Depressed

[historyteach]

Hi, Nina;

There's a few things I *try* to do for myself daily that help. I need to take care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Eat right; exercise.
Read a book, learn something new.
Read inspirational themes; see a friend; take a bubble bath.
Meditate; pray; study Torah.
These are some of the things that help bring me out of myself. When we change out behavior, we change our thinking.
I understand totally that while we are depressed, it can seem like impossible to do these things. That's when it's most important. Even if it's a short walk around the block. Whatever you do it is worth doing. Start with one thing, then, add another as you are able. But, do it...you can...

Hope this helps and finds you better...

Shalom!

[Nina Kay]

Hey Teach,
Thank you so much for sharing with me, some of the things that have helped you. I will try them all. I also finally got myself a sponsor in the 12-step programs to help guide me along the way. So far, she's said pretty much what you did. Thank you. ((((((((((((Love & Hugs))))))))))))))

[gate to]

Thats wonderful Nina.You are really fighting this,Between getting the help you need and all the help and encouragement you give to others on SR I think you're going in the right direction.Prayers and Hugs to you.Gate

[Pony]

Hey Nina, I just found this thread.....bad me...I am supposed to be checking in here daily....

I have never been diagnosed with depression or be the med. route, but I do understand and relate to much of....well, most of what you saying you feel and go through. I think sometimes that I would become that person who doesn't ever get out of bed if it weren't for my busy lifestyle schedule. I say that because I do find myself isolating myself in my bedroom and not leaving it unless there is a reason to. I'm not sure if it's the same as what you describe for yourself, but sometimes I feel like, "what's the point, I might as well just stay here".

My father used to have bouts of depression....well actually the last few years of his life was lived all in depression. It was mainly because he lived in constant pain and illnesses that he felt like he just wanted to give up. He made it a point to call me daily and just talk. He used to say that he just called because he wanted to hear a friendly voice. Especially on those days that he couldn't get himself out and about. He would try to get himself out each day to do something, even if it meant going to the store for that nights dinner. He just knew that is he didn't try to get out each day he would just sit there and waste away. We had lunch once a week, he went to church twice a week, went to play cards with the guys at the American Legion Hall, tryied to socialize with the neighbors of the apt. complex he lived in, and would try to make all my daughter's soccer games that he could.

That is just some of what he did to shake some of that isolating and the sinking feeling that follows from the guilt of not doing anything in that day but lay around.

I'm sure it feels as if you have tried and tried everything known to man.....just keep trying. I say that because it is when we give up and give into it that "it" has won and we are defeated. As long as the sun rises each new day, there is hope that the day will bring on something new if you keep reaching out for it. And we are here for you.

Live is absolutely right in saying that there are lots of us here that love and care for you. You have been a shining light around here and contribute so very much of yourself. You are a cring and thoughtful person and an inspiration to many here, especially me ! Just keep talking to us or whomever, but don't stay inside yourself.

Hugs to you lady, from one who cares !

[stefanie]

Hi Nina Kay.
I really feel for you because I also tend to isolate..sometimes I just want to
stay at home and not get out of bed.
I am single, so I must get out, do shopping, work at my new job,etc. I feel
so bad about not hiking...but baby steps, right? So I have been walking
every day and I feel alot better. Sometimes I just walk outside to look
at the flowers, the clear blue sky, and it makes me feel good.
Sending hugs and prayers to you!

[Live]

Nina,

How are you?

live

[gate to]

Nina Kaye,hope you're doing well.Thinking of you.Gate

[Morning Glory]

Nina,

I feel just like you do and could have written your posts. Stress is a key factor that takes me down to the point where I can't bring myself back up. I have the same problem with anti-depressants. I'm going back in to try something else. I find that even if I can take them for 6 months it usually helps me function better.

I had some thoughts reading this thread. I'm thinking that maybe this is more a lack of energy rather than depression. I find that it gets worse the older I get. When we get older our metabolism slows down. We lose muscle tone. We also lose energy. It's hard to exercise to gain energy when you can't even move. I think I'm going to look into ways to boost my energy. Stress depletes us of energy too. I'm also thinking of getting a sleep study. I'm pretty sure that a sleep disorder also plays a part in feeling so tired.

Maybe we're treating this in the wrong way?

[Morning Glory]

There is an Adrenal Fatigue Screening Quiz in the middle of this page. I scored 14 out of 16.

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/gett...iz_adrena1.htm