https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/welcome-and-orientation/a-bad-depression/m-p/522231#M29155 Hello <BR /> <BR />It sounds like you're rather isolated and feeling lonely, which likely affects your depression. It can be very difficult to make friends when we are feeling low; but having no friends in the first place, can greatly impact our mental health. <BR /> <BR />I am also isolated, and recently have turned to online forums, like you. Perhaps through this platform, our sense of connection will improve, hence in turn, our mental health - other than that, have you tried trying to make friends in your area, perhaps through a community centre? A library can also be a good hub to seek out activities and meet people. Sometimes,the notice boards at shopping centres advertise Tai Chi or walking groups. <BR /> <BR />I also wonder, as you say you are married - do you have a close relationship and enjoy doing things with your wife? <BR /> <BR />Exercise does have a positive impact on mental health; but you mentioned you currently lack motivation. I can only say, that it takes three months to firm a habit - so the first three months WILL require determination on your part. Perhaps if you had a gym buddy, you could push each other to stay motivated- how about your wife? <BR /> <BR />Everything you say is reflective of the cyclic nature of depression- we want things to improve, but we lack the mindset to make any changes, hence nothing changes and we continue to feel depressed. I can relate to this, and I hope that through taking small steps, things will improve. Reaching out online IS a step you have taken, so this is great; you're hopeful and with that hope that things will improve, surely they will. <BR /> <BR />Best wishes. Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:44:53 GMT Perpetual_Void 2020-10-06T20:44:53Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/welcome-and-orientation/a-bad-depression/m-p/522230#M29154 I'm so depressed I don't know what to do. I have had this feeling for the last couple of weeks. One moment my medication was working then out of the blue it stopped. I have had depression on and off for about 10 years, but have never experienced anything as bad as this. I'm married, pushing 70 and I feel like I'm falling apart. My health is still good and I feel like I still have a few years to go yet. I have talked to my GP but her response is to give up any alcohol and join a gym.<BR /> Joining a gym, I have been told that it helps heaps, but it's just pushing myself to do it is my problem. I fell so bad. The bad feeling is 24/7, full, with no breaks. Everything I think of is so negative. I'm finding that everything I try to do is a major effect. I don't know anyone where I'm living at present, so there is no one I can talk to.<BR /> I'm going to go to a psychologist.and do some Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, so I'm hoping that will help<BR /> But this feeling is so bad, it has me scared. I don't know how long I can go.<BR /> I don't know what to do! Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:02:11 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/welcome-and-orientation/a-bad-depression/m-p/522230#M29154 Nelson001 2020-10-05T02:02:11Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/welcome-and-orientation/a-bad-depression/m-p/522231#M29155 Hello <BR /> <BR />It sounds like you're rather isolated and feeling lonely, which likely affects your depression. It can be very difficult to make friends when we are feeling low; but having no friends in the first place, can greatly impact our mental health. <BR /> <BR />I am also isolated, and recently have turned to online forums, like you. Perhaps through this platform, our sense of connection will improve, hence in turn, our mental health - other than that, have you tried trying to make friends in your area, perhaps through a community centre? A library can also be a good hub to seek out activities and meet people. Sometimes,the notice boards at shopping centres advertise Tai Chi or walking groups. <BR /> <BR />I also wonder, as you say you are married - do you have a close relationship and enjoy doing things with your wife? <BR /> <BR />Exercise does have a positive impact on mental health; but you mentioned you currently lack motivation. I can only say, that it takes three months to firm a habit - so the first three months WILL require determination on your part. Perhaps if you had a gym buddy, you could push each other to stay motivated- how about your wife? <BR /> <BR />Everything you say is reflective of the cyclic nature of depression- we want things to improve, but we lack the mindset to make any changes, hence nothing changes and we continue to feel depressed. I can relate to this, and I hope that through taking small steps, things will improve. Reaching out online IS a step you have taken, so this is great; you're hopeful and with that hope that things will improve, surely they will. <BR /> <BR />Best wishes. Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:44:53 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/welcome-and-orientation/a-bad-depression/m-p/522231#M29155 Perpetual_Void 2020-10-06T20:44:53Z