[Butterflying]

I'm going through a period of depression. How do you cope when you are like this? Getting through the day is a chore. I force myself and I guess that I should be happy I can even do that, but I feel hopeless. When I feel ok I make plans, lunch dates, then I don't really want to follow through later. I'm going through the motions, but nothing seems worth it.

Hi Butterflying! to you. That is hard alright. Been there many times too, so know that you are not alone. As for coping, I try to be a little gentler on myself, say like setting a *very* small amount of most do-able goals. There will be times later when more daunting things are more do-able, so no point in beating yourself up about them now, right? Not saying here that somehow these small accomplishments make things seem "worth it", but they can help in terms of curbing that spiralling tendency of feeling so overwhelmed, really shutting down and not getting anything done, you know?

Do you know what it is that compels you to go through the motions? Maybe there is some inherent value in knowing what motivates you, so as to name a purpose/worth to what you manage to do, even if it is only an intellectual knowledge, we can sometimes manage to slowly convince a bit of our hearts, you know?

But, the most important thing -- are you on meds? Seeing a P-doc +/or T-doc? Finding a med that works can truly can make a difference in how you are perceiving things. Too, there are a lot of people here very familiar with the state you describe and we're here and listening. It can be a big relief to not feel so alone.

[BashfullOne]

I understand what you are going through. It's so hard just getting out of bed in the morning. But I know I have to, I have chores to do, and pets to care for. It's so hard just doing my chores - dusting, vacuuming, mopping, wash, cleaning the bathroom.... But once I start on my chores I find the next one not so hard to do. I have to force myself otherwise if I don't do anything at all durning the day, I feel even more depressed when my husband comes home from a long day at work. He works a lot of hours - gets up at 2am and doesn't get home some nights until 6pm... So I have to try to make the house look nice and try to make me look nice.... But it's hard...it's so hard. I wish there was somthing to make it go away... the depression, the lathargicness, and the pain.

[gravyyy]

I hear you butterflying. I have been there. It's like you feel well so you make committments for a week or two weeks away and then depression slams you down and suddenly you're torn between curling up in bed and never moving again or going through with the plans you've made but be miserable and all that. Or some people (like me) keep the plans, go, pretend to be happy and having fun which takes a huge amount of effort, then spend the next day or two curled up in bed. Either way you look at it, it's your decision. Maybe you made plans with someone you trust and feel comfortable with and maybe you'd be fine going to lunch but maybe going to a big party at someone's house wouldn't be the way to go. If you cancel just tell them you're sorry but you're under the weather and can't go, or tell them you're sorry but something just came up, or tell them you're cancelling with no explanation (you're not obligated to explain).

It sucks but when you feel like you do now it's just one foot in front of the other. You have to just take it day by day or even minute by minute. It's so hard but hopefully you have resources in a T or pdoc to call if things get way out of hand. Hang in there!!!!!

[jennaorgana]

hugs from me. depression blows, thats for sure. are you seeing someone professionally? therapy in one way or another should help, and who knows maybe even a little psychopharmacology would fit well into your life.

but this is a perfect place for you. it really is. the depression forums and chats will let you know that you arent alone and that here are thousands of people with great advice.

hope you find what you need!

[Lauru]

Butterflying,

I am in a deep depression also. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your feelings. But I am still here so far, I wish you the best

[grizmom]

Depression is awful...I had a little over a week of mod - severe depression very recently after a year of being pretty close to stable so it was really scary; I thought my meds were giving out on me. But then I looked back to the day the depression started and I realized that it was after a very stressful & triggering weekend, and a few days ago my mood started to come back up so I realized that it was more situational than chemical, if you know what I mean...

I think that might be one of the hardest parts of bipolar...even with meds you can still get triggered and fall hard & fast, and it can be really scary and it is SO hard to function. I hope that things look up soon, until then do whatever you need to do to keep yourself safe. If you don't feel up to keeping plans you've made, go ahead and cancel or reschedule. And like someone said earlier, you are not obligated to give an explanation.

Take care and

[Butterflying]

Hi, wow, thanks for the great replies. My depression is letting up a bit now, but now I have a cold/cough my daughter shared with me! But at least depression-wise I have some relief. I do find when I start something small and slow it helps. When my environment is better, I do seem to feel better, even tho sometimes I can't even start to clear it out....yes, I'm seeing a T and a pdoc and I'm on meds...lithium, cymbalta, and provigil--the provigil helps people stay awake, but also has anti-depressant properties. I'm fortunate. I have very good doctors. Sometimes it just doesn't seem enough, but I get through usually.

[grizmom]

Sorry about the cold & cough! But I'm glad you're feeling a bit better as far as your mood...take care and I hope the cold passes quickly