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I have depression right now. I can't do things that I normally do and the pandemic adds to my problem. I don't know what to do. Can you help me?
Posts: 116 | Registered: Jul 2016
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- Keep where you live - whether it's a house, apartment, dorm, or just a bedroom - clean and free of clutter.
- Make sure your living space is well lit, preferably with natural light, but artificial light works too. You can even buy special bulbs that fight depression but I've found that generic full-spectrum bulbs work too.
- Add indoor house plants to your living space.
- Make and keep a strict sleep schedule and get adequate sleep every night.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sugar, heavily processed food, and especially alcohol.
- Talk to friend's and family often. Talk to them about anything and everything. Depression grows in isolation and social interaction is incredibly important for mental health. If you can't do it in person, call them on the phone.
Posts: 570 | Registered: Sep 2009
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I agree with JanitorBlade. See a professional if you can. There are well-educated people who understand what you're feeling and want the best for you. They won't judge. Depression has as much to do with biology (brain chemistry, etc.) as it does with life circumstances. EVERYBODY experiences depression and almost everyone tries to fight it alone. But you don't need to. If you're in a dark place, there are always people who can add light to your life.
Posts: 570 | Registered: Sep 2009
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quote:Originally posted by JanitorBlade: I started seeing a therapist. They talked me into trying prescription anti-depressants. They are helping so much!
The latter may not be for you, but I highly recommend therapy in times like these. If that's something you can't afford, drop me a line. We'll talk.
quote:Originally posted by JanitorBlade: I started seeing a therapist. They talked me into trying prescription anti-depressants. They are helping so much!
The latter may not be for you, but I highly recommend therapy in times like these. If that's something you can't afford, drop me a line. We'll talk.
Most therapists are doing tele-sessions online and it's definitely better than nothing. Mine talks and sees me through my webcam so they can at least see my facial expressions and hear the tone of my voice.
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[/QUOTE]Most therapists are doing tele-sessions online and it's definitely better than nothing. Mine talks and sees me through my webcam so they can at least see my facial expressions and hear the tone of my voice.
Check it out. [/QB][/QUOTE] I hope I get the courage to do what you said but I guess, I'm not ready yet.
Posts: 116 | Registered: Jul 2016
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I don't. It occurred to me to login because I can't talk to anyone I know irl about how I feel. Nothing makes me happy and I feel perpetually bored. I think I have adhd, but I can't bring myself to make the call to the psychiatrist because I'd feel so stupid walking in with a self diagnosis.
Posts: 3389 | Registered: Apr 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion: I don't. It occurred to me to login because I can't talk to anyone I know irl about how I feel. Nothing makes me happy and I feel perpetually bored. I think I have adhd, but I can't bring myself to make the call to the psychiatrist because I'd feel so stupid walking in with a self diagnosis.
I am sorry to hear what are you going through. I feel your pain. How are you doing?
Posts: 9 | Registered: Nov 2020
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quote:Originally posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion: I don't. It occurred to me to login because I can't talk to anyone I know irl about how I feel. Nothing makes me happy and I feel perpetually bored. I think I have adhd, but I can't bring myself to make the call to the psychiatrist because I'd feel so stupid walking in with a self diagnosis.
I am sorry to hear what are you going through. I feel your pain. How are you doing?
I think he's fine already? How about you, Selene?
Posts: 116 | Registered: Jul 2016
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I'm doing great, thanks. Setting aside the worries because New Year is approaching. Happy New Year Everyone!
Posts: 9 | Registered: Nov 2020
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quote:Originally posted by hawser: I have depression right now. I can't do things that I normally do and the pandemic adds to my problem. I don't know what to do. Can you help me?
Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken”. ~ You will feel better than this, maybe not yet, but you will. You just keep living until you are alive again. Everything is just a state of mind, keep fighting, and keep believing that you are bigger than your fears and sorrows.
Posts: 24 | Registered: Jan 2021
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quote:Originally posted by HellerThriller: Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say “My heart is broken”. ~ You will feel better than this, maybe not yet, but you will. You just keep living until you are alive again. Everything is just a state of mind, keep fighting, and keep believing that you are bigger than your fears and sorrows. [/QB]
Great words! I really felt what you said. It hits my very soul. Thank you for your long heart-warming words.
Posts: 116 | Registered: Jul 2016
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I started cycling for kicks, not to get exercise or anything, but because it seemed like a fun way of getting around. It took me a couple of weeks to normalize that, but I noticed that when I got home from work everyday, sweating and panting, I was upbeat.
That led to cycling for sport, then lifting weights at home, and then swimming. I went through a bad break-up that earlier in my life would have crippled me for months. I ran through it and bounced back faster than I ever have. Fitness has become my addiction - I work out 1-2 hours a day, 6 days a week.
It forces me to step out of home.
Tends to regularize my habits - I wake up early and sleep early. I feel I sleep better as well.
I eat healthier as a consequences (again, I don't try to, I just do). I've stopped overdoing the caffeine, and don't have a craving for high-sugar foods anymore.
My moods are regulated without me consciously thinking/dwelling on it. I feel stable to the extent that I can't identify with the person I was years ago.
When I miss my workouts for a couple of days or more, I feel anxious, I can almost feel gloom creeping in.
FWIW, I don't think it needs to be intense exercise. I believe even 30 minutes of fast walking could have a very positive effect (a hunch, no data to back that up) if done daily.
Posts: 1 | Registered: Jan 2021
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The COVID-19 pandemic definitely makes mental health issues more acute. Being in the house this much time is very bad for our overall state of mind. Personally, I feel lonely most of the times. Even if I talk on the phone with my family, it’s not the same thing as physical contact. So, I completely understand you and I am sorry to hear you are going through this. Maybe you could try this FDA approved treatment for depression that I found online. I tried it myself a while ago, and I definitely saw some improvement into my state of mind. I hope it will work for you as well. Take care and be safe in these uncertain times.
Posts: 2 | Registered: Mar 2021
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quote:Originally posted by Alberto: The COVID-19 pandemic definitely makes mental health issues more acute. Being in the house this much time is very bad for our overall state of mind. Personally, I feel lonely most of the times. Even if I talk on the phone with my family, it’s not the same thing as physical contact. So, I completely understand you and I am sorry to hear you are going through this. Maybe you could try this FDA approved treatment for depression that I found online. I tried it myself a while ago, and I definitely saw some improvement into my state of mind. I hope it will work for you as well. Take care and be safe in these uncertain times.
Why didn't anyone tell me about this some months ago?!
Posts: 1 | Registered: Mar 2021
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