I haven’t been feeling well for the last few days. I went back to the doctor and he changed my medicine, so we’ll see if that helps. I’m just so frustrated with all of this, and I feel like I can’t do anything. My concentration level has dropped to next to nothing, and I feel like I can’t focus on anything.
SO…with that in mind, I’m going to be cutting back to doing one post per day. I hate to do this, but I just don’t have the strength right now to do more than that. I hope you can understand, friends.
For those who have suffered from depression, did you feel like this? What helped you the most?
[Photo via Audrey Hepburn Complex]
Man Candy Monday
Melanie says
I am currently suffering from depression. I didn't realize that I had really become depressed because I was too busy just being heartbroken.
The only way that I have found to keep my mind from seeking it's own refuge is to keep myself busy and when I do have the down time, to take deep breaths, reassure myself that "it will be okay." I can feel my chest clench up and my heart races and my mind jumps around but I have to say 'STOP IT'.
I know it's hard. But you are the only one that can make yourself believe that you are worth it.
Keep your head up and keep smiling.
Melissa Blake says
Hugs to you too, Melanie. 🙂
BriannEm says
Small steps. Recognize your successes.
Apryl says
Mine always came in waves (still does but have been in a "good" spell for a while).
I started taking thigns one day at a time and changing little things I had control over, that way I felt less helpless over the things I couldn't control right away that were bogging me down and overwhelming me.
You are a strong and beautiful spirit Melissa, and I know you will come back from this better than ever.
Helena - A Diary of Lovely says
darling take your time, everything will work out. Sending you lots of love xoxo
Anonymous says
Exercise! 30 minutes, 5x a week. Nothing has ever lifted my mood so much, or so quickly. I've suffered from depression since I was 4 yrs old, and regular exercise is the only antidote I know that actually works.
Sarah says
well hi there, dear. i am so sorry you are struggling right now.
there are a few things that help me. the first is routine. if my routine falters, i falter. there is excitement in being spontaneous, but there is comfort in the familiar. enjoy the comfortable.
the second is connecting. for me, that meant coffee dates with friends and being involved in a church. forming bridges to other human beings gives us the opportunity to get outside of ourselves, even if just for a little while. my depression felt so selfish to me – it stole so much and wanted to be the center of everything. so i made it wait sometimes so i could focus on other people.
the final thing that helped – and continues to help – was planning. i need to have something to look forward to: a vacation, a piece of chocolate, a nap, a movie arriving from Netflix, warm clothes from the dryer, payday. the anticipation of looking forward to something is at least 83% of the fun for me.
you are always stronger and braver than you think. xxx
mai says
I hope you feel better soon!
Wendy says
I've suffered from depression in the past and I handled it the same way you are -by taking a step back. Sometimes that's the best remedy for clearing your head and gaining control. Sending you good vibes and hoping this passes soon, Melissa.
Anonymous says
Go outside more, exercise more (cranks up some endorphins), try to eat healthier (vitamin deficiencies can make depression a lot worse; taking vitamin D and B-complex might help, but check with your doctor), interact with people more (just for the sake of having fun; it doesn't work as well if you have a bigger agenda behind it), find a way to play. I know that when you are depressed, even the idea of doing any of that can seem overwhelming. I know that pulling back and pulling into yourself and 'resting' seems like the only thing you feel like doing, but that's the depression talking. Don't feed it.
Stefanie says
I've suffered depression for many years, and have found the above comments to work as well. Exercise, routine, looking forward to something (planning), helping other people so I can forget about myself for a minute. Ultimately, I have to remind myself that "this too shall pass" and "we are never given more than we can handle at any one time" and "everything's going to be alright."
Monique says
Your posts are so great that one a day is totally fine lady. What has helped me most when being depressed is to try to get out of my head. My initial feeling is to retreat and stay home but I find that surrounding myself around friends and family really helps a lot. Learning something new also helps. A few years ago I was super down and I took a horse back riding lesson. Something about being on this genteel animal really brought me peace and happiness. I know they have horseback riding programs for people who have special needs as well, it may be worth looking into
Layla says
I never really understood why people couldn't just "snap out of" depression until I became depressed. I feel for you, Melissa and I will keep you in my thoughts. I'm still struggling with it, and it seems like just making myself do things I don't want to do is the only way I can break the fog for a little while.
Lauren says
My mom suggested something that I use whenever I am feeling depressed (well, except for the really bad bouts, and that's when a med change is needed). It's funny because she came up with this idea while I was just starting college, and now 8 years later I'm a therapist and use the technique on my clients!
Ready? This is super easy and you would be able to do it wonderfully with your photo posts:
Three positive things of the day.
Not three beautiful things, or three things you love (though I enjoy your posts when you do that), but three actual positive things that happened during your day.
I will give you an example by giving you my three today: 1) I took a bubble bath, which made me feel less sick (I have the flu). 2) I had an amazing brownie from a new coffee shop I found. 3) I watched the Wayne's World skit from this week's SNL and it totally cracked me up.
I don't know – like I said, it doesn't help when it's full-blown clinical depression, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded that there are happy moments throughout the day to focus on.
Diana Troldahl says
One a day is fine! Do what you can, no pressure :-}
I have been reading you for a bit now, and though I haven't posted much, I enjoy your writing.
My fibromyalgia gives me days of brain fog, and I have occasional situational depression which seems to leave me listless and unfocused.
I find simple repetitive motion helps somehow. If I am not clear-minded enough to (as often happens on those days) I watch reruns on tv while winding yarn from one ball into a new ball. No real purpose to it, just keeping my hands moving and enjoying the texture. I can't watch new tv shows on the brain fog days, or when I am depressed. I just watch old favorites and keep breathing until the next day.
Stacey says
Once a day is fine Melissa until you feel up to posting more than once. Take it easy on yourself. Lots of love and hugs to you:-)
ALELY says
your in my thoughts and prayers. feel better soon!
Mo Pie, Please says
I hope your doctor is able to help. You don't deserve to feel this way. Please, don't worry about cutting posts – do what you need to!
Iris says
I think I'm going through the same thing. I hope you feel better! Keep strong and remember that there are people who care about you. (:
Ogot says
Each time I find myself drowning in melancholy, I talk to friends. It helps me. Sharing fond memories and hilarious jokes with the people I love, it's quite nice, well it's actually great.
Don't fret, you'll be okay.
Dancing Branflake says
Oh Melissa. I am so sorry. I hope you feel better soon. We'll always be here.
Tonia says
As irritating as it is to hear, nothing but patience and allowing yourself to rest without feeling guilty will work here. But I agree with a few others who've already posted – it wasn't until we got a dog and I was forced to go outside and just walk for 30 minutes a day that things really started to change. Not suggesting you get a dog but would fully recommend getting out there, letting the air blow the fug from your mind. It's still a slow process mind you, so no thinking you can bounce back up tomorrow.
Take care and find the good in the days.
Kate says
I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling like this – I don't know what to say apart from big hugs, I'm thinking of you x
daisychain says
take care Melissa, your in my thoughts x
Brandy says
Hey Gumby,
I'm suffering through the same things that you are and I know where you are coming from. I would say just keep working with your doctors with the meds. Exercise is always good but I know how hard it can be when you are so depressed that you can't concentrate on anything. Just take at easy.
Love you!!!!
Melissa Blake says
Diana — I've been watching the old TV show The Facts of Life and that's helped a bit. It's short enough that I can concentrate on it pretty well. 🙂
Melissa Blake says
Thanks, everyone, for these wonderful tips. I appreciate them!
Crystal Lynn says
I am not sure if this helps BUT.. there are so many people who adore you and your wonderful blog… : )
Melanie's Randomness says
Oh Melissa it's okay to do one post a day. It's your blog you can do whatever you want in it sweetie. I hope your feeling better. I don't think this cold weather is helping either. When I was depressed I would try to do at least one thing a day that I knew surfire it would make me smile, even if it was just watching an episode of Modern Family or calling an old friend or eating a hot fudge sundae. Anything. I hope something today made you smile hun. Big Hugs =)
Anonymous says
I hope you feel better! I third the exercising. It's been proven that regular exercise can improve moods/depression. I know that you have limited mobility, but you absolutely could buy a challenging set of hand weights, let's say 10-15 lbs. each) and do bicep curls, tricep exercise, etc… for 20 minutes a day with some music pumping! 🙂
Kim says
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