Swallowed by an alligator

[JaneDoe47]

Hi, I was hesitant to join but here I am. I don't want to bore you and whine. But that's what I seem to be doing lately. Depression is like being swallowed whole by an alligator and I'm trying trying to be free from it. I take 2 anti-depressants and see a psychiatrist. I sleep most of the time. Most, like up to 15 hours a day, more or less. Yes, I have some awake moments and lots to do, but I just want to lay down. Thanks for listening. I am going to try push myself to do a few things before sleep.

[FixingThePineapple]

Please, don't demean yourself or your feelings by referring to venting as whining. Pain has no set standard. What's painful to one isn't necessarily painful to another. For those who think you are whining or complaining, they simply don't understand. I know the struggle of getting out of bed. I know how hard it can be. You are not alone.

Have you tried making a to-do list? It's not for everyone, but I find that it helps push me to do what I need to get done. Seeing it written down, posted somewhere I pass by frequently, is like a gentle reminder. Also, try to give yourself rewards for accomplishing things. For example, I tend to use video games as an escape from the miserable feelings so I stopped allowing myself to play them until I've done a chore. If I do one chore I'm allowed a certain amount of time on a game (depending on the chore). Also I'm terribly in love with soda so I only let myself drink any while I'm being productive. Sometimes it works and then sometimes I just don't play games or drink soda for the day lol. It's a working progress.

Take small steps to get better, and make sure to go easy on yourself. Push yourself but be lenient if you're not able to get something done. This is a process and it will take time but I'm sure you will find a way to overcome this. Hope this helps. Feel free to keep me updated on how you're doing.

[JaneDoe47 in reply to FixingThePineapple]

I don't know how to thank you for taking the time to answer. It was a good surprise brought tears to my eyes, good tears. I try the to-do list but kinda forget often that I have one. So when I get back to it, yes, it does feel good that I had accomplished and can cross 1 or 2 items. Sometimes I just don't make a list for the week, but I try to keep the routine. I love your idea of rewarding yourself! I have to limit myself on all the good stuff (!) for health reasons. But a ice cream does sound good to reward myself if I accomplish something. I hope I can be helpful to someone someday. Have a blessed day.

[MissingMom]

I have a friends who don't understand my daily battles with depression and anxiety. They think I'm being "dramatic"! I hate I have hear issues and i wish I didn't have them but it's life so I deal with it. I understand your pain hopefully one day they will see how it feels so they understand better. My therapist recommends bringing the with me to my appointments . I'm debating this but I don't think they'd come so oh well it's my battle and mine alone I pray it gets better for you and I. Have them do research and read about it at every they'll understand a little better. Giving them knowledge will hopefully open their minds

[JaneDoe47 in reply to MissingMom]

Oh my friend, I understand what you feel. People who don't have depression and anxiety just don't get it. I don't even think my psychiatrist gets it. I wonder if he's ever had it? So now I'm bold enough to openly say that I have depression, to most any of my acquaintances. They're like I said my nail just broke. Please don't feel it's your battle alone. We're here together and if no one else understands us, we have each other here. You're not alone. Your reply means so much to me. I hope I can help you some day too. You are loved.

[chatnoirmd]

Wow that is a lot of sleep! I kind of wish I had that issue lol I tend to have trouble sleeping and then it feels like my brain is sludge when I have to work in the morning.

Is the sleep a side effect of the medication? Are you bored and just find yourself nodding off randomly?

Sometimes you have to push yourself to do stuff. I wanted to lay in bed all weekend but ended up going to a book event and meeting new people and finding some new reads. I was happy that I went in the end because I had a great time.

Do you have a pet? I have a dog that has to be let out and that I have to walk It forces me to move and he's a great friend.

Hugs! I hope you get to feeling better soon.