Going through a funk and worried about depression

In a bit of a funk here... I'm not sure exactly what is going on. At first, I thought it was the fact that I had run out of iron pills. I suppose it could still be that, I've only been taking them for a week. But, I've been extremely exhausted. I can't tell if I'm getting depressed or if it's the sun setting earlier or what. I spend all day in bed unless I have some place I HAVE to be (like work). I canceled lunch with a friend today because I wasn't feeling well (little bit of a sore throat) plus I was so tired. I simply can't get myself out of bed. I've decided to set up the coffee pot the night before and have my boyfriend turn it on in the morning to try to coax me out of bed, but I'm still nervous. I just decided to take a second job and once my schedule settles down, I'd like to try to volunteer once a week. On days when I get out of bed, I usually do a little better, though I'm still pretty tired and upset with myself over not being more productive.

I just don't know what to do. I guess I just need to get motivated to get out of bed; any ideas? The two jobs and the volunteering are my attempts to get motivated, but on days when I don't have work, I simply have no motivation to get out of bed and I'm extremely worried about getting into a cycle where I sleep through work too. I guess I really just want to head off the depression that I'm worried is just around the corner.

Any advice or support so I don't feel so ridiculous would be great. Thanks!

Greetings,

Take time to yourself and figure out what you want to do. Freedom of choice is yours, until you give it up.

As for feeling ridiculous, well, again, that is something which is up to you.

Have a good one.

You mentioned taking iron pills that anemia might be an issue? Have you been checked lately w/ a GP to be sure it isn't something physical going on? I have bouts of anemia too which can wreak havoc on energy levels in an of itself.

I know for me this time of year depression is an issue with the shorter days and change in the weather, the gray, rainy days. I do tend to start sleeping more and have to watch for depression if there is no sign of anything physical causing it. I have to increase an anti-depressant that I am already on if so. If you aren't taking anything or have considered it, and there are no physical ailments (they have been ruled out), I would talk to a GP or pdoc for help to head this off with an anti-depressant but that is just me.

If not interested in meds or to use in addition to meds in the meantime:
I have found walks and getting some fresh air to help. If can get other exercise, it can be beneficial though I know difficult to be motivated for this. The doc also recommended as the days get shorter a light therapy box by Verilux, (or any that are at least 10,000 lux) 30 minutes in the morning 14-18" from you off to the side (never look directly at them), helps too.

I don't know if this helps but I understand your frustration and the draining feeling you describe for whichever reason that is causing it. Hang in there in the meantime. Will be thinking about you.

Hi Ro, sorry to hear you're feeling down. Something that has helped me is starting something even if I don't feel like it. Starting something without the pressure of finishing anything. For example, doing the dishes. I tell myself that I will just wash the silverware. I don't have to do anything else, but that usually leads to washing the cups, etc. Or taking my coffee cup into the kitchen. That usually leads to folding my blanket, etc. I also make a deal with myself that if I get something small done then I can lay back down. Sometimes I do and other times I get involved in things and pretty soon the day is done.

As Fresia mentioned, walks and fresh air can help too.

How about taking some time to read. That will get your mind focused on something else and depending on what you're reading it might get you a little more motivated too.

Another idea is doing something nice for someone else. It doesn't have to be anything big. Some ideas: make a card, write a letter, bake cookies, call someone, send flowers, go for a visit or maybe a walk with a friend.

Try not to be hard on yourself. If all you can do today is shower and drink a cup of coffee then that is all you can do. Sometimes we need to lay low for a while and give ourselves a chance to rejuvenate.

Hang in there,
slip

((RomanSunburn)) - I hope you feel better soon. Make sure you get back on the iron pills.

Thanks for the replies everyone

I actually already taken Prozac 10mg everyday. It helps a lot with my anxiety and extreme irritation that I get. I currently don't have a pdoc because we just moved a few months ago and nobody in my area is taking patients without insurance (which is another question all in itself... My boyfriend and I have decided that when I do get insurance, it would only be for emergencies and yearly check up and pay the rest out of pocket.. So I'm wondering if that still counts as no insurance when I talk to mental health people? Oh well.. We'll figure that one out soon enough, I suppose.) In the mean time, my old doctor gave me enough refills to last me a while, though I"m going to have to call and ask him for a few more since getting a pdoc is so hard out here...

The last time I had my blood checked was in the spring, and they told me I was anemic. That's the second time I've had my blood taken and been told I'm anemic. I assume I'm probably still anemic because in addition to being a girl, we don't eat a lot of red meat or other iron rich foods (I hate spinach and only mildly tolerate broccoli). I think the iron pills are helping, though. Friday I was actually feeling a lot better until the PMS set in, lol!

I do try to get exercise a couple times a week. I try to go to ballet every week. Last week I went twice instead of just once; hopefully next week I'll be able to go three times. I also try to go to some water exercise classes and a bike ride if it's nice out. I'm trying to stay active. Slip, you're right though, on days when I just force myself to do something I don't feel like doing (even going to ballet can sometimes be a struggle) I always feel so much better afterward. That was kind of my line of thinking with getting two jobs... force myself to get out of bed (money and keeping up the resume are two good reasons). I also usually bribe myself with similar things "Okay, get to work and then you can come home and take a nap."

Thanks for all the support; it really helped. Especially just to hear that I'm not the only one fighting against these issues. Also, thanks for reminding me to not be so hard on myself --I REALLY struggle with that. I guess I was just worried about getting depressed and needed some fresh ideas to help me keep it at bay and to be reminded I'm not alone in this. I'll definitely try some of those things; maybe try to take a walk in the evening with my boyfriend. I really like the idea of doing nice things for people; I'm starting to work on a whole bunch of Christmas presents that I'm crocheting/sewing, so that should fit in nicely

Thanks again!
(One for each of you!)
I love you guys!

(((Ro Ro)))