[Airy]

Hi everyone. I've been struggling with self care and enjoyment for a few years now. I tend to stay in bed a lot (when I don't have work) reading random things on the Internet or graphic novels. Those are typically symptoms of depression, but I don't feel that omnipresent sadness that comes with depression. I've gone though mild and serious depression before, with life feeling hopeless and gray, so I know what it's like.

I'm not feeling that dark cloud over me. I don't feel sad, just neutral and without motivation. But everything just seems like too big of a chore to handle. Sometimes anxiety stops me. Sometimes the outside world seems overstimulating. I haven't enjoyed making art for a long time. I haven't felt a sense of "fun" in awhile. Maintaining my apartment seems like a big pain, along with getting dressed/showering. Even more fun activities like playing games, watching movies, and riding my bike are met with shrugs. I can list off a number of things I want in my life; I want a cleaner apartment, I want newer clothes and makeup. But I just can't be bothered to drag my feet to accomplish them. It's met with a sense of "ugh", of displeasure.

Can you be depressed without feeling sad?

[CANDC]

Sadness and depression are not the same thing
Why Depression and Sadness Are not the Same | World of Psychology

Some people with bipolar think they have depression. I can't and won't try to give you a dx of what you are suffering from but you are saying that you have lost an enthusiasm for life and that is a sign of either depression or bipolar.

Can you give up on doing all your favorite things and lack an interest in life and not be depressed? Maybe the question could be how can I get out of the doldrums?

[TheOriginalMe]

You don't have to be sad to be depressed, You describe lacking a sense of fun, anhedonia can be very typical of depression, as can emotional numbness. Do you have a pdoc or a therapist, if you do, then you need to tell them what you are struggling with.

[bronzeowl]

Yes. Often, sadness and depression are confused. This is why some will use depression as a synonym for sad, but that isn't accurate (nor is it fair to those of us who battle depression). Depression doesn't mean always being sad. For some of us (many of us), it can come in the form of apathy. My depression comes in varying waves. Sometimes, it's an intense longing. Others, it is total apathy. An 'I don't care' attitude toward life. Nothing will be enjoyable anymore. Nothing can excite me. I become numb. Apathy can be a symptom of depression just as well as sadness. Neither are depression, but both can be symptoms.

[vital]

Originally Posted by Airy

Hi everyone. I've been struggling with self care and enjoyment for a few years now. I tend to stay in bed a lot (when I don't have work) reading random things on the Internet or graphic novels. Those are typically symptoms of depression, but I don't feel that omnipresent sadness that comes with depression. I've gone though mild and serious depression before, with life feeling hopeless and gray, so I know what it's like.

I'm not feeling that dark cloud over me. I don't feel sad, just neutral and without motivation. But everything just seems like too big of a chore to handle. Sometimes anxiety stops me. Sometimes the outside world seems overstimulating. I haven't enjoyed making art for a long time. I haven't felt a sense of "fun" in awhile. Maintaining my apartment seems like a big pain, along with getting dressed/showering. Even more fun activities like playing games, watching movies, and riding my bike are met with shrugs. I can list off a number of things I want in my life; I want a cleaner apartment, I want newer clothes and makeup. But I just can't be bothered to drag my feet to accomplish them. It's met with a sense of "ugh", of displeasure.

Can you be depressed without feeling sad?

Hi Airy,

You have such a nice healthy name and avatar!

You might want to try "SNAP CLUB" described here

http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...n-escaped.html

especially for the motivational part. In general, why not do all the things that are good for depression and great for your health anyway: exercise, getting good sleep, improving your diet, meditation?

- vital

[waterknob1234]

Hi Airy. I like your name by the way. I can't diagnose what you have going on, that would be for a pdoc or therapist to do. But experiencing extreme fatigue, lack of interest in things, and a lack of a sense of "fun" can be symptoms of depression. There is a difference between sadness and depression. There is also a depression quiz on pc that I found useful. Best of wishes.

im thinking of you and hope that you will begin your healing process soon. depression has a way of eroding our souls.

Sadness is not always a part of my depression. Sometimes I feel angry and irritable when depressed.