What is causing me to feel like this?

maryjane01

It really does sound like mild depression, but as others have said visit your doctor to check there is nothing else.

Regular exercise is the best way of treating mild depression as it releases endorphins. It can be so difficult to force yourself to do it, but it is the best thing.

Healthy diet, is the next thing. Chocolate or whatever your downfall might be (mine is McDonalds I am embarrassed to say, I couldn't bear it if people knew I eat it on an almost daily basis when I am depressed, I walk quite far from my office to get it so I won't see anybody I know) might temporarily make you feel good, but it won't last and will do more harm than good.

Forcing yourself to do things...anything! Volunteering is a great idea, a class is easy to drop if you only do it for yourself and it's cold and wet outside and you don't want to leave the house, but if you have a feeling inside others are relying on you it may help compell you to get out. There are so many different things you can do, and it generally won't cost you anything. I am a volunteer at a sailing club which gives access to disabled people, I am learning to sail for free and it is great.

Don't spend to long on screens. TV and internet can get addictive when you are depressed and make you feel awful. Don't switch them on at all if you know you are prone to this, pick up a book instead.

Talking really helps. Just a few couselling sessions may help you reprogramme your thinking to be more positive.

Learn to recognise when you are getting depressed. When I start to let the house work go and I start wanting to head for McDonalds, I know I need to start preventative action!

As somebody else mentioned St Johns Wort is known for helping with depression, I have not tried it myself but it could be worth a go. Make sure it won't react to any regular medications you might take though.

I hope some of this helps. Depression still feels very taboo to discuss with friends and admit to suffering from which makes it feel more isolating, but seeing the number of responses on this thread alone you should realise it is very very common.

Sagz_2

Hi Jo3y83, just wondered how you were doing?