Hi, Elana05! Depression slows me down in general, but usually not as severely as you describe. However, when I've been startled, triggered or had an "episode," my post-event recovery does involve significant slowdown. Sometimes the recovery takes longer (hours), sometimes less (minutes).

Unrelated to the above, I sporadically experience elevated anxiety when exercising or exerting myself. I speculate my nervous system is interpreting the raised heart rate as evidence of a (non-existent) threat. In other words, my brain seems to be viewing things backwards, assuming a stimulus (threat) from a response (raised heart rate). At these times I may experience some automatic slowdown.

Might it be possible your depression compels you to tiptoe around yourself for protection?

I'm puzzled at myself, too.