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Apr 29, 2012, 06:54 PM
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Member Since: Aug 2009
Location: Fringes of the bell-shaped curve
Posts: 779
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Hello, day2day. When you're having a depressive episode, your brain is not producing the "good" neurotransmitters it needs to be able to think clearly. Then, getting frustrated and upset about the mental fog and getting depressed about being depressed floods your system with stress hormones that further suppress production of the "good" neuro-ts, the fog rolls in, higher brain functions of reason and logic are disabled, raw, unfiltered emotions rise to the surface, and down the spiral you go.
The meds prescribed to treat depression do not contain the actual chemicals your brain needs to function correctly, but are designed to help stimulate production and/or enhance the effectiveness of whatever "good" neuro-ts are present - but they cannot enhance what isn't there. It is important that you do things on a daily basis to stimulate production of those "good" neuro-ts so your meds will have something to enhance and circumvent the downward spiral - physical activity at just about any level, social contact, engaging in hobbies and other things you enjoy, listening to/playing music, reading, writing, good rest, diet, etc.
You noted that a little interaction with others at the garage sale made you feel a bit better - that's because production of the "good" neuro-ts was being stimulated and production of the stress hormones was being suppressed. When you feel the mental fog closing in, try taking a break from whatever you are doing - go take a walk around the office or go outside for some fresh air and sunlight - have a short chat with a friendly co-worker, family member, neighbor to the extent of your comfort level - read something funny and/or uplifting - do whatever works for you to help give your brain what it needs to function better and keep the depressive episode from escalating.
Looking at the things you can do rather than focusing on what you can't do is a very good and wise plan. Be very patient with and compassionate towards yourself (produces "good" neuro-ts) and avoid negative, self-berating inner dialogs (produces stress neuro-ts).
Hope you are feeling better soon.  lynn09
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"I walked a mile with Pleasure; she chattered all the way, But left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow and ne'er a word said she; But oh, the things I learned from her when Sorrow walked with me!"
(Robert Browning Hamilton; "Along The Road")
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