What is causing me to feel like this?

paddy's_mum

The trouble with feeling low, or helpless, or just unreasonably sad, or not being a go-getter, is that it can actually fuel the cycle of 'worthlessness'. A person ends up feeling bad for feeling bad, feeble for not soldiering on bravely when others are so much worse off than yourself, and those feelings of despair in their turn weaken your determination to get out of the rut - it all feels like too much trouble and you'll fail anyway.

I would heartily endorse Errata's suggestion that you seek out a new hobby or interest. Something that captures your imagination will help to make the boring hours just something to be got through until you can jump-into-the-fun thing again and I found it of great help when I was once in the same position.

In my case, I signed on for a T-Line shorthand course and by the third or fourth week, found that my brain was being stretched and occupied. I was being taken completely outside my worries by the highly amusing realisation that I was envisaging what people were physically speaking to me as lines and dots on the paper. I knew I was hooked when I saw a roadside poster for McDonalds (it was a big smiley mouth) and automatically read it as the shorthand symbol for 'W'!

Get the physical side checked out first but if all is well on that front, go and find out what courses your local adult education offers. You may choose metalwork, or Latin American dancing, or Lip Reading but whatever you choose, I believe you will find it helps to lift your thoughts and your spirits. Good luck.

gracie83

Blimey you sound a lot like me! I am 25 too and stuck in a boring job because of money constraints and trying to save up enough so I can survive without a job for a while! The only thing getting me through the days is the planning of my wedding in 7 months. I have decided that will be my time for change - new name, newly married, new start. I was having terrible trouble with how I was feeling, constantly crying, depressed and bored. I went to doctors so many times and was told the same thing, get a new job (easier said than done!), sort out your money problems (I am trying!) I have never got any help for depression at all (3 or so years later still no help!) However I had a break though with my doctors a month ago. He suggested I came off the pill to see how that affected me. 3 weeks later I felt like a switch had been flicked. I have not been as happy as I feel now in a long long time! I still have bad days but they are not as bad as they used to be. I have not cried for no reason in a month now!!

Are you taking anything like the pill you could try to avoid for a month and see if that help or chat to doctor about?

chorlton

Really only a doctor can tell you for sure but my partner has had a few bouts of mild depression and her symptoms sound just like yours. It's happened maybe 5 times in the past 15 years, The first time - when she was also in her mid 20's with everything going for her - was scary, but the doctor prescribed prozac which really worked like a miracle.

A couple of times since its gone away after a few weeks/months - she's veggie and taking an iron supplement seemed to help (floradix from holland and barrets). One other time though she really felt frightened that it wasn't going to go away by itself and the doctor put her on prozac again.

So - my advice, you don't have to feel like you - go to the doctor!

Lara44

Helloo
I must also confess to feeling a bit the same way recently. And I'm also in my mid-twenties, 26! Maybe after being a student or starting out in work we get to the point where change is slowing down a bit, and our careers are less glamorous/high flying/rewarding than we hoped for? Eeek!

I have taken up a course in Spanish which has really helped. I met loads of new people which was really cool. It's so differnet from school, really fun. And funny trying to speak Spanish with a Northern Irish accent! Maybe you could plan some travelling for when your debt is all finished :-)

It's really difficult to take control and sort out the debt situation. Don't forget to come to terms with past mistakes and give yourself a massive WELL DONE! for paying off all your debts.

It can also feel like a slog paying off debts. Are you making the most of all the free/cheap ways to have treats, like pigsback, surveys, mystery shopping, quidco, bootsing? The dfw is the best forum for all that stuff, and grabbit is amazing.

Best of luck, Lara x

Incisor

Jo3y83 wrote: »

Thank you Errata. I exercise every week and I do feel better after doing it. Every day I seem to have a 'low' period every day and it's sooo hard to drag myself out of it.

Do some exercise everyday. 20 or 30 mins walking - needn't be strenuous. Stick with it for a month. Gentle improvement is best here. [I think]

MrsAudus2b

Hi Jo3y83

I have never posted on this board but your post really struck a cord.

I'm in my mid twenties and, like you, have many good things in my life - lovely OH who proposed a couple of months ago, own home, good job and wonderful friends and family.

However I also have depression. As previous posters have stated, it is a chemical imblance and something I used to have no control over. I was recently signed off work for one month - my lowest period. My GP was fantastic and I am now on the right medication for me. I also see a link worker which I suggest you press for if available. Lots of advice for daily living - being good to myself, excerise, stress management and the opportunity to talk and really be listened to - something which is rarely done.

Wishing you all the best and sending lots of :grouphug:

xxx

belfastgirl23

I agree with all of the others, you do need to get yourself checked out at the docs just to rule out medical problems. I wouldn't hazard a guess what it might be but there are all sorts of curable physical things that could also lead to some of the issues you've identified.

But I also wanted to add that on a quick read of your post you mention A LOT how much you hate your job. I do really think that spending 8 hours a day doing something you find really boring and hate is bound to have a negative effect on your mood. I know your debt free date is uppermost in your mind but there's no point in making yourself potentially depressed to get it paid. I'd say you should have a think about possible ways around this. Can you take on different responsiblities? Can you consider moving jobs even if it is for less money? Sometimes by the time you look at tax etc you find you don't lose as much money as you'd think. I don't think you should rule out leaving just because of your debt....

Good luck and keep posting...

CAFCGirl

Hi there.

God its like listening to myself. I really feel for you hun. I've often felt like this and went to my GP and was given Prozac but to be honest I couldnt cope with the side effects so I self medicated myself with a multivitamin supplement, and St Johns wort which I felt really helped.
It may just have been a placebo, because I was doing "something", that was what helped.

I'll admit I still have periods like that (for one reason or another given recent changes in my life), but I am now a lot better at picking up when one is about to happen.

It is worth exploring as many avenues as possible with your health. Try eating a lot more fresh fruit and veg, some exercise every day, even just a walk after your home from work, getting out in some sunshine, a vitamin tablet, talking to your bf will also help him to understand how you're feeling, maybe treat yourself to a new book or something, to occupy your mind. I often find that when Im bored, I end up making myself worse because I just sit there and think... and think...... and think...

Youve got nothing to feel guilty for, or ashamed of, so be proud of yourself for wanting to feel better and asking for help xx

summerday

Having previously had a boring but well paid job, I can well empathise with feeling trapped into staing there especially to pay off debts. Isn't it such an awful feeling to go in in the morning and start the countdown of how many hours till you can go home again, and finding that time goes soooo slowly? That used to make me depressed. Coincidentally, it also took me a few attenpts to pass my driving test and I found that hard to deal with, especially as (not meaning to boast) I usually passed tests etc first time no problem so I felt pretty rubbish, always came home in tears after failing a test and crying in bed for the rest of the day, pathetic as that sounds to most perople I'm sure and is pretty unlike me too!

It might be worth just keeping an eye out for other jobs that pay similar money as you just never know what may crop up that could be perfect for you, a job you may never have known existed. I'm a big believer in fate Also, I agree with the other posters about trying to get some volunteer work, I did that while at the boring job and it gave me something else to focus on gain new skills and was a stepping stone into a new career.

Also another thing that can help, but I know sounds a bit corny, it making a long list of all the things in your life to be grateful for, little things like seeing the beautiful multicoloured autumn leaves on the floor, or enjoying a hot bubble bath. Looking at your long list might help get things into perspective.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

fatpiggy

Don't feel guilty or that you have failed in some way if you are diagnosed with depression. It is nothing to do with how you live your life. It is simply a chemical inbalance in the brain. It does sound to me as though you probably have mild depression - don't let it get worse, go and see your doctor. I have recently found out that two people I work with have suffered with it - they are both highly capable, successful people and you would never dream that they would suffer from such a thing. In fact, one is on their second bout in about 15 years but the tablets have straightened him out, at least for the time being.