contribute to the symptoms of major depression and can even trigger it.

6mimi

I don't have depression but do have some friends and family that have it. I don't have any great advice, but wanted you to know that I care and will say a prayer for you today.

lackofnames3

I get really bad bouts of anxiety/depression and I actually HAVE to meditate and do breathing exercises. I honestly through my breath tell myself to release the bad and bring in the good. People who never had depression just don't know how debilitating it is! It really is hard to even get out the door! Hope this moment flees quickly!!

ajbeans

Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully all will be well as the day goes on. I'm gonna go do my hair, and get out of here and distract myself if nothing else

It's good to know that there are people like you all out there, that care.

Have a great day and I'll keep ya'll updated
xoxoxo

Good for you. *hugs* I know it's not easy, but this too shall pass.

I also agree with onefitdiva -- if this is happening regularly, talk to your doctor. You may need to change your medication. It's not doing its job.

MJ7910

just get moving doing anything. take a walk, clean something, do something... that is my best advice.

i have dealt with it before myself and i just noticed for me getting moving really helps me fight it. drink a nice glass of water.... go outside, get your body moving... even for 5 minutes. works wonders.

also deep breathing. or taking a nice long bath or shower. or a nice cup of tea

sounds simple and hokey but it works for me.

princesspeach577

I know that it can feel impossible to even function on those days. Sometimes just forcing myself to get up and do something helps. Try to do something you normally enjoy even if it feels forced at first. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Feel free to add or message me. I hope you feel better soon.

tuffytuffy1

I know exactly how you feel. A psychiatrist or therapist would tell you to get up, clean up around your apartment (if it is being neglected), get dressed, and do something. You need to force yourself to, if you can. Hang in there. I personally take antidepressant medication and it makes me feel 100% better.

CyberEd312

I have alot of experience in this department... In 2009 I was homebound and had not left the house in 2 years was eating myself to death and had severe depression and social phobia issues. Fast forward to today and with alot of hard work and therapy I am regaining control of my life. I still have days when I just don't want to participate in life and would rather hide out in our house and ignore the world but those are the days when I push back the hardest. Exercise has become a stress reliever for me and the endorphins released from working out are so much more of a satisfaction than any amount of depression I have went through. You really have to push yourself through those feelings and find an outlet that allows you to work through those times. Good luck to you

Jconner30

I'm posting this again due to the importance of it...

It took a death in the famlily (Meagan Kandis - 15 yrs old BEAUTIFUL cousin). She would have celebrated her sweet 16 on Jan 12 but she will be clebrating it in Heaven. It opened my eyes and let me know what was really important to me - my 3 girls! I thank God each day for my great health, WONDERFUL children and a family who loves me. I focus on that - and not 'me'. Also, running 30-35 miles a week and setting goals helps me keep my eyes on the ball. If I have too much time on my hands - I will start to feel depressed. I just dont have time to get depressed anymore.

Also, you may not see it - but you are a shining star in many people's eyes! They love you, check up on you, smile when they hear your voice or see you or even think of you. If you were gone from this Earth (like our precious little Megs), MANY MANY MANY people would be devistated. You would have weeping parents, siblings, friends, relatives and others. Dont be afraid to talk to someone when you feel depressed. It killed Meagan! Dont let it kill anyone else! This is for anyone thinking/contemplating suicide! I can tell you this, its left my family in turmoil. She wrote in her notes that 'we would cry a little but we would get over it' - BULL$HIT! Its a LIFE SENANCE for her mother, grand parents, my children and me, friends, relatives, and a slew of other people she touched daily.

ashlinmarie

Try pushing yourself to work out anyway to release those endorphins or as someone else mentioned, do something that makes you feel good about you. Make a list of all the small and wonderful accomplishments you've made in your life.

I suffered from severe depression from the age of 8 (now 23). I was on medication, which made me feel nothing which made me feel worse and I self medicated with drugs and alcohol in high school. After awhile, enough was enough and I had to take measures to love myself no matter what. The biggest thing that helped me move on during my down days was putting up a post it on my bedroom mirror telling myself all the reasons why I am good and should be happy (and not stuff like how my family and friends are, but things that are just about me). It became like a mantra and now I've been medication free for 7 years. I still have low days, but just reminding myself of the good in my life helps me get out of bed and push through the day.

maryjay51

light and movement help that .. if you can get yourself to a gym then go..if not then get outside and walk. you can also ramp up your energy level by listening to high energied music. above all dont sit there and stew because it can get worse and harder to get out.. just force yourself to walk or go to the gym so you are moving..

BL_Coleman

Get up. Sitting and not doing anything is going to make you feel worse. Pick a section of music that motivates you or releases emotion and go for a walk. Start slow, you dont have to start every day running. Understand some days are harder than others and ease your way into it. Good Luck

karenwill2

I suffer from depression. I no longer take meds for it. As my doctor says I am very self aware, the side effects are way harder for me to cope with. I am suffering bad today too.

I am trying to "talk myself down" which is something I always have to do. I just repeat over and over again that I will not go down. I will keep trying and I will not eat to self medicate. Being aware that you have these issues helps me a lot. And I am far too stubborn to ever give up. I turn on some music that hits my mood and surf MFP for good vibes. I still keep on keeping on.

so I guess my best advice is to kick yourself in the pants. It is what I do every day. Even though it is so hard, you can do it. Believe that you are in control. And maybe you will be.

CCSunlight

i so hear you. I'm in a depressive episode right now and getting up to do anything is a fight, nevermind trying to get up to work out. Do you have a friend around that can come watch a movie with you? It's something that's pretty minimal effort but you'll be able to be social.

Aviendha_RJ

Oh,,,, been there.

After my mom died, I was in rough shape. I used to lay in bed for hours & hours staring at the ceiling. I'd call my loved ones with such a depressive tone in my voice so they got tired of hearing from me. I lost a lot of friends... I did nothing all day every day.

Honestly? How I coped? Not well. I gotta say. But... It does get easier.

I had a counsellor call-in line that I used a lot. They'd have stupid tips & tricks of ways to "decide to feel better" which were absolute bull****. But sometimes just talking it out with someone helped. Or I'd write it down.

What I ended up doing was buying a bunch of books from Dummies.... "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy" was a good one... so was "Neuro-Linguistic Programming", and "Life Coaching". The main theme of all of these was something to the general affect of training your brain to work differently. Things you're afraid of... bad memories... how to make these not impact you as much. Things that bother you... training yourself to think of them differently, to remember things differently. How to change and impact your mind-set to be more positive.

When you don't feel like leaving the house... when you don't feel like exercising... when you don't feel even like watching daytime TV because we all know how *GrEaT* that is.... (lol)... Sometimes you CAN force yourself to pick up a book. And reading that kind of material... it's a mood-perk-up.

jrsey86

I know how you feel. When it hits me hardest, I don't just feel like I don't want to go anywhere or do anything, I feel like I *can't* go anywhere or do anything. I allow myself to cry a little because it helps (I hate crying), but I find that my healing comes from taking care of myself. Some people find talking to a friend, forcing themselves to go outside, or watching their favorite movie helpful, but for me I consider it a day in with myself.

Here's what I do: I surround myself with some of my favorite things, even if they don't make me feel better immediately - a nice, hot mug of tea; a warm bath with lots and LOTS of bubbles; put on the softest, most comfortable clothes I have; settle under a blanket; and watch a movie or read a book...sometimes I've even folded laundry. I find that doing the simple things, the mundane things, help bring me up from my depression. It takes days sometimes, but it eventually works.

Like I said, everybody's different. For me, talking to somebody only makes it worse because all I can talk about is how miserable and hopeless I feel. Writing does the same, even though I love to write. Caring for myself is the best thing I can do - don't put on makeup, don't do my hair, just be as natural as possible.

I hope you get to feeling better. Take care of yourself! :flowerforyou:

coyoteo

When I struggled with depression, the one thing that would help on a bad day, was to push myself to have social interaction. Ask a friend to come over and do some baking, go shopping or feed ducks or whatever there is to do there. That's what worked for me back in the dark times.