I’ve done work around early warning signs of me becoming unwell with psychosis but not for depression. I don’t know if i am slipping into depression again as i am taking my meds and i haven’t cried for a long time. I feel lifeless though; i have no energy and feel disconnected from the world and my appetite has been destroyed. I feel hopeless when thinking about my life improving. I don’t want to die but i just feel so horrible inside. I’m starting to wonder if i am relapsing with the depressive side of my illness but then i can still smile and have a laugh when i go to speak to the support workers downstairs. I don’t really know whats going on with me! I’m just not feeling good. It’s been so long since I have felt like this. But it doesn’t feel like how depression has felt in the past.
I’m not asking for anyone to tell me how/what i feel because no one is me, but i am hoping that others can share there experiences and what has helped them and hopefully I can take something from that, and others possibly too.
What have been the early warning signs you have personally experienced before an episode of depression? Have you been able to prevent yourself from sinking too low and if so, how? I'd be interested to know what depression feels like for different people.
sticks and stones may break your bones but words can tear your heart out.
for me, being able to sleep all the time, feeling low, light sensitive, being able to lay around all day and not do anything, not talking, feeling numb, emotionless, crying, bad dreams, urges to sh, urges to od... anxious, unable to go out, my social anxiety flares up..
when i had my last depression episode...well it started but my bf noticed and took me to dance and picked me up after...and kept taking me out and i eventually managed to not slip into the depression...it only lasted about 2/3 weeks rather than 2/3 months
I remember you telling me that Sertraline was more helpful than what you are on now? Is it possible that you could swap back to it? I think you have to work on opposite actions to keep yourself from 'sinking', when you feel like going to bed in the middle of the day its pertinent you get up and do something. Have you said to the support workers how you feel when you are not around them?
For me, it may be just for me, I feel routine helps a lot. Getting up early [ie 8-9am] rather than past midday really boosts my day. Sometimes getting up late gives you a sense that the day is over and you just mope rather than spend the day living.
Do you see your psychiatrist or CPN or social worker any time soon? Could you raise it with them, or with your Therapist; maybe he could help you work out your early warning signs for depressive episodes and help formulate a plan of what to do based on what stage you are at, maybe have a traffic light system to help you orientate yourself and know what symptoms mean you are in green, orange, or red and then a clear plan of who to tell, what to do and what strategies you can come up with him to use.
I am meant to be seeing a friend tomorrow, so i will try hard to stick to that.
i am sitting around all day every day not doing anything, apart from going out for the shopping and a few walks. i just have no motivation and no interests, I hate this. I am seeing my psychiatrist at the end of this month so will raise sertraline as a suggestion and see what he says. im not sleeping during the day, i feel tired but its futile trying to sleep then. the traffic light system sounds like a good idea, i think i will ask the staff here to use that so that when i see them during the day they know how i feel, i often get a nervous smile which is a paradox to how i feel inside, so it will be good for them to know. i had a session today with my therapist and it was tough, very tough. i wish i hadn't given in my meds now, i want to escape this so much. sorry.
thanks for the replies x
sticks and stones may break your bones but words can tear your heart out.
It can be a useful way to communicate what you cant at the time verbalise.
I am so SO proud you handed over your meds for tonight, it IS the right thing to do. Try and plan this evening, what you need to pack for tomorrow, have a good evening meal if you haven't had one.
Sorry I cant be more help.. Love you lots though :)
