Depression / Anxiety advice wanted

Cookiepops

its been going on for years and I have just realised that I have never properly sorted myself out.
I feel bad for feeling like this as I am blessed in so many ways but just can't seem to be 'happy'. I've just returned to work from a month off due to a back condition and I though having the break would do me good but here I am, one week back and getting very frustrated and snappy with people and feeling teary. My job is stressful but only because I let it get to me. Ive also suffered 6 bereavances in the last 4 years (latest was just before Xmas). I feel so anxious and unhappy all the time, for example, we had a lovely time with family over Xmas, but at the time, I was anxious about everything, from leaving the house to being on time etc etc.. But then when I think back to it, I thought what a lovely time it was - but just didnt seem it at the time. I've been the same with holidays and any special occasions over the last couple of years - it seems odd but its like Im not really there at the time, like Im sitting in a perspex box. Im determined to sort out my diet and take regular breaks and get fresh air but whilst I think that will help, I think I might need more than that. Its the first time I have truly admitted that Im not imagining it and realised how much its affecting my every day life. Has anyone felt like this who could offer some advice?

poorly_scammo

Yes diet and exercise are important but I'd advise going to the doctor.

soupdragon10

I would suggest making your GP your first port of call if you are able to talk to them about how you feel. The medical profession now takes depression and allied conditions much more seriously, you're no longer told to 'pull yourself together' (yes a doctor many years ago told me something along these lines).

It sounds as though you have had some really traumatic events in your life, and I can certainly empathise with that, having had 6 years of similar events. If you don't feel you can talk to your GP, you could check if there is a CRUSE bereavement branch in your area

http://www.cruse.org.uk/

Having someone impartial to talk to is often a good starting point to help you work things out in your own mind.

I do hope things start to improve for you.

GEEGEE8

I also seem to suffer with feeling unhappy for no apparent reason, and also only enjoying things once they have finished... I can't explain it really but it makes me stressed more and more as time goes by..

I find I struggle to look forward to things and am very demotivated, but I wouldn't say I'm depressed.

Go to the doctors and see what they say, hope you feel better soon xx

themull1

Wow, i could have written that about myself. I think it is depression, i know i have it. I can't beleive how much it sounds like me!!

Cookiepops

I'm so glad there are others out there who can relate to these feelings I have. I personally don't know anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety (or like me, they do a clever job of hiding it!!). It would be very interesting to know what else you are going through, feels nice to relate to someone x

hippychick1

Hi. I could have written your post!!! I feel exactly the same as you do, especially about being frustrated and snappy with people. It has got worse over the last couple of months, and as much as I try and pull myself out of it, I have realised I cannot do it on my own.

I am phoning the doctors in the morning to speak to my GP. I am scared, worried he'll not listen, but I'm going to see what he says anyway. Please phone your GP, you don't have to feel like this xxx

N3WLIFE

Hi there, I recently realised I have social anxiety, and can get depressed/stressed about it and other things.

I am happy some of the time, but at times, my mood just plummets and I cant see anything positive about the world.
How depressing is that.

I think you need a mixture of things, rest, exercise, good diet, social activities. Also it might help to speak to a doctor.

I tried antidepressants but I didnt think they worked for me-I dont think this is something medication can fix for me.

pupsicola

It must have taken alot out of you suffering 6 bereavances in the last 4 years. Did you take time to grieve properly and seek any counselling to help you through. Or did you just struggle on and try to cope on your own. We all have a breaking point when things just get too much. Speak with your gp and see if they can refer you. Counselling has definately helped me in the past.

ERICS_MUM

I've struggled with depression for a few years now. My doctor has been very helpful in trying different medications to find what I think is working quite well at the moment. He says that a part of my brain doesn't have enough of a certain chemical to control my mood and emotions, the medication adds the chemical. So as far as I'm conerned this makes it a physical illness. I'm prepared to take the meds for the rest of my life if it keeps me feeling OK.

He has now referred me to our council-run gym at the leisure centre because he says physical exercise can increase a chemical in the brain that will make me feel a bit better.

He also says this is the worst time of year for depression, as the dark mornings, early evenings and miserable wet days affect the way people with depression can manage our moods.

I find that I'm polite and friendly with people I'm not close to (e.g. neighbours) but I really can "lose it" with close family members. I arrange things ahead (like seeing my brother and kids on Boxing Day) but as it gets near I just cannot bring myself to go, and think of a million reasons why I can't.

Anyway, this is my long-winded way of saying:

1. go to see your GP. He/she will have a list of questions that can indicate if you have depression (it's a form, you tick the answer that applies to how you feel, it will probably make you cry !). Medication doesn't help instantly but you will feel a bit better once you know you are getting help.

2. Try some gentle exercise - a walk to the shop for a paper, milk etc.

3. Pamper yourself a bit - a bubble bath, paint your nails etc. It's easy to neglect yourself when you feel bad, but it only makes you feel worse.

4. Eat well - fruit/veg/salad etc, dont fill up with crisps, choc, fizzy drinks etc (this sort of stuff makes you feel worse).

I do feel for you. I hope you get some help and support from this thread, keep on posting because I'm sure there are lots of readers who can offer advice from their own personal experiences.

Linda xx

building_with_lego

I don't have much to add to the above advice, except that the last time I saw my doc, when I thought I had another depression starting, he recommended Moodgym http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome and another online CBT site based in Scotland that I've forgotten the name of (sorry). You work through sections and it changes the way you think and see things, and I actually found it very helpful. I was sceptical at first but was trying to conceive and didn't want anti-ds.

Good luck, be gentle on yourself. You've had a really tough time recently and It's entirely understandable that you'd feel this way. It **WILL** pass, I promise.