I think I'm depressed... help
Hi, I'm not new to 7cups but it's been a while.
Recently I realized I don't enjoy most of the things I used to love to do reading, writing, art, crafts, connecting with others, even sex (and I'm 21!). I feel always tired, no motivation to do anything, I have a hard time connecting with others, I feel insecure 24/7 and over think things. I have a constant feeling of idk how to discribe it, not sad but just how you feel on a rainy, gloomy day. I find it hard to pull myself out of it and I'm trying to change my diet and take supplements, but I just feel so defeated. I have no one to help me, no one who truly understands. I'm home with my kids all day and don't go out much. I don't really have any friends. I just feel like I'm a waste of life. I am kind of thinking about going to a shrink and get meds but I feel like that will be the point where I'm actually crazy and I'm afraid that it may be used against me at some point like if my husband and I got divorced or something.
Can I fix myself?
I know that this is shout into the void, but honestly I'm so incredibly tired of fighting this.
@Cheshire94 It sounds like depression to me and I know it from the sharp end. Can you fix yourself? Well there are certainly things you can try.
Meds are one option, but regular exercise, meditation and managing your own thoughts with CBT all have similaly effective outcomes for mild depression in clinical trials. The 7 cups self help guide and growth path can help you through.
Finding the motivation to do them regularly can be challenging, you need lots of support, I find that here on the site.
Go for it. I know you can do this
@benevolentSpring21
I've tried mediation, it doesn't help, I just overthink. The growth path doesn't help because it's the same 3 or 4 things to do. I was sticking with it for a few months but the repetition just made it feel pointless.
What's cbt?
@Cheshire94 CBT = cognitive behavioral therapy, by far the most common therapeutic treatment for depression
Regarding mindfulness, there are so many approaches to it you might want to give it another try. I've collected books and other materials on meditation for years without successfully developing something that worked for me, then last fall I discovered a meditation labyrinth nearby and do walking meditation regularly. So I know what you mean about it not "working;" I'd just say that pretty much everyone who engages in a mindfulness practice goes through some periods of feeling it isn't going well.
I just hope you find the help you need. I'm confident that if you persist you will hit upon something that works for you. Good luck - you deserve to feel better!
@Cheshire94 Hi Cheshire, its a way of challenging and changing your thought patterns. The self help guide to depression talks you through how to do this. Hope you find something that helps real soon
@benevolentSpring21
Really the only reason I'm even considering meds (even though I've heard bad things about them) is because I have felt this way on and off for 7yrs. But back then I had school and my bf (now husband) look forward to, now I feel I don't have anything to look forward to because I'm home all the time and my kids are too much of a handful to take out (2 & 3).
@Cheshire94 I take meds and they are helping me. I've suffered low moods for many years, they haven't been a magic bullet, but they have helped me to get motivated enough to do stuff, which in turn helps a little more.
Being at home with small children is really hard work. You are awesome for getting through every single day.
Happy to listen if you'd like to chat 121