The Depression Thread

[Silverplume]

I pray and do deep breathing when I’m being anxious instead of sleeping. Re-tell a story to myself and try to remember details: for instance, the book “Little Women,” detailing each character to myself, as my husband and dogs snore.
I hope you sleep well tonight.

 

[mindlessness]

Anyone have any tips to calm anxiety at night? I’m having a horrible time tonight, heart is racing I feel sick and my stomach is in knots. Horrible at night because it’s not like you can go out for a walk or anything.

I do things similar to @or JusRollWithIt to manage mine. Also journalling sometimes helps. It acts a bit like a cathartic release for me - I often end up a bit teary but at least can fall asleep affter. Sometimes I put on youtube or a podcast. Something long and factual - nothing scary!

 

[butterfliesandhurricanes]

Thank you guys Haven’t managed to sleep yet but was able to calm myself down after about an hour. Stuck on my favourite YouTube channel and forced myself to concentrate and not think about anything else. Was worried I wasn’t going to be able to get out of that state because it was so strong.
Hope everyone here is doing okay

 

[StillLucilleBluth]

Anyone have any tips to calm anxiety at night? I’m having a horrible time tonight, heart is racing I feel sick and my stomach is in knots. Horrible at night because it’s not like you can go out for a walk or anything.

I know everyone says not to but sometimes I find reading something on my phone with the screen super dark helps. Often I read Tattle - not my usual threads so I don’t get too invested

Seems to be something about trying to squint a little bit and keep one eye open, while keeping the room dark and giving the brain a break from racing thoughts. Or as others have said, podcasts or sleep stories on Calm!

I know the feeling though. I lie awake at night sometimes with almost a burning sensation in my chest of how unhappy I am. It’s grim. Sending

 

[Raymond Luxury-Yacht]

Nights are so difficult because you are essentially tired and alone. I’m the same, I sometimes end up worrying about things that don’t even matter in the daytime. I echo all the other posters, you just need to try to switch your thoughts to something else. There are many good apps for that, Calm is especially good

Does anybody else struggle with crying for no reason? I know there must be a reason deep inside but most of the time I can’t tell. I just feel tears coming to my eyes and don’t feel any better until I’ve cried. Anything can trigger it, yesterday I started crying watching the Olympics…I don’t know how to deal with it, especially in public.

 

[Pixipoppy]

Anyone have any tips to calm anxiety at night? I’m having a horrible time tonight, heart is racing I feel sick and my stomach is in knots. Horrible at night because it’s not like you can go out for a walk or anything.

In all honesty I take the easy route and use sleeping tablets at night. I hate laying there with my thoughts racing getting more and more stressed about the amount of sleep I’m missing

 

[StillLucilleBluth]

Does anybody else struggle with crying for no reason? I know there must be a reason deep inside but most of the time I can’t tell. I just feel tears coming to my eyes and don’t feel any better until I’ve cried. Anything can trigger it, yesterday I started crying watching the Olympics…I don’t know how to deal with it, especially in public.

Crying is such a thing for me, so I feel you on this one. I don’t know what the answer is, really. I feel like I’m constantly on the verge of tears - it’s one of my main physical “symptoms”. I usually know what it’s about but I can’t shake it and it’s so disruptive and distracting. It doesn’t go away until I can have a proper cry which just isn’t feasible in day to day life. And as soon as I feel teary, I then feel worse, then I feel more teary. It’s hard! I wish it was acceptable just to have streaming eyes while walking down the street

 

[butterfliesandhurricanes]

In all honesty I take the easy route and use sleeping tablets at night. I hate laying there with my thoughts racing getting more and more stressed about the amount of sleep I’m missing

don’t blame you! Anything that helps is a good thing I suppose. I’ve never tried prescription sleeping tablets but I have tried things like nytol but it’s so annoying because I suffer with restless legs and the diphenhydramine makes it worse.

 

[Sideboard Bob]

Crying is such a thing for me, so I feel you on this one. I don’t know what the answer is, really. I feel like I’m constantly on the verge of tears - it’s one of my main physical “symptoms”. I usually know what it’s about but I can’t shake it and it’s so disruptive and distracting. It doesn’t go away until I can have a proper cry which just isn’t feasible in day to day life. And as soon as I feel teary, I then feel worse, then I feel more teary. It’s hard! I wish it was acceptable just to have streaming eyes while walking down the street

It’s so awkward isn’t it. A few years ago there was a time I was just crying all the time, walking down the street.
At work, if anyone saw, I would sometimes just say I’d been sneezing or had allergies. I hated bullshitting people but sometimes it would just set me off even more trying to explain.

 

[StillLucilleBluth]

It’s so awkward isn’t it. A few years ago there was a time I was just crying all the time, walking down the street.
At work, if anyone saw, I would sometimes just say I’d been sneezing or had allergies. I hated bullshitting people but sometimes it would just set me off even more trying to explain.

Sneezing - that’s genius! Will definitely be using that one.

I’m glad that time is over for you.

 

[butterfliesandhurricanes]

Me again. Struggling to sleep tonight. Only had 2 hours last night so I should be tired right ?? Nope. anyone else can’t sleep either ?

 

[Pixipoppy]

Me again. Struggling to sleep tonight. Only had 2 hours last night so I should be tired right ?? Nope. anyone else can’t sleep either ?

It’s horrible: I know you said you can’t have diphenhydramine but there are other things out there. Lots of herbal remedies with valerian, CBD oil, promethazine… and that’s without getting into prescription stuff like zopiclone or benzos which are easy enough to get hold of. Please don’t suffer, having so little sleep will really make everything 10x worse

 

[StillLucilleBluth]

Me again. Struggling to sleep tonight. Only had 2 hours last night so I should be tired right ?? Nope. anyone else can’t sleep either ?

I find melatonin really helps. I think you can only get it in the US so you’d perhaps have to order online. I’m in the UK but got mine last time I was there. (But I might be wrong - someone else more knowledgeable can probably confirm.)

 

[mindlessness]

I find melatonin really helps. I think you can only get it in the US so you’d perhaps have to order online. I’m in the UK but got mine last time I was there. (But I might be wrong - someone else more knowledgeable can probably confirm.)

I've had it prescribed in the UK. It's over the counter in France too - I remember buying some in a pharmacy last time I was there (in 2018).

Me again. Struggling to sleep tonight. Only had 2 hours last night so I should be tired right ?? Nope. anyone else can’t sleep either ?

ugh it sucks, I'm sorry. Lots of it will be stuff you've heard before but my psychiatrist talks to me a lot about 'sleep hygiene'. Basically it's all the steps around sleep (as well as the sleep itself). Do you think you've got those worked out? It can be bloody hard to have these all in order when depressed, so no judgement here if not

https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/media/.leaflets/5fdb59130b1967.84969725.pdf

Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Path to Quality Sleep

Looking for ways to sleep better? Improving sleep hygiene can make your habits, routines, & environment more conducive to consistent and restorative sleep.

www.sleepfoundation.org

 

[justheretoread99]

Just found this thread and it’s upsetting but refreshing to hear I’m not alone in this feeling.
I feel just so tired, tiredness that isn’t cured from sleep. I feel like I’m not achieving what I want, like I’ve not fulfilled my goals. I’m 28 and still living with my parents and my relationship with my mum is toxic, I cannot wait to leave. Hopefully soon.

I feel like a really heavy sheet is constantly on top of my head, like a huge weight. And weight?! Well that’s another issue in itself. I need to loose at least 3 stone but I’m constantly self sabotaging, I use food to cure my feelings but in fact I feel worse. I’ve not opened up to anyone except my boyfriend who was supportive but I don’t want to keep badgering him, he has his own demons that he’s battling and I want to support him as much as I can. I feel like medication is on the horizon but so many horror stories out there about becoming dependant and the side effects.. are they worth it? Would love to hear personal views on this.
Anyway I’m thinking out loud but sorry for the verbal diarrhoea x

I’m also 28 (single) and still live with parents.
Definitely talk to your GP, they may even suggest talking therapies before medication. I started on Sertraline but it didn’t agree with me at all. Had some very dark thoughts while on those tablets.
I’m on Propranolol and Amitriptyline atm. Although I can’t say I feel better I just feel numb.


Having a really bad day today. Does anyone else get mimicked about their mental health?

Ive had that awful sense of dread and pain in my chest all day. Haven’t left my bed, haven’t been to work. My mum came in my room and asked if I was ok. I said “No, I’ve got the worst pain and heavyness in my chest” she just sighed, then mimicked me in a high pitch voice and shut my door.

Spoiler: Trigger warning

Genuinely feel like self-harming just to take my mind off the mental torture. But I’m going to be a bridesmaid in a few months and don’t want any weird scars on show and to ruin the photos. I self harmed up my arms last year and the scars have just about gone.

My close friends are supportive, but I don’t want to burden them anymore. The thought of ringing my GP almost sends me into a meltdown. You have to ring on the day to get an appointment, phone lines open at 8:30am. Most days they’re engaged and when you finally get through you’re put into a queue and then on hold for up to 2 hours. The receptionists are god awful and sometimes I end up putting the phone down in tears because of how they speak to you. Numerous people have complained and put in formal complaints but nothing gets done.

Really feel like I’m a lost cause. I’ve had CBT, counselling and hypnotherapy all haven’t helped and make me feel worse. Don’t want to try any other medication because of all the physical side affects. My parents clearly don’t understand. Sorry for the long post, talking out loud makes me feel worse but typing it all down is a little bit of a release.

 

[TapToBoreMeRigid]

I take a low dose of amitriptyline at night, (for a different health condition), as well as my antidepressant in the morning and it helps me to not only drift off more quickly but stay asleep for 4h at a time. Sounds rubbish but previously I was waking every 90 minutes.

 

[Sideboard Bob]

Sneezing - that’s genius! Will definitely be using that one.

I’m glad that time is over for you.

Thank you, I hope it is for you soon too x

 

[mindlessness]

I’m also 28 (single) and still live with parents.
Definitely talk to your GP, they may even suggest talking therapies before medication. I started on Sertraline but it didn’t agree with me at all. Had some very dark thoughts while on those tablets.
I’m on Propranolol and Amitriptyline atm. Although I can’t say I feel better I just feel numb.


Having a really bad day today. Does anyone else get mimicked about their mental health?

Ive had that awful sense of dread and pain in my chest all day. Haven’t left my bed, haven’t been to work. My mum came in my room and asked if I was ok. I said “No, I’ve got the worst pain and heavyness in my chest” she just sighed, then mimicked me in a high pitch voice and shut my door.

Spoiler: Trigger warning

Genuinely feel like self-harming just to take my mind off the mental torture. But I’m going to be a bridesmaid in a few months and don’t want any weird scars on show and to ruin the photos. I self harmed up my arms last year and the scars have just about gone.

My close friends are supportive, but I don’t want to burden them anymore. The thought of ringing my GP almost sends me into a meltdown. You have to ring on the day to get an appointment, phone lines open at 8:30am. Most days they’re engaged and when you finally get through you’re put into a queue and then on hold for up to 2 hours. The receptionists are god awful and sometimes I end up putting the phone down in tears because of how they speak to you. Numerous people have complained and put in formal complaints but nothing gets done.

Really feel like I’m a lost cause. I’ve had CBT, counselling and hypnotherapy all haven’t helped and make me feel worse. Don’t want to try any other medication because of all the physical side affects. My parents clearly don’t understand. Sorry for the long post, talking out loud makes me feel worse but typing it all down is a little bit of a release.

It is so crappy when the people who are meant to be your support network don't get it. I'm sorry. I'm glad you have good friends.

I definitely go through cycles with my depression and anxiety where sometimes different forms of therapy are more or less effective too.

Do you have any hobbies or interests you enjoy? Or used to enjoy? It's hard when you're feeling apathetic and the depression is bad but would picking one of those up again be do-able?

and omg. Medical receptionists...Why are so many of them awful? I truly do not understand why you would go in to that job if you weren't a people person (and most of them seem to hate people!).

You're not a lost cause. No-one is.

 

[justheretoread99]

It is so crappy when the people who are meant to be your support network don't get it. I'm sorry. I'm glad you have good friends.

I definitely go through cycles with my depression and anxiety where sometimes different forms of therapy are more or less effective too.

Do you have any hobbies or interests you enjoy? Or used to enjoy? It's hard when you're feeling apathetic and the depression is bad but would picking one of those up again be do-able?

and omg. Medical receptionists...Why are so many of them awful? I truly do not understand why you would go in to that job if you weren't a people person (and most of them seem to hate people!).

You're not a lost cause. No-one is.

Thank you so much
I’m the same it’s definitely cycles when it’s bad it’s really bad but when I’m OK I can just about function and enjoy time with my friends.

When I was a kid I used to love Art and played a few instruments. Tried to get back into painting and drawing in the first lockdown but just don’t have the attention span/patience anymore.

I think once you suffer badly with a mental health condition it’s with you for life. So I’ve accepted I’ll never truly be back to my “happy self” but pushing on to enjoy to good days.

 

[Tanne1999]

My partner and I have been talking about what will best suit our relationship going forward (especially with my MH), and I think we’re taking the approach of I will be more of a homebody and work part time. I think this’ll work best for us, especially me as an individual. I get really overwhelmed juggling full time work and maintaining a house.


Does anyone else find this helped them?