Everything is an effort

[Booklover17]

Hi forum members,

I just wanted to ask who else feels that everything is an effort right now? I feel depressed and isolated and even getting off the couch has been an effort these past couple of days. I don't feel like doing anything.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Booklover,

I think that I can relate to how you’re feeling as though everything is an effort. Right now, it’s not too bad for me but there have definitely been times in my life where everything felt like a huge struggle.

Brushing my teeth, crawling out of bed, etc...everything just felt so draining at my worst. I suppose what I’m trying to convey is even if our stories are different, I feel for you and your pain.

You must be feeling so drained and despondent. The sadness and loneliness really does come across and it must be absolutely awful for you...I’m very glad you reached out here.

I wonder, if you haven’t already, considered calling a helpline (e.g. BeyondBlue, Lifeline, etc) to talk as well. Your energy levels sound so low so perhaps a helpline might be helpful because you can speak to someone from home. Just an idea...

I hope you write again to let us know how you’re doing (if you want to).

Caring thoughts,

Pepper

[smallwolf]

Hi Booklover,

Not at the moment, but there have definitely been days in recent memory (last month) where I have. So I know what you are going through. Probably not the same level as you but... (And none of my go to methods (music, games) work - they cannot pull me out of the rut.)

What get me into that state can be many things.. sleep problems, worry (inducing sleep problems) about things going on that I have no control over. Eventually they dissipate, but that lack of energy feeling is crushing while present.

Is there anything in particular that you are aware of that results in the lack of energy? Do you have other "symptoms"? Have you spoken to anyone about this (as suggested by Pepper)? How long has this been going on? Have you tried using guided meditations?

There are many other questions, and I am not asking you to answer these here, but these are question I asked myself before seeing a GP last year, because something did not feel right. Unfortunately, what are feeling is very different to a bruised knee cause you fell off your bike. A friend with a bruised knee would look the same. When it comes to issues relating to MH these are not visible to the human eye, unless you appear lethargic, and can be indicator something is not right. As pepper says, each of us are unique.

Stay Strong.

[Booklover17]

Hi Pepper,

Thank you for your kind words. I do feel despondent. That is a perfect word to describe it. I should have said, I suffer from anxiety and my mood goes up and down all the time. Right now it's down. I do see a psychologist regularly but as you may know, in between it's all up to you and anxiety is so difficult to deal with.

[Booklover17]

Hi Smallwolf,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have anxiety so I know what it's all about. I just felt like I wanted to talk to someone who has been through it before because I feel alone.

[Hang10]

Hi Booklover.

I get like this when my tank is empty. My Tank, kind of like a water tank, when i use too much energy, stress to much not enough sleep etc or give to much. My personal tank runs low. My body reacts slower i become sad and think negative. The lower the worst. To fill my personal tank I have to find ways to fill it up. For me it time away for noise. To sit out in the sun and enjoy the sunshine. Music to rain in the good happiness we all got inside ourself. Good food for endurance. When my tank full I back to my best. I still find it hard to get the balance right to not get too low as life can be draining. Take care. Look after yourself.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Booklover,

Thank you so much for replying. It’s fantastic to hear from you again.

I’m glad you have the support of your psychologist. Having said that though, I understand what you’re saying about the big blocks of time between each appointment. Those must be rough to contend with...

I suppose maybe your psychologist is like an anchor (of sorts) during sessions but then you start “floundering” (so to speak) as soon as you leave the session and continue to do so till you’re anchored” again at your next session.

I wonder if your psychologist has discussed anxiety management strategies to help you cope. It sounds like it might be helpful if she/he hasn’t mentioned them to you yet...

Kind thoughts,

Pepper