Really Depressed

[Den2542]

I'm really depressed from cPTSD

[Alpakka123]

Hi and welcome to this community! I'm sorry you're struggling. Please come here as often as you need; we are here to listen and offer support.

[Den2542 in reply to Alpakka123]

Thank you so much. I'm trying. I'm trying to keep thoughts out of my head.

[HarryBraynes in reply to Den2542]

Hi Den2542, sorry to hear that you’re depressed from PTSD. I can identify with trying to keeping the unwanted thoughts at bay. I’ve always found that by pushing myself to refocus on a new activity, such as, cleaning, crafts, reading, cooking, or getting out for a walk, or exercising…. can help to redirect my energy to something more constructive. Sometimes, it takes a lot to refocus but it’s so worth it when I do.

I’d like to get to the point where I can recall past trauma without my mind and body being consumed by it. I never used to be able to defocus… I can do it more now than I used to… as long as I have something to refocus on.

[Den2542 in reply to HarryBraynes]

I use to be like that in having activities. But lately it's so hard to get up put of bed, shower, eat. I manage to get to work but at night when I come home I'm exhausted mentally. I have no cheer leader. I'm divorced and empty nester. Seems when my kids were home I was ok and had energy. Before covid I had energy. Once my kids left I had all this depression and anxiety come on.

[HarryBraynes]

I know…. getting out of a rut is so much easier if we have others there to help in some way... cheer us on! But I guess that’s what these forums are for… to cheer each other on and support each other… and not just a simple “Rah Rah you’re our man, if you can’t do it no one can!” kinda cheer but a heart felt “I’ve been there and got through it and so can you!"… kinda cheer.

[HarryBraynes]

A very simple refocus for me is free online courses. There are so many to choose from! Also… riddles.com or any of the other riddle sites is a great way to refocus my thoughts onto something much less stressful. Although, trying to solve a riddle can be mentally stressful… it’s a much better, healthier kind of stress and with better effects.