[RunningInTheRain]

On my worst days of depression, I'll often find myself sitting/lying completely still and silent, just staring into space, sometimes for an hour or two at a time. (I would probably do this for many hours if I weren't forced to get up and move at some point.) It's like I'm in some kind of stupor...my brain seems to just shut down, like it's in a heavy fog, and just lifting my hand or turning my head takes so much effort. I've been known to sit through entire classes like this on my bad days, just staring into nothing while everyone around me is talking and laughing...and I know I must look completely crazy to other people, but at the time I don't care at all. I will talk to someone if they speak directly to me, even laugh if I think it's necessary, but then I'll go right back to the endless "stupor"...

Is this typical for depression? It seems to happen in a milder/more temporary form on my bad days (that I'd rate about a 7), and in its worst form (as described) on my absolute worst days (the ones I'd rate 8-10). I've tried to describe this to other people I know who have depression, and they don't seem to understand it...and I've never seen anyone else with depression do this (and I know many, many people with depression, and see them every day). There was even a particular day back in May that I would consider one of my worst days ever, and my friend was also having one of her worst days...and while I was trapped in my paralyzing stupor, she was able to laugh and talk and pretend she was fine. And I just couldn't.

Sorry, I know this is a long description...basically I'm just wondering if everyone with depression has this happen, or if maybe I have some kind of rare symptom? I'd think it would be typical of depression, except no one else I know seems to have it. I also recently learned about catatonia...maybe that's what this is? I don't know. It would be great if someone could shed some light on this for me.

Yeah I experience this too, you're not alone in that

[Altered Moment]

To a certain degree I experience that. Mostly I can feel the major lack of activity in my brain. Looking at my phone right next to me is to big a chore. Getting out of bed and taking a shower is to overwhelming. I don't really get catatonic though. I have a friend with depression who describes exactly what you describe though. Definitely parts of our brains shut down and it can be slightly different for all of us.

[RunningInTheRain]

Thank you for both of your answers! It's good to know I'm not the only one who experiences this.

[TheOriginalMe]

Sounds very like me as well. It was a real problem for me before I was signed off work, just staring into space when I should have been working.

In the past I have got so deep into this state that I didn't respond to external stimuli and the only thing between me and catatonia was the fact I was still going to the bathroom. I find doing something with my hands (like doodling) helps keep me a little more alert while my mind is empty, but it can take a huge effort.

When you are temporarily roused out of the stupor do you remember what you said or did afterwards? I really struggle with concentration and often talk to people on auto-pilot and then forget all about it.

[bronzeowl]

Catatonic depression is very real. And I must add very, very scary.

Not everyone with depression experiences it. I think it's more common in bipolar I and major depressive disorder than the other depressive disorders.

Before my eating disorder, I never experienced it. I would lie in one place for a long time, but out of choice. In recovery, I was hit with several waves of very severe depression. The first time I experienced a stupor like what you described was in February. I had lain in bed for several hours, staring at nothing at all. By the time I realized what I'd done, it felt like no time had passed at all.

I do this a lot now. It is hard to get me out of the 'trance' (as I often refer to it) when it happens. I just lie or sit in one spot, staring at nothing at all, eyes fixated on something that isn't there. It happens in varying degrees. For me, I often don't respond to anything at all. I just stay there, unmoving, not thinking. Not capable of thought. And it's scary when I come out of it. Because I'll realize how long I've been there.

Sometimes, though, like another person stated - the only thing that between me and catatonia are things like.. going to the bathroom.

For me, it almost always - without fail - happens right before a major depressive episode. It doesn't matter if I'm currently depressed. It doesn't matter if I'm coming down from elation. All that matters is... when it happens, I know depression is right around the corner.

It almost feels as though my body is preparing itself for it.. and just.. losing the will to function.

I described it to my mom, once. She said she doesn't get it, and seemed genuinely scared that I do. She has depression, too. Symptoms vary from person to person. I think much of it has to do with the underlying causes of the episode rather than the severity.