[1hopefulgal]

What do you do when you get those bad days or weeks (or in my case months) when you do not feel like getting out of bed?

Things were easier for me all those years when I was working, but now I'm a victim of the economy and have no reason to get up and money to go do anything.

[Leed]

See your doctor and get on an antidepressant. At a later date you may be able to get off it, but for now, it sounds like you need one. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee

[Sam2]

Are you alone? This may sound kind of crazy, but sometimes having a companion animal helps with depression. There are days when I wouldn't bother to get up except that my shepherd needs a walk, to go several times and is always ready to listen.

Having a warm body that relies on you can really bring you out of some bad days. They don't ask for much, but they are always there for you. No betrayal, no leaving you or telling you that they don't want to hear it.

Just something to think about.

Sam2

Originally Posted by 1hopefulgal

What do you do when you get those bad days or weeks (or in my case months) when you do not feel like getting out of bed?

Things were easier for me all those years when I was working, but now I'm a victim of the economy and have no reason to get up and money to go do anything.

I have a Therapist who I see somewhat regularly, I have this forum to read and post and respond to others posts, and I have a daughter who loves her daddy so I have to keep going on for her.
I didnt have such a good day with her yesterday, I was so down she asked me if I was ok (she is 6) and looked at me with that "what is wrong with him" look on her face. THAT was really tough.
I also listen to music that I like that usually makes me happy and read my Bible verses. I do pray and thank God that I am alive and able to keep on for my daughter. I also ask for healing and wisdom and strength.
I think that each of us has our own ways of fighting the depression, and its good you are seeking answers...that means you want to fight it and beat it!
I do hope and pray that you get the answers you are looking for!

[venusss]

Originally Posted by 1hopefulgal

What do you do when you get those bad days or weeks (or in my case months) when you do not feel like getting out of bed?

Things were easier for me all those years when I was working, but now I'm a victim of the economy and have no reason to get up and money to go do anything.

can you volunteer somewhere? You'll get motivation to get out of bed, something to be occupied with... and something to put on CV...

I occupy myself with projects, my cats.... and such.

[unfearless]

Originally Posted by 1hopefulgal

What do you do when you get those bad days or weeks (or in my case months) when you do not feel like getting out of bed?

Things were easier for me all those years when I was working, but now I'm a victim of the economy and have no reason to get up and money to go do anything.

i usually very quiet inside the house, watching tv from my bed, eat, sleep.

im jobless too now, you're right about things were easier when we was working. if i had a job, i have things to do everyday, and yeah we have money. now, i dont have any reason too to go out.

sam... i'm with you on the animals... i've a puppy dog- and yes, it really helps having something like that

as you said... not judgemental, does not ask for much... and dog is a man's best friend, right?

i think to the original poster.. the key is to find something you enjoy doing.

music, tv, i like playing online games myself (games where you role play an alternate reality) so it's getting away from who you are, and being someone diffrent just for a while.

pets as sam said, talking to someone, reading...

how you feeling now.

(((1hopefulgal))) ...

When it's on really, really bad for me, I choose one thing that I will accomplish each day ... Even if it's simply getting up, taking a bath and going back to bed.

I've had it for so long now, it's become an old familiar friend ... Sometimes that friend needs a little prodding though, so I remember what Mary (the psyche nurse from when I was inpatient) would say to me when she'd come in to wake me in the morning.

She'd pull the curtains back to let in a little light, and in the sweetest, most gentle voice tell me, "Come on, honey ... I know it's hard, but you gotta push yourself just a little bit".

-Pfrog

chocolate, music and thinking about good memories

[RJ78]

I try to get out into the colder weather at this time of year, I think it helps me to sleep at night, plus I see things and/or people once in a while that ground me.

RJ

[Touch of gray]

Originally Posted by Pfrog

(((1hopefulgal))) ...

When it's on really, really bad for me, I choose one thing that I will accomplish each day ... Even if it's simply getting up, taking a bath and going back to bed.

I've had it for so long now, it's become an old familiar friend ... Sometimes that friend needs a little prodding though, so I remember what Mary (the psyche nurse from when I was inpatient) would say to me when she'd come in to wake me in the morning.

She'd pull the curtains back to let in a little light, and in the sweetest, most gentle voice tell me, "Come on, honey ... I know it's hard, but you gotta push yourself just a little bit".

-Pfrog

Nurses can be such wonderful people.

[1hopefulgal]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I think the tip of choosing one thing to accomplish is where I will start. I also think volunteering might be a next step (unless I get a job before then.)

Depression is something I've lived with for as long as I can remember. About 15 years ago, I started taking antidepressants for panic attacks, which are mostly under control. I think I'm going to ask my doctor for an increase in my meds.

This bad bout of depression started after not being able to find another job. But it got really bad last year after I had surgery. It sapped my energy and my recovery was a lot longer than I had anticipated. I guess I just got comfortable, because after my body was healed it was still all I could do to tell my mind that I need to be out of bed, and probably out of the house.

I've been fighting the depression that past three months. I'm trying to eat better and I've been forcing myself to get out of the house three days a week just so I can get in a bit of walking. Some days I think I'm coming out of it, then I'll be hit by a day when I'm so exhausted that I don't even feel like getting dressed.

But I am determined to beat this, especially since now that I'm older, I realize how much the mental affects the physical. I want to be healthier, both physically and mentally.

[well]

I write snail mail letters to people I don't know (soldiers in combat, people who don't get letters in nursing homes, etc.) I try to remember that though my brain has a very active depression committee, it's not the only one holding meetings there. I have a post-it on my desk asking: "What committee is talking too much today?"