An overwhelming feeling of sadness

Mel_B · ‎12-12-2015

For the last four or so weeks I have had an overwhelming feeling of sadness, that I just can’t overcome. I went and saw my GP who thought it was a level of depression I could manage with exercise and psychological intervention (I did not want to start taking medication). I have not yet seen the psychologist (waiting lists where I live) and despite exercising vigorously 4-5 times per week, the sadness has just gotten worse and worse. I’m having trouble sleeping, and crying frequently for no apparent reason. I’ve lost interest in eating, work, and am struggling to care for my children. I also have anxiety about things that ‘might' happen – I may be unemployed at the end of the financial year (but I may not). I went and saw my GP again yesterday and she strongly recommended I commence medication, which I did last night. I know that the medication will take several days/weeks to start having an effect, but can anybody suggest any self-help strategies in the meantime. I’m a person who likes to be in control of everything, and these feelings are just awful.

white knight · ‎12-12-2015

Hi Mel.B welcome

IMo you need proper diagnosis and as well meaning as your GP is, often a level of higher professionalism from psychiatrist is needed. You might indeed have depression or a version of it like dysthymia. I have both and my life prior to medication was a sadness of great levels and often as well.

As for not wanting medication think of medication as one ingredient of the treatment of your issues. Therapy, relaxation exercises, changes in your environment or workplace are all things to consider to get to a good management of your condition. Medication if absent will have a serious negative effect on this if not taken.

But its your choice. I've found the right medication after many years searching and testing. I'll never stop taking them. Life is good for me now.

Tony WK

Blue_Water · ‎12-12-2015

Hi Mel,

My depression started the exact same way. The feelings I experienced were horrendous because like you,I kept thinking of events that may or may not happen such as being unemployment etc etc. My mind went into total overload and I felt my pain was inescapable. I too exercised daily, ate t well, rested whenever I could and then commenced my AD's which initially didn't work. I'm on my third change of meds and so far they seem to be working. The only coping mechanism I found was to accept my state of mind wasn't going to get well in a hurry and that to me was very frustrating as no-one wants to experience the incredible debilitating crushing feelings. I had to still function, such as working, being their for my husband, seeing friends and family although I cancelled a great deal of meet ups as I just wanted to hide from the world. Many people will hopefully give you their experiences with depression and their coping mechanisms. Everyone is unique, but I honestly believe its been my new meds that have finally allowed me to now live a semblance of my old life. I'm not be the same person as for me, AD's take away the pain and anguish of depression which is lifesaving but the flip side is I feel numb, have a lack of drive and my mind lives in a constant state of fogginess. That's not to say your meds will have the same effect.

It's easy for me to say hang in there, truly, you will get better and the horrible suffering you're going through now will subside. Most of us on this forum have been there and understand. I really wish I could reach out and touch your heart for a moment and take away hurt. I'm thinking of you and will keep my fingers and toes crossed, the meds kick in sooner than later.

Xx

Lost8 · ‎12-12-2015

Hi , so sorry you're feeling this way, I am exactly the same. I was also recommended excercise and breathing to help relax, but didn't work. I have had good relief by talking to a help line, phone councelling. Some of the people you talk to are really helpful, and pick you up for a while. Then call again when you feel you're slipping. I've been on this path for 3 months, and it's getting me by. I started anti depressants 2 weeks ago and am also waiting for them to kick in. Try a help line, you can call as often as you like and they usually always settle you enough till it "gets easier" not sure when that is yet, but hang in there.

Mel_B · ‎12-12-2015

Hi Tony,

thankyou so much for your reply. I did wonder whether what I am dealing with is outside my GPs area of expertise. Unfortunately there s very few psychiatrists where I live, so accessing one will not be easy. I think I can persevere with my feelings while I give the meds a chance to work, and fingers crossed the psychologist has something beneficial to offer.

Melissa

Mel_B · ‎12-12-2015

It's nice to know I'm not the only person feeling like this. Depression and anxiety seem to be so widespread, yet nobody is keen to talk about it (including me). It is such a horrible feeling when my brain is in overdrive and I keep thinking of all the 'what ifs'. It would be so nice if the medication worked immediately, rather than having such a long lag time.

thankyou so much for your reply, Melissa

Mel_B · ‎12-12-2015

Hi,

thankyou for your suggestion re telephone helpline. I have found it beneficial talking to my gp, and hopefully will get more benefit from seeing a psychologist next week.

it's reassuring to know I'm not alone.

glimmer_of_light · ‎12-12-2015

Dear Mel B. Sorry to hear your sadness and battle with depression. Reaching out on these forums are a good start to finding support. There may b some information and fact sheets on the beyond blue website that can offer information on anxiety and depression. Things l have tried. Rang trusted friends and talked about my feelings. Used beyond blue chatting via web to a trained professional. They can suggest some support. See if u could find an organisation in your area that may offer support. Family relation centre, centre are. Maybe your work may have an employee assistance program, although if your position is in doubt of ongoing employment then this may not b an option. Ask around people u know who may know of places u could possibly find help. Local hospital mental health during the week could b an avenue. Maybe your area may have support groups. Just keep reaching out. I truly hope u can find some peace.

Lost8 · ‎13-12-2015

You're never alone, please remember there is always help out there. Always here if you need a chat

Chicken_Wings · ‎16-12-2015

Hey Mel,

You will gradually start feeling improvement from the medication, in the meantime keep up with the exercise, but don't over do it. If you're having trouble eating or sleeping you need to keep in mind that your body won't have enough of the fuel it needs.

I would suggest breaking your day into chunks. I write lists when I'm not doing the best and it helps because sometimes things seem overwhelming and I lose track. It also helps make you feel more in control.

I also start the day with a guided breathing exercise. The Headspace App has some guided 10 minute exercises that are free.

I did CBT with my psychologist and one exercise I learnt was about worries. It went like this:

- Keep a notebook (or you could use your phone)
- Allocate a time of date for worry. I generally made it after I got home from work. Make sure this time as a start and a finish. I made mine 15 minutes.
- Throughout the day, when you have an anxious or intrusive thought write it down
- Do not worry about this thing right then, you're making a note so you can worry about it later
- During your allocated worry time go through your list
- If you need to cry, do it. If you need to talk to someone do it

The idea is that later in the day when you look back over your list, some of them might not seem as bad as you thought they were. Or you might find that you're having the same worry or thought several times, but instead of worrying about it multiple times, you're only worrying once.
It also teaches you to acknowledge the thought, but not dwell on it.

Keep up the good work though, you're making the right steps.