Depressed

For a while now I thought that I had overcome my depression but lately I've been feeling some type of way. I keep on losing track of time and can't do most things like I used to. I feel like if this goes on I'll reach a point of no return.

[georgiahart]

Hi! I’m not sure I have anything helpful to say but that you are not alone. I’ve been feeling the exact same way. You are not alone and you will make it through this.

[Hidden in reply to georgiahart]

is it ok if I message you and then maybe we could share our stories

[pam4him]

Please know that occasional relapses are not uncommon. The good news is they can be less severe, since the mind and body has experienced it before. Kind of like when I was young and had chicken pox, my body became immune. Try to reach back into your "toolbox" of coping skills. What helped before that was a healthy way to work through the previous depression? Some short-term counseling might help. You've overcome it before, which means you are stronger than you may feel. Draw on your past to face the current. You got this! Prayers for peace and strength.

[Agora1 in reply to pam4him]

You are absolutely correct pam in your response. xx

[Hidden in reply to pam4him]

Thank you

[lovetodance2018]

Thank you for reaching out and sharing. I can relate to feeling well and then suddenly falling back in depression. Have you talked with your doctor? Are you on medication? For me I began tracking my depressive episodes and it turned out it was related to hormonal changes each month. I began keeping a journal, watching what my triggers are, seeing how long I stay in the depressive state.

Over time, I went on B6 to help with the hormonal spikes and the depression lows. I reminded myself each time I spiral it is temporary and I will feel better.

I also started using two techniques that really have helped me from spiraling too far or even spiraling at all. The awareness of what I need and what are the signs that I am beginning to struggle has really been beneficial.

One strategy is the 557 breathing technique, which is take 5 deep breaths in while thinking good thoughts about yourself like I matter, I am special, I am strong and then hold the breaths for the count of 7 focusing on those words about yourself, then let out the breath slowly for 5 seconds letting go of any anxious, self-defeating, unhealthy thought. I do this one to three times a sitting. The other strategy is a gratitude journal, which is writing down something good every morning and night something that went well in the day, or something I appreciate about myself. Taking our focus off of the anxiety and depression and focusing on positive uplifting things really helps. What you think is what you believe. So thinking uplifting things you believe those things but the reverse is true - thinking negative self-defeating things, you will believe those. I will be praying for you. Giving my struggles to God and praying helps me too.

Feel free to pm me if you'd like to chat. Hugs and God Bless

[Rayblade900]

Hi. The main advice we often hear is to talk. I've just joined here today for that very reason. I've also had a relapse and this is the first ever time I've thought about joining a forum and talking to others. Most of my immediate friends and family don't understand and why should they as can't see our invisible illness! So I've decided to reach out to fellow sufferers in an attempt to help myself. We all suffer but in different levels. So communication and help is a must. There will be bad days, but hopefully a lot more good days. All the best.