Feeling sick and the blues follows

[Windy101]

I've noticed that whenever I'm coming down with a physical illness, I start to feel depressed a few days before. Yesterday I felt the "old black dog" coming around. By the end of the day it was clear to me I was coming down with something, and sure enough today I feel flu-ish and generally cruddy.

Does this happen to anyone else? No one likes being sick, but I feel depressed and then a lifting of it when I feel better.

I have some pluses in my life that I'm so happy about: receving a scholarship to a graduate program, expecting my first grandchild next spring, and an elderly mother who I cherish and am blessed to still have alive. My relationships with my siblings and daughter who I dearly love are better than they have been in a long time. Sadly, none of us live close by. The closest is my mom, who's a 7-hour round trip drive (I normally see her about every 6 weeks, though school has cut into that).

I am not without stressors. Finances are a constant worry, and recently my best friend pretty much ditched me for a relationship, despite being very upset in the past when I dated someone and didn't call her back almost immediately. It's made me question the value of the friendship when she expects so much more of me than she's willing to give. That hurts, as we've known each other for 20-some years. I miss having such a close friend.

But, until getting sick, I was dealing pretty well with these real life issues and focusing on solutions, not getting caught up in feeling low about them. I'm tempted to let my friend know how I feel, but wisdom tells me to wait until I'm more "myself" again.

Friends, could just use a little encouragement that things will get better. My meds have been working great and I've been enjoying life up until now. I feel pretty low.

[Hidden]

Sounds like you need to find something which makes you a bit happier in whatever little way. Like music, film, comedy or something.

Hope you feel better physically as well.

[Windy101 in reply to Hidden]

You're so right. I spent the day hanging take it easy, hanging with my cats and working on a short story. I put on some favorite music and I'm feeling a lot better. Funny how just a few positive things can make a big difference.

[Hidden in reply to Windy101]

There you go. Are you feeling better physically too?

[Windy101 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, by the way!

[Markyt in reply to Windy101]

I Definitely relate to you, my physical and mental wellbeing are inextricably linked. Ever heard the phrase mind,body,soul? Looking on the bright side, at least you've got an 'early warning system' so you could perhaps prepare to be extra kind to yourself when whatever it is hits you. Sounds a bit silly but just trying to find a positive from your situation.

Take care and be good to yourself

Regards. Mark

[Windy101]

Thank you both. I'm feeling better, yes, but it will probably take a few days. Will definitely spend the weekend resting. But the mental misery is mostly gone. Will be sure to look for ways to be good to myself - thanks for the kind reminder!

[Pearl67]

I absolutely relate! I often think...”oh man, here we go again😫!” And then my allergies or a virus reveals itself! Boom! Just rundown, not truly depressed!!!!

Give yourself a lot of self care and treat yourself gently.

I am sorry about your friend!!!! That is tough stuff! Open yourself to another friendship as soon as you can!!!

[Windy101]

Thank you, Pearl. I'm sad about the friendship. But I'm realizing I need to let it go. That's not the kind of friend I need in my life. Opening myself up to new people can be hard, but I'm trying and fortunately being in school I'm meeting a lot of them.

[yeja]

hi windy, i feel the same when i get sick which luckily is not often, maybe because our bodies are draining all our reserves to fight the illness that the depression pops up, at least you know it goes away,

Once you become a grandmother, take it from me, a new chapter opens in your life and you will feel a kind of love that cant be described. I have 4 grandchildren under the age of 5!!!!!

[Windy101]

Thank you for sharing that!

[Lucille-B]

Hey, I'm in a simular situation. I get really anxious when I'm sick. I've been sick for a week and now I'm feeling really low and still anxious. Upside is I think my throat infection is clearing up.

I think wait till your in a better headspace before you tell your friend how you feel. My 2 closest friends emmigrated and I moved to a small coastal town away from friends and family. So I understand how you feel. I miss having a close friend.

I think it's just the illness getting you down. By this time next week you'll probably feel more like yourself again.

Hang in there.

[yeja]

yes that happens to me as well, i had the flu for two weeks a couple of months ago and my depression came back so bad, my doctor upped my meds,

[misslillie]

It's difficult to lose a long time friend no matter the circumstances. It makes all the other circumstances in life more difficult to handle. Makes life a little more lonely. That is the nature of life - everything changes. Sometimes for the better some times not. These are the things I have learned.