[garden gal]

I am so incredibly exhausted all the time. It doesn't seem to matter how much sleep I get. I've been waking up in the morning feeling almost like I haven't slept at all, even though I've gotten 9 hours or so. My mood hasn't been too bad these last few weeks... but my frustration about my energy level is bringing me down. I'm also a bit worried that I'm going into my winter hibernation/worsening depression mode earlier than usual this year.

I've been working on managing my time better on my days off (I'm working a little over half-time right now)... I bought a day planner yesterday, and had good intentions of getting to most of the things I had written in for today. I did a few of them: went to therapy, went for a long-ish walk, applied for 3 jobs. But, I just had to lie down a few times and rest. I ended up, once again, not getting to some really important stuff that I've been neglecting.

I'm taking meds for depression, thryroid meds, Vitamin D and iron (they both were low last time I checked them), and am using my light therapy box. I've been trying to get some exercise in every day. I'm not sure what else I can do.
I'm wondering what has helped other people in dealing with the low energy part of depression...

[Gus1234U]

dear Garden Gal, i have been using a new'ish technology for about 5 yrs and it has made a world of difference in the depth of my depression. it's called CenterPointe auditory therapy,,, where i listen to a CD with stereo earphones for an hour a day, every day. it increases in strength every 6 months or so, and helps the brain reconnect the two sides by regrowing new nerve connections,, i know it sounds hard to believe, but it is frequently a complete cure for depression , if used rigorously for the full length of time (6 yrs). it's about $50/month average. you can find it on the web at CenterPointeResearchInst.com i know the site looks like a hoax, but i know several other people who have had the same results i have. i hope you find something that works,, Gus

[Elana05]

Originally Posted by garden gal

...went to therapy, went for a long-ish walk, applied for 3 jobs.

Wow Garden Gal, these are all really hard things, it's understandable to be so tired after all of them!
I can really relate. I know just what you mean about being super exhausted all the time. IMO this is depression. I have found I can't even nap. For me, it isn't so much tiredness, but listlessness. On bad days I can't seem to climb stairs, have to keep sitting down and feel achy and awful - like I'm 80 years old. On these days, in addition to what I usually take for depression I add advil and I increase my caffeine intake. I know it isn't the best remedy, but it works a little for me. Caffeine is the only thing I have found that makes me marginally happy... part of it is just the ritual. I think therapy itself is truly exhausting. It means dealing with a lot of emotional stuff that might even remain subsconcious. Keep doing the healing things. Give yourself time to rest... and try to let yourself off the hook a little bit? It is not your fault.

E

[Gently1]

Garden Gal,
You describe depression perfectly. No energy..., I am slowly improving with my sleep down to 10 hrs a night and 1/2 to 3 hours of napping during the day.
I am currently in a downturn of the depression, normal pattern from what I have been told. So I am just trying to go day to day.

The more I try to fight the tired, I use up any energy that I may of had to keep me on top of things.
During these days I often am planning on my bedtime before I get out of bed. That is tired!
Or as I learning to say- there is time and space for everything I need- and sometime it is what it is-
Besides being more compassionate with myself, I plan something for every day to get me out of the house at least 2 weeks in advance, my friends know that if I say that it is not possible they understand. It may not help you, but you are not alone in wanting to have normal energy.

[Ithurts]

I'm not only tired. I'm sad and tired of doing things wrong.

[Ithurts]

Somebody needs to invent that time machiene so I can go back and make those different choices. I'll make better ones.

[onthemove]

Oh yeah, I know exactly that feeling of being tired and having no energy. I've learnt that I have to have a very specific focus or a reason to keep on going otherwise pointlessness just overwhelms me. For instance, right now I am studying for a music grade and that gives me energy each day because I'd really like to pass, you know? I also make sure I have 1 or 2 nights a week that are special (for me, I have a take out meal and a couple of beers!) so that I have something to look forward to.

Having something to work towards and something to look forward to. Those 2 things together work for me.

Lots of love to you

[garden gal]

Thanks, everyone! I am just feeling so frustrated and stuck right now. Like, I have a 3 day weekend, and I desperately need to get some things done. But, I'm so exhausted that it is so hard to do even basic things. I'm scheduled to work 6 out of 7 days next week... I'm not sure how I'm going to get through that... I guess I'll survive it somehow. I know in my head that I don't have to let my physical tiredness bring me down emotionally, but I'm starting to get really discouraged. I just had a full-blown depressive episode in August, and I've been feeling a little better the last month. I really hope I'm not starting to slide back down that hill again.