Feeling myself fall back

[lavender212]

hey guys. I started college a month ago and it has been great. however, I’m starting to feel my depression slowly creep up on me. a lot of my old habits are resurfacing one by one and I’m starting to feel so low and empty. not being able to sleep, inconsistent eating habits, persistent sadness, etc. it’s scaring me I hate this feeling so much. I am still taking lexapro (5ml) and it has worked amazing for my anxiety. I just don’t know how to stop these feelings from getting bad like they used to be.

it confuses me because whenever I’m out with people, most of my depressive feelings aren’t there. i do feel it lingering in the back of me but it always resurfaces felt when I’m alone. I know this is a lot of ranting and probably doesn’t make sense lol so I apologize for that.

any tips or advice on how to stop a depressive episode from coming/stop it before it gets too bad?

thank you guys❤️

[Windsorgardener5087]

Hi Lavender212, Thanks for you post. There is no need to apologise for it. We are here to listen.It is great that you have recognised and been able to get your thoughts & feelings into words. 👍

I am going to suggest you make contact with the college student assistance program as the first step for you. This is where you can talk about your situation in complete confidentiality with a trained counsellor.

You could check in with your medication prescriber for a review of your prescription.

The are so many non-clinical options available to help with sleep etc. I am a fan of using lavender for aromatherapy and taking a long bath. A guided meditation or listening to the soothing music of nature's settings e.g. rain forest also calms and improves my mood.

If you don't mind reading, check out any of the many self help books for ideas which appeal to you. Try a few to see what works best for you. Regards from Australia 🦘

[artisticcatowner in reply to Windsorgardener5087]

Yes I agree with this. Also I have been talking with my sister, and she said that humans aren’t actually meant to be alone. I know situations can force us to be lonely-I think thats why God designed marriage though(I’m a christian-I know people are different)

I was thinking about this a lot and I’m realizing I actually ought to get married. I cant be alone anymore

Thoughts?

[artisticcatowner in reply to artisticcatowner]

I think the world now is designed to say that we all don’t “necessarily need anyone”especially with the lockdown pandemic, increase of social media, electronics, tv.

I’m realizing I actually need to be around people for my own sanity. Yesterday I gave in and went to see my sister after years of not being close with her.

I’m scared-I’ve got ptsd depression, anxiety, all of that because the people I loved left. So it’s scary to move on and live. (I have to keep reminding myself to live lol)

DM me if you want to talk more

[notanotter]

Hi Lavender, your comment makes total sense. We are social creatures.

I try to keep to a schedule or a routine because it reduces my depression to eat well, exercise often, and meet my goals.

Other than that, the best thing I ever did was to learn and practice some CBT tools for myself. I learned from the book “Feeling Good” and its Workbook, both by David Burns, MD, and recommended by my therapist. There’s a newer version called Feeling Great.

[Midori]

Sounds to me as if you are unsure of yourself and worried about possible loneliness in the new place.

College is a big step, especially if you are living away from home. There is also the challenge of making new friends, socialising and all the rest.

You don't say if you are living in the College or still at home, but I would advise seeing your doctor to have a medication review at least. How about seeing the College Counsellor's as well.

If you can, try to join some of the Clubs that always come up in College, get involved.

Cheers, Midori