Depression and energy levels

I didn't think it would work, but I joined a gym and am trying to go at least 30 min. at least 3 days a week. Had to set an attainable goal so I didn't beat myself up if I didn't go! LOL
Anyway, my mood and energy is a whole lot better already. And I also try to walk around at work. I am feeling so much better. Hope this helps

I know it sounds ridiculous, but exercise.
I suffer from severe depression, and I have the same problem. I am exhausted most of the time, and I know what you mean, about feeling like a zombie.
I know that exercising seems even harder when you are depressed, but I SWEAR to you if you can get yourself going you'll feel way better at the end. If I exercise after work, I am able to stay up about 1 1/2 hours longer each night than if I don't.
If you can try even just a ten minute walk in the morning, or do something small to start out, it may make an impact. I really hope this helps you. I completely understand the depression and I know how horrible it can be and how hard it can make it seem to do ANYTHING!
good luck to you on your journey

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression. Our bodies naturally create it when we spend a lot of time in the sun...but lots of us, when we are depressed don't get nearly enough, and now that the days are shorter...it can be an issue. When I was extremely depressed, I got a prescription for a high dose. Now I take an over the counter dose. Of course, this isn't THE remedy, but it's a good and easy addition to your arsenal of tools for combatting the depression.

Also YES exercise. Get your heart rate up with exercise almost every day. The endorphin release is very helpful, and I've found that regular exercise is AS important for me as taking my medication.

Are you getting a good balanced supply of fats?

I agree, exercise is the only cure for this (besides any potential antidepressants your doctor may prescribe). It will help with both the depression and the energy level.

Its kind of a catch 22. You have no energy, so you don't feel like exercising, but the only way to get more energy is to exercise.

Start off small. Don't stress yourself out to get to the gym, take a walk on your lunch hour. The fresh air will invigorate you and the walking can be very relaxing. Try ten minutes at first. Build up from there.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

I agree with talking to your doctor if you haven't already.

I've been diagnosed with depression as well and found myself in the same situation you're in. My therapist suggested I force myself to do a little bit of exercise each day. I found that once I get going, I can do a lot more than I had planned. I'm currently doing Insanity, and my husband and my sister both say they see a big difference in my overall mood since I've been doing that program. I'm not saying go do Insanity, but find something that you can stick with and see if that helps you.

Good luck to you.

These are some good suggestions. I'm in the same boat as I've battled with deppression for a while now (on medication now) but lately I just feel I have no motivation to do ANYTHING.

I'm going to try tanning 2-3 times a week, taking more vitamins, and TRYING to find motivation to work out more.

Also Mediation is great. I use www.healthjourneys.com and get the guided imagery MP3s. Bellruth Naperstak is the best. She has one for depression and other issues. Check it out.

Don't know if some already said this but try getting rid or cut back on.processed foods and sugary beverages or sugar added products. Instead, replace with fruit and veggies.(not comcentrates or juices, just the whole thing)

I started a program through our local hospital that is based on obtaining a Heart Healthy program. The group is made up of 21 people and those each chose a partner to participate with them. We agreed to attending a nutrition class once a week, logging our food(where I heard about fitness pal) and to work with a trainer twice a week. Along with this, we got free passage to all of our local recreation center programs. Along with use of the equipment, we could go to classes offered - Yoga, circuit training, you get the idea. Someone in my religious affiliation brought me the flyer for it. A little embarrassing but this person had been with me during a suicide attempt, coming to my house and seeing there was no Christmas tree, listening to me cry, cry and cry some more about everything a to z. So I honored his request and I threw my name in to be a participant in this program.

I want to mention that I also take an anti-depressant and anxiety medicine and have for a few years. LIFE GOT HELLISH and my chin hung on my chest to the point I couldn't look anyone in the eye anymore. I was miserable.

The program started Aug. 24. I've faithfully exercised 5 days a week. I'm up to 60 minutes of cardio most every day. I have energy. I'm happy, I feel like bursting. I haven't lost tons but I'm back in my jeans, sitting at work in them all day. I take the 3 flights of stairs and I talk to people again.

For what it's worth, invest some time in moving to chase the depression out of your life. I may be on medication so I don't fall into the black abyss again. But I have found a plan that works. Eat healthy, enjoy every kind of food there is. Take the guilt out of eating and move, move, move. Walk, ride a bike, dance, garden, ski, jiggle your way to happiness. It really works.

I agree about the medication. Don't be afraid to change. It's always scary, but it took several tries to get mine right too. One made me sleepy, one I gained lots of weight, etc. The one I take now I don't notice I'm even taking. (Unless I don't take it) Best of luck

Best thing to do is to go to your doctor and tell her about the lack of energy, low mood and depression you are having. There is a very high probability that she will identify an underlying problem and help solve it.

When I was feeling very tired my GP did some bloodtests which showed I had folate anemia . Three months of supplements made all the difference. I'd never even heard of it until I had it.