The Rut

[hopefulelvis]

Hi gang, happy fourth of July! I'm a teacher, and throughout the school year I suffer with constant anxiety and depression. At the start of every summer I feel a sense of relief and and energized to pursue my goals of exercise, eating better and finding a part time job. This sense of ambition only lasts for about a week or two, and then I fall into this slump that lasts the entire summer where I lay in bed all day depressed and anxious. I get trapped in my thoughts, and become almost paralyzed. Does anyone else experience something similar? How do I get back up on the horse?

Thanks!

[larae0526]

I am going through the same feelings. I'm unable to work since last Thursday. I am supposed to return tomorrow but honestly don't know how I'll manage. My anxiety and depression weighs me down like I'm sinking in a black ocean. People say to set a small goal and make it day by day. All I want to do is escape. I'm sorry I don't have better advice. Please know you're not alone.

[hopefulelvis in reply to larae0526]

Hearing that I'm not alone is definitely helpful, so thank you! Setting a small goal doesn't work for me either, because even the smallest task feels like a mountain to climb.

[CaptainCrunch]

Thank you both for your honesty. I have had to just except the fact that if I am alive and breathing I have achieved something. I think I am a perfectionist that can't let go. I have standards I put on myself and an inner voice that is so negative that I would never dream of put such on any other human. So just learning to be still and being ok with it is so hard for me. I am trying my best. Even today just spending time resting with my kids I am flood with such horrible thoughts of failure... I caught myself thinking dang these thoughts are horrible and I know I have felt them to be untrue at other times... however the feeling and the fear is still there... whatever alarm bell signal my brain is sending I have to learn to ignore it and just be still.

I am so thankful for this group. I am grateful that you post and that I can share and finally feel there are others in the world that struggle as I do.

[Carin28]

I hear you! Im a teacher assistant sub. I had all these plans to get my house in order. I started off with a bang but have slumped. Haven't achieved much. Dreading the start of school. Everything seems to take so much effort. Even showering.

[tabmcclure in reply to Carin28]

I understand what you wrote. I too feel as though showering takes so much effort.

[Carin28]

I think you and I must be same person.