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Always bored?
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I’m pretty sure I’m not the only depressed person who experiences this, and I would love some advice.
I’m always bored. Always, always, always. None of the things I used to like bring me any enjoyment, such as baking, writing, painting, reading. In fact, they honestly make me more depressed because I know they aren’t working to make me happy.
i’ve tried doing new activities, old activities. I’ve tried spending more time with friends and family, I’ve tried doing nice things for people, still doesn’t improve my mood.
The only thing that helps is sleeping, because then at least I’m not concious and not having to deal with my constant terrible mood. Unfortunately my GP has advised against me napping so much and I know in my heart he is right, it doesn’t help.
This is real hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced depression, but basically it is the most terrifying thing ever when nothing can bring you joy, because you feel like you’ll be miserable forever.
I would love to know if anyone else has experienced this and what you do to deal with it.
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Hey There,
I know every case is different, so what helped me might not help you but I'm happy to share. I fell into that habit of just sleeping all day because I just didn't want to do anything and that was definitely where I felt at my worst, the problem with being depressed is you know that but you just don't have the energy to change things.
I think the moment I turned around was when I managed to get up one day and start doing things, not an easy task you might know and at first that just meant getting up and eating, eventually two meals, then going for a walk. Over time those little things evolved into managing my diet, strict sleeping routines and through the help of a friend, going to the gym once a week.
It helped me to separate my depressed brain from myself, by that I mean sure I struggled to do these things but it was like watering a plant. By eating more, sleeping less, socialising and exercising I slowly got my brain to start producing more dopamine and endorphins and eventually reach a neutral state where I had more energy and wasn't having such terrible thoughts so that I am now able to actually enjoy things I used to.
I guess the change I made was that I wasn't doing things I once liked to try to improve my mood, I improved my mood so that I could enjoy things. The hardest part was getting out of bed on that first day and yes I did relapse a few times, but it's a marathon not a race and over time you can get those chemicals flowing more and more. I was where you are for quite a long time and I feel how hard it is, when you're at that stage I know advice seems condescending but I never asked like you did, so you clearly have some motivation.
Dyfri
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That’s a pretty interesting point you said, about improving my mood to enjoy things rather than doing things I enjoy to improve my mood. I definitely will consider that.
i’m actually pretty functional, i can usually get out of bed, eat, get dressed etc.. It’s definitely difficult but it’s not impossible. I also try to be sociable and exercise regularly.
i’m just finding that even with all of that my mood isn’t improving at all. I’ve been the ‘ideal’ depressive person for 2-3 years now (a rubbish term but bear with me), I’ve been exercising, socialising, doing enjoyable activities, going to the GP etc..I follow all the advice, do everything right (and I have been for years, I don’t try it once and give up after a day) and my mood is still bad, I’m still not improving, and nothing makes me happy.
I’m sorry about the rant. I just want to feel happy again. And I’m tired of doing everything in my power and it still not working.
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Hi pinkkookaburra99
Dyfri has offered a great angle, regarding playing around a little with the chemistry side of things. This leads me to ask whether you've considered consulting a dietician who's experienced when it comes to dealing with depression. Just a thought. If you prefer the more independent path, there are quite a number of websites which will offer lists of foods which are known to increase dopamine levels. If meds aren't your thing, perhaps natural diet could be a consideration.
Yep, throughout my years in depression I felt completely numb, so I know where you're coming from. To give you a true idea: Considering the excitement present for most women who give birth, I personally felt 'defective' seeing I had virtually no attachment to my 2 babies (13 and 15 years old now). A few months after my 2nd was born, I came out of my 15 year battle with depression to find the world to be a whole different place. The brain is a truly bizarre, complex and powerful thing.
Doing some research yourself, even if it's just on dopamine (aka the pleasure neurotransmitter), might give you a few new ideas. Researching the chemistry of depression can be an empowering eye-opener.
Take care of yourself pinkkookaburra99
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