Muddled brain

[MeandMyPups]

My head is in a befuddled state so it is difficult for me to even form the question. Or figure out what 'the' question is. I am a clinically depressed person but I always thought sort of the middle of the road variety. There have been a couple of really bad lows but mostly I do alright with the help of meds. But the past year I am coping less well in terms of the usual signs. Poor sleep, poor appetite, difficulty making decisions and so on. I find myself in a position of a lot where my plate is quite full of challenges and my canoe feels a little unstable if you know what I mean. I am brand new to this site so maybe someone can guide me towards some helpful group or post. Thank you so much!

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome to a supportive group! We are happy to support you where we can! This past year has been very difficult for all of us. All of those things you mention -- poor sleep, poor appetite, difficulty making decisions, etc.-- can be a side effect of stress. I hope we can get our lives back to normal sometime this year.

[MeandMyPups in reply to Hidden]

I never really thought I suffered much with stress in particular but the past few years I do think it is showing it's ugly face as I am having a harder time than in years past dealing with just depression. Now I do think both some level and anxiety and stress are happening. In terms of COVID and am have been spared no illness in my immediate circle so far. The COVIDness of the world not good for anyone's soul though. Thank you Miss Minnie.

[Hidden in reply to MeandMyPups]

You're welcome . I am glad you and your family has had no cases.

[MeandMyPups]

Thank you for the welcome and the suggestions. Sound advice and I have been stepping out frequently during the day (working from home) to work for 5 or 10 mins in the yard. The yard is a bit improved at least! Honestly I haven't been doing it long enough to see how much difference it could make to the brain fog but I know we need the exercise no matter what.

Do you know if there is any new information on how to address the usual effects of depression/anxiety/stress? I tried to have that conversation with my doctor but it ended up with the usual result: you need to stay on meds and tell me if you need a stronger dose and I'll write the script. I appreciate that I can be a part of my own care but isn't there anything new discovered yet? Maybe I'm just naive but I'm really hoping there is some new discovery to help manage it. Or get rid of it! How about that for aiming high?

Am I just barking up the wrong tree do you think?

[JP8810]

Hang in there. We are in unprecedented times. All of us are feeling similar emotions. Have faith and perservance. You are not alone. God bless!

[Jeff1943]

May I ask, what brought on your depression? Are there things in your life causing you to be depressed or do you experience anxiety and are depressed about constant anxiety? It's a thin line between anxiety and depression.

Or is it an inherited thing, a chemical imbalance perhaps? Sorry for so many questions but in order to help yourself you need to know where your depression is coming from.

Another name for depression is depletion. You can suffer from nervous exhaustion. Too much work, too much worry, not enough 'me time' and not enough sleep.

Once you know the cause of your depression you can address it. Easily said I know.

Spend more time with people who make you happy.

Eat more food that makes you happy.

Listen to music that makes you happy.

Visit places where you have been happy.

Watch TV box sets that excite you.

Buy and wear new clothes that make you happy.

Maybe if you fill your life with happy things some of the happiness will rub off onto you.

[MeandMyPups]

Thank you, especially about locking the posts. Good to know. I have several creative things I like to do and want to try again. I did knit a hat for a friend last month. I made sure to pick and easy and quick design though so I knew I could finish in a day. 🙂 Not finishing things is a major hurdle I have to tackle ... sometimes I don't even start something I would like to do for fear of not finishing it.

[MeandMyPups]

How DO you cope? It sounds like you are not taking meds. If it is not too personal I'd like to know your story ... how you figured out what works for you. I have tried on probably 3 or 4 occasions (over 20 years) to go off meds but in each case I fell down and needed help getting my life on track again. The meds were the solution because that is what doctors said and I don't know any other way. Anyway, what does work for you?

[Barbie72]

I can't find how to lock my comments/posts...don't want to be part of this w/o this...thanks

[Hidden in reply to Barbie72]

Hi Barbie. I know this is for Wounded_Soldier, but do you mind if I help too?

Below where you create your post will be two radio buttons. One for everyone and one for community members only.

As far I I know you can't lock comments, only posts

[Barbie72 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks but I don't see any radio buttons, just a b, i,u @, smiley face. That' all.

[Barbie72 in reply to Barbie72]

Still can't find any radios! Frustrating...BYW my mom was one of the artist that drew Mighty Mouse cartoons in the 1940s, not Minnie...cool huh?

[Hidden in reply to Barbie72]

Just got back on now. That's pretty cool!!Are you still having trouble? We'll try something else if so.

I will tell you that the poster has to lock this post in order to have everything on this tread locked. The instructions I gave you are for if you were to create a post. I'll comment and ask the poster to lock now.

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Welcome. This is a great place to post your questions.

Don’t underestimate the impact that all the BS of 2020 had on us all. I have felt the very same way. The way out is one day at a time, taking slow steps, and giving yourself some credit for what you already have done and the things you do accomplish each day.

[Hidden]

Hi! Can I run you through how to lock this post? If it doesn't have that lock symbol next to your heading it means it's not locked and just anyone on the internet can see it.

[Barbie72]

Oh. I can't lock replies only a post?