Why I can’t be happy

[Gaviota79]

I am new to Anxiety and Depression Support. I am retired and I have lived outside of the U.S. for the last seven years. It is a fairly small town and medal attention as far as psychiatrists and psychologists is pretty much nonexistent. It is necessary to travel six hours to the capital city.

I have been in a downward spiral the the last three months. I have been on the same antdepression medication for the last five years and I do not know if it is the medication that needs to be changed or that I just have never been happy in this environment. There is not a lot to do and that feeds the depression. I have no motivation to exercise and that also feeds the thoughts of lack of self worth and hopelessness. Wherever I have lived, it is always the same story...depression follows me wherever I go.

[Hidden]

Are you able to get a hold of the book...Mind Over Mood...It's on ebay, free-shipping. I wish for you all the best. I'm here for you, wishing you peace of mind. Love, light, joy & hugs!!!

[gogogirl]

Yes, not exercising can definitely affect this I find.

[Gaviota79 in reply to gogogirl]

It is so difficult to get motivated. How do you do it?

[Hidden in reply to Gaviota79]

Maybe you should consider a medication change.

[gogogirl in reply to Gaviota79]

It's a challenge believe me, but I try my best.

[Gaviota79 in reply to gogogirl]

I guess it is making the initial step towards exercise. I truly want to exercise but it is overwhelming to even try. I know I must overcome this obstacle.

[gogogirl in reply to Gaviota79]

Remember any kind of movement is exercise. Even getting out of bed and stretching is exercise. Possibly join a group also. Are you in the USA, and is it possible to come back to your country of origin?

[Gaviota79 in reply to gogogirl]

I return to the U.S. about every four months. My mother is 91 years old and is now in an assisted living facility. My son is attending Law School. The rest of my family of origin keep to themselves and I have very little communication with them. There is a lot of jealousy and resentment and I prefer to not take part in that toxicity. It is, for me, exiting the abyss I am in by taking that first step exercise. I am a perfectionist and getting back into exercise and not doing it perfectly is hard for me. Anyway, thanks for the kind words.

[gogogirl in reply to Gaviota79]

Well, sounds like you have a lot on your plate with your mom, and congrats to your son in attending law school. Would you like to return full time? Yes, families can be messy that is for sure. Only one concerned about doing something perfectly is you- just enjoy. Any dancing groups out there where you are? Hey, I tend to sometimes delay things also.

[Hidden]

Hi Gaviota and welcome! This is a great community and I think you will find support here.

Life away from home for long periods of time doesn't go well for everybody. When I lived abroad, I knew people who felt the same way you do. Being away from home, the climate, the culture....It takes a while to adjust. The fact that you are dealing with depression doesn't make things any easier and treatment facilities aren't on every corner as they are back home. I found myself depressed too.

I found that making friends with a few of the locals and immersing myself into the culture and history helped me survive. When I was in a different country, I read and learned everything I could about it. I regularly planned my itinerary, and I often traveled alone. I found that there were amazing things and places everywhere. Photography became a hobby. I spent my time traveling, visiting ruins, nature watching in the jungle, hiking, beach-combing at sunrise or sunset, or people watching while enjoying local cuisine at food stands along the beach.

Find a way to make life tolerable or even a bit enjoyable.

[Hidden]

Welcome!

I exercise and still get depressed lol. Surely there's something you enjoy doing.

Do you like taking walks? Do you like cycling?

Find the type of exercise that fits you not the other way around.

Maybe you have a hobby that keeps you physically fit and active.