[BlackPup]

I have every reason to be in a bad mood: no job, no interviews and even though I really want to have kids- I'm not pregnant again.
But is this just a bad mood or the beginning of another depression. I guess time will tell. I wish I could have a bad day (or couple days...) without thinking that the worst has come and depression has hit again. I guess I will know in a week or so.
What are the signs that differentiate a bad mood from a depression for you?
Are there any rescue things that work for you to stop a bad mood from turning into a depression?

[Trippin2.0]

For me a bad mood is distinguished by the fact that there are no deep-seated feelings surrounding my mood. It's usually surface feelings. My depression which may be triggered by circumstance, have that whole eerie dark thing going on, that start at my core and work its way to the surface. Idk if any of that made sense, but I'm sending and s your way my dear friend.

[BlackPup]

Thanks trippin, think I get what u r saying... It hits you in ur heart and soul and spares nothing... Though I still hope this is not here to stay.

[Trippin2.0]

Yes, you understood perfectly I too hope that it's a temporary downer, could you do some stuff that might help lift your mood a bit? A bad mood might dissipate completely with some help...

[BlackPup]

I'm catching up with some friends tomorrow in the park. I will try to get some exercise in, that always helps but it is forecast to rain...

[Trippin2.0]

Whatever you decide to do, do it with music! Glad you're going to see some friends

[sugahorse1]

Just getting out and about really helps

[BlackPup]

It rained... no park, no walk, mood still sucks and I've got a cold...

[Trippin2.0]

So sorry you didn't get to go to the park. Hope you managed to distract yourself otherwise

[Confusedinomicon]

External events can trigger depression. Just a heads up.

I think I am headed towards a depressed mood, but it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I feel sad and morose (no reason why), but I feel like I'll be able to get through it.

I would take small steps to make yourself feel like you're accomplishing things...

Like: I am not pregnant now, but at least I tried and enjoyed myself with my husband.

or

"I'm not ready to find a job, but at least I checked to see if there are job openings."

or even:

"I was able to go on a walk and do the dishes tonight!"

Stuff like that.

[BlackPup]

thanks confusedinomicon
I'm trying to keep busy and stay a bit more positive. Those are good suggestions.
Feeling a little better today than yesterday.

[hamster-bamster]

I conceived my three children right after stopping birth control (I was young, that helps), but I often think nowadays what it would be like to remarry someone extremely supportive - supportive enough to stop the meds temporarily - and try for a child. I doubt that at 40+ it would be so easy-breezy for me. When I think how months would go by with no results, I picture a high level of stress. And despair building up.

The stress of unemployment is not imaginary for me - I have just been through 6 months of joblessness. It is very high stress. And despair building up.

So you have got two biggies, I think. This predisposes you to situational depression. All the more important to follow the tips on this thread not to let the bad mood turn into depression.

[BlackPup]

Thanks hamster-bamster, there are two big stresses on my plate.
I'm a bit better today - it fined up enough to go for a walk with my dog and I had a music program at the church for toddlers and their mums this morning which got me out of the house. Plus hubby was home from work today - All in all an ok day, mood is still low but definitely improved!

[Confusedinomicon]

I'm glad you're having a better day.<3333333333

((HUGS))

[BNLsMOM]

It is possible to let a bad mood take over and become depression, however, it is also possible to turn your bad mood around and not le tit take over your entire being. It isn't easy, but you could acknowledge that things suck right now, but they haven't always sucked and they will not continue to suck forever. I like what Confused said.

[RobertDark]

Originally Posted by BNLsMOM

It is possible to let a bad mood take over and become depression, however, it is also possible to turn your bad mood around and not le tit take over your entire being. It isn't easy, but you could acknowledge that things suck right now, but they haven't always sucked and they will not continue to suck forever. I like what Confused said.

This is what I am struggling with in this exact moment. I am going through therapy, learning Radical Acceptance and Mindfulness. Applying it to every inch of what is happening to me.

It's. Not. Helping.

At all.

Maybe since I am new to these skills I am no good so it's not going to help. Maybe I really have zero control like I always assumed. Maybe... maybe I don't even know.

I understand things suck now and will not always. But what if they suck for 3 months. What's the point of telling myself it's not going to suck when it damn well will for months at a time?

[Trippin2.0]

Originally Posted by RobertDark

This is what I am struggling with in this exact moment. I am going through therapy, learning Radical Acceptance and Mindfulness. Applying it to every inch of what is happening to me.

It's. Not. Helping.

At all.

Maybe since I am new to these skills I am no good so it's not going to help. Maybe I really have zero control like I always assumed. Maybe... maybe I don't even know.

I understand things suck now and will not always. But what if they suck for 3 months. What's the point of telling myself it's not going to suck when it damn well will for months at a time?

Don't be so hard on yourself, every skill needs to be learned, practiced and perfected. Give yourself time while in practice phase. My life sucked for 14 whole months! At 1 point during month 12, giving up seemed like the only logical thing to do, but thankfully, my PC family found a way to help me through it. For 30 consecutive days, these lovely people, logged in to make sure I checked in and reported on my day and current mood! Now THAT is commitment. We can get thru these things, especially if we stick together

[BlackPup]

Originally Posted by RobertDark

This is what I am struggling with in this exact moment. I am going through therapy, learning Radical Acceptance and Mindfulness. Applying it to every inch of what is happening to me.

It's. Not. Helping.

At all.

Maybe since I am new to these skills I am no good so it's not going to help. Maybe I really have zero control like I always assumed. Maybe... maybe I don't even know.

I understand things suck now and will not always. But what if they suck for 3 months. What's the point of telling myself it's not going to suck when it damn well will for months at a time?

sorry that things are tough at the moment. I really hope that your situation improves really soon. It is great that you are learning new techniques to deal with things. Be patient - it takes time to get good at these things, you will get better with time.
I try to have something to look forward to most days even if its having a cup of coffee or meeting a friend.

[BlackPup]

Was starting to feel better and even got out and did some exercise but now I'm feeling crappy again hopefully a good nights sleep helps and tomorrow I feel better.