Morning Depression

I am taking medication for depression and it has given me some relief but I still have problems with mornings. I don't have a problem getting up but my mood is very down/depressed and I have a lot of negative thoughts. I tend to do better as the day progresses and many times feel pretty good by the evenings. But each morning is a struggle and I am very discouraged.

I have started on an additional medication to address this and haven't noticed any improvement in mood yet. Has anyone here experienced something similar? Did medication help?

[CarlJames]

Actually, low mood or increased anxiety in the mornings is very common. Our bodies have natural fluctuations in various chemicals such as cortisol that affect how we feel. I can't really advise on medications, but a general improvement in mood should make the mornings more bearable, but they may still be the most challenging time of day. Knowing there is a natural explanation for this may help you accept it?

[Hidden in reply to CarlJames]

Thank you, that is a helpful way to frame it. I think I've been more resigned to it than accepting it.

[Hollick in reply to CarlJames]

your totally right Carl, it has lots to do with cortisol levels in the morning, the stress hormone..

[Blueruth]

Medicine never help me with a specific time of day. It seems a little odd, idk. Mornings used to be harder for me. I suggest making it enticing with food or candles. I know, kind of random but let me explain. I love ☕️ . For a long time I bought muffins and set up a pro coffee routine. I spent time actually enjoying it and listening to something. I started to look forward to that sweet muffin and tangy ☕️ Muffins are not good for my diet so eventually I transitioned to more healthy but really delish breakfasts. Might sound silly but there is science behind mindfully experiencing something like breakfast with intent. The candle is if you really can’t get yourself up. Light a candle or infuser from bed. Just do that. Something like eucalyptus or lemon. Not lavender or chamomile! Maybe you start to have a few moments of focused breathing.

[Hidden in reply to Blueruth]

Thanks for your reply. Right now I have a coffee routine but expanding it might help. Or actually eating something first thing when I wake up that helps with the low blood sugar.

[Shnookie]

Hi. This is Shnookie. Many times, I wake up in a vile mood in the morning. I do find as the day goes on my mood improves. It is a good idea to look 👀 forward to something when I wake up. I am s news and politics junkie. So when I wake up I turn my TV on CNN, carefully take my meds and might still be cranky and push on. I’m here 4 U.

Hugs 🤗 S

[Hidden in reply to Shnookie]

Thanks Shnookie. I am a news junkie too.

[Shnookie in reply to Hidden]

Gotcha. u can add this to part of your routine. Hugs 🤗 S

[car103]

Create a routine including a walk - even a small one. As you have said, the Depression lifts and it is true. Keep your doctor apprised of your situation. The people here are very caring. By joining this community, you are not alone.

[Hidden in reply to car103]

Thanks for your reply. This past week I have started walking in the morning. It doesn't really help with the negative thoughts but it does get me moving.

[Hollick]

Hi SF, I suffer with morning anxiety as well..its awful..like yourself, I tend to feel better later in the day, but the mornings continue to be a struggle, and for myself, its hard to get out of bed..I hope the additional medication helps, we can both feel better soon. Please take care, and don't lose hope.

[Hidden in reply to Hollick]

Hi Hollick, sorry that you struggle with mornings too. Is there anything you do in the morning to try and lessen it or do you wait it out? I generally wait it out and am really hoping the new medication will help with my mood in general but especially in the mornings.

[kenster1]

never really understood morning anxiety till I moved to this house but now I do.

[Hidden in reply to kenster1]

Sorry to hear you are experiencing morning anxiety. Do you think the move caused it?

[emmi331]

Though my recent episode of anxiety and depression has passed, I still can feel a bit anxious in the morning, but it quickly subsides. As far as depression, an understanding counselor said that when I wake up in the morning to tell myself out loud, "This is going to be a good day!" You may not QUITE believe it at first, but over time the power of suggestion really worked for me....😉

[Hidden in reply to emmi331]

Thanks for the tip. That's wonderful that your recent episode has passed.