jsmith123
09/10/2020 00:21
Subject: Re:Depression?
I try to think about the big picture and the little picture.
"Big picture" meaning, across the course of human history, there has been a lot of suffering, and humanity has always found a way to forge ahead. I find a lot of solace in that.
"Little picture" meaning, just focusing on getting through the day by paying attention to the tasks at hand.
I try to get exercise. I try to get sleep.
It's still hard but that is what helps.
"Big picture" meaning, across the course of human history, there has been a lot of suffering, and humanity has always found a way to forge ahead. I find a lot of solace in that.
"Little picture" meaning, just focusing on getting through the day by paying attention to the tasks at hand.
I try to get exercise. I try to get sleep.
It's still hard but that is what helps.
Anonymous
09/09/2020 23:26
Subject: Re:Depression?
I’m right there with you OP. I suffer from anxiety and have for some time. My depression has really kicked in to high gear the last few months. I’ve lost my job, have had medical issues and am the caregiver to my parents who are in their 80’s. Generally, I could handle it all mentally when I had a job, but being unemployed took me over the edge. I’m constantly a jumble of nerves with a pit in my stomach. I do see a therapist and my psychiatrist increased my meds. I’ve been very strict with the Covid guidelines and not having a social life isn’t helping. I’m about to throw in the towel and start doing stuff again. I feel like I’m losing my mind.
Anonymous
09/08/2020 23:00
Subject: Re:Depression?
OP here, I called my doctor today, and we are going to tweak my medication. She said a lot of people are feeling this way, early in March at the onset of the lockdown, people seemed primarily anxious, but as time goes on with no real solution in sight, it is normal to feel depressed.
Lots of good suggestions, keep 'em coming. I know they made me feel less alone, hopefully this thread can help others too.
Lots of good suggestions, keep 'em coming. I know they made me feel less alone, hopefully this thread can help others too.
Anonymous
09/08/2020 12:26
Subject: Re:Depression?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:As someone who has dealt with clinical depression my whole life this is what I learned.
1) get out into nature
2) get a moderate amount of movement
3) don't drink
4) make a conscious decision to think and maybe write down all things that ARE going well in your life.
5) know that no matter how bad you're feeling right now, it will end and things will get better.
NP, but this feels like pablum to me. How do you know things will get better? They could just as easily get worse. I heard a comedian recently joke that his life on a steady downslide, so every day you see him, he can truthfully say that he is having the worst day of his life.
I find the DBT approach to be more helpful. Life can be crappy AND there can be beautiful things worth living for. Both things can be true at once.
I think the other four suggestions are good. I would add:
(1) add music to your life. Good, upbeat music. Having a soundtrack to your life really helps keep your mood up.
(2) add humor to your life. I've basically eliminated a lot of TV, movies, literature, because I will no longer read or watch anything depressing. I only read or watch funny or uplifting stories. It's not that I don't think those other things are "good" -- they are probably better than what I'm consuming. But I'm just too sensitive to negative stuff. I need to surround myself with laughter, which is, as they say, the best medicine. (It really does help.)
What I meant to say that depression seems to be cyclical. So objectively things may not get better (though that's rare, and in the case of this pandemic it most certainly will get better), but the depression will eventually lift. That might mean starting medication or going to therapy or both to get there, but eventually it does get better.
Anonymous
09/08/2020 12:22
Subject: Depression?
*manageable anxiety (not "management anxiety")
Anonymous
09/08/2020 12:22
Subject: Depression?
I'm totally in the same place, OP. The only other time I felt like this was when I had PPD and PPA after my older kid was born. I typically struggle with some management anxiety, but the anxiety level I feel now is definitely heightened, and I feel depressed. I just reached out to the therapist I saw when I had PPD.
I personally feel trapped and unable to accomplish anything. I don't have enough time to do work because of my kids, but I'm not spending quality time with them either, and DL is kind of a disaster for them so far. I want to quit my job and move to the country so at least we could do some fun stuff outdoors, but I know I would probably be miserable there, too. And it doesn't seem like a great long-term strategy. I'm having a super hard time motivating at work and am falling behind in everything, but it just feels so pointless.
Hang in there. I hope you figure something out, and I would suggest contacting a therapist. As others said, we all need a little extra help right now.
I personally feel trapped and unable to accomplish anything. I don't have enough time to do work because of my kids, but I'm not spending quality time with them either, and DL is kind of a disaster for them so far. I want to quit my job and move to the country so at least we could do some fun stuff outdoors, but I know I would probably be miserable there, too. And it doesn't seem like a great long-term strategy. I'm having a super hard time motivating at work and am falling behind in everything, but it just feels so pointless.
Hang in there. I hope you figure something out, and I would suggest contacting a therapist. As others said, we all need a little extra help right now.
Anonymous
09/08/2020 11:48
Subject: Re:Depression?
Anonymous wrote:As someone who has dealt with clinical depression my whole life this is what I learned.
1) get out into nature
2) get a moderate amount of movement
3) don't drink
4) make a conscious decision to think and maybe write down all things that ARE going well in your life.
5) know that no matter how bad you're feeling right now, it will end and things will get better.
NP, but this feels like pablum to me. How do you know things will get better? They could just as easily get worse. I heard a comedian recently joke that his life on a steady downslide, so every day you see him, he can truthfully say that he is having the worst day of his life.
I find the DBT approach to be more helpful. Life can be crappy AND there can be beautiful things worth living for. Both things can be true at once.
I think the other four suggestions are good. I would add:
(1) add music to your life. Good, upbeat music. Having a soundtrack to your life really helps keep your mood up.
(2) add humor to your life. I've basically eliminated a lot of TV, movies, literature, because I will no longer read or watch anything depressing. I only read or watch funny or uplifting stories. It's not that I don't think those other things are "good" -- they are probably better than what I'm consuming. But I'm just too sensitive to negative stuff. I need to surround myself with laughter, which is, as they say, the best medicine. (It really does help.)
Anonymous
09/08/2020 10:00
Subject: Re:Depression?
Have you considered seeing a therapist?
Anonymous
09/08/2020 09:58
Subject: Re:Depression?
As someone who has dealt with clinical depression my whole life this is what I learned.
1) get out into nature
2) get a moderate amount of movement
3) don't drink
4) make a conscious decision to think and maybe write down all things that ARE going well in your life.
5) know that no matter how bad you're feeling right now, it will end and things will get better.
1) get out into nature
2) get a moderate amount of movement
3) don't drink
4) make a conscious decision to think and maybe write down all things that ARE going well in your life.
5) know that no matter how bad you're feeling right now, it will end and things will get better.
Anonymous
09/08/2020 09:56
Subject: Depression?
I'm starting to feel crushed, too, and I usually don't allow myself to go there. I'm focusing on losing weight, eating healthy food and getting in shape. I'm hoping that will help. Good luck, OP. Things will get better.
Anonymous
09/07/2020 21:11
Subject: Re:Depression?
Anonymous wrote:Get on an antidepressant. You need every tool to help you through this nutty time.
+1. If you strongly feel the depression, get in an anti depressant, it could completely change your life.
Anonymous
09/07/2020 21:08
Subject: Re:Depression?
Get on an antidepressant. You need every tool to help you through this nutty time.
Anonymous
09/07/2020 20:19
Subject: Depression?
Anonymous wrote:I'm struggling with this as well OP. I wish I had an answer but will hope other posters will chime in with help for us.
I too try and tell myself that hopefully by the end of 2021 things will be a bit better but then wonder if I can hang on that long. Especially with winter coming.
Just knowing I’m not alone makes me feel a little better. Thank you.
Anonymous
09/07/2020 20:15
Subject: Depression?
I'm struggling with this as well OP. I wish I had an answer but will hope other posters will chime in with help for us.
I too try and tell myself that hopefully by the end of 2021 things will be a bit better but then wonder if I can hang on that long. Especially with winter coming.
I too try and tell myself that hopefully by the end of 2021 things will be a bit better but then wonder if I can hang on that long. Especially with winter coming.
Anonymous
09/07/2020 20:06
Subject: Depression?
How are you coping with the uncertainty of everything? Between the uncertainty of a global pandemic, and genuine worries for the future I wake up every morning feel depressed and anxious. How are you dealing with this? I have been trying to tell myself that in the grand scheme of life this is only a moment in time, but after 6 months of this, I’m losing my positive outlook. Any advice?