Christmas blues

FPR

Hi everyone. I have struggled with depression for a few years now, but this is the worst I have felt in a long time. The anhedonia is horrendous, and things that usually pull me out of a slump aren’t working. I’ve been sleeping a lot and even simple things like brushing my teeth or doing the dishes feel nearly impossible. I’ve never felt the physical effects (fatigue, brain fog, low appetite) of depression so deeply. Christmas is usually my favourite time of year, but this year I just cannot be bothered. To the point I have cancelled all plans, and plan to spend it alone at home pretending it’s just another day. I’d love to know what others do when they feel this way. I’m stuck.
side note: I have booked a GP appointment for Monday to make sure I’m getting some professional help as I feel my mood ect worsening

Ashy23

first of all matey, I’m very sorry you’re having to go through this tough period, you should know it will pass, but first you need tips on ways to help you deal / manage. I too sometime get in this viscous cycle of over thinking and ruminating. I have had anxiety and depression all my life, my depression is always there but there’s the odd times it just gets too overwhelming. I feel like I have a lot of anger built up inside to and I’m a very sensitive person, I can cry just looking at a sad I Instagram reel. I have a very loving wife and a beautiful 2 year old daughter, and sometimes I wonder what I have done to deserve them in my life. Times have been hard for me and wondered why bother.. but I have to be there for both of them and when I see my daughter smile and hear her say Daddy I have a sense of worth. - you will be ok Matey, it’s good to talk about these things if it makes you feel better, sometimes you just need a stranger to open up to. You got this.

Ashy23

May I add also that’s a great first start by booking an appointment with GP. Take in everything that he says and I hope you get all the help you need! ☺️

FPR

Thank you, it’s nice to know there are others who relate. Depression can feel so so lonely! I hope you’re doing ok, it sounds like you have beautiful family!

therising

Hi FPR

I feel for you so much as your lack of energy, joy and motivation worsens. If life is the feeling of plenty of energy running through us, the opposite can definitely feel depressing.

Sounds like you're already onto it, going to see your GP. While you're there, I hope the GP considers other factors that could possibly be adding to how you're feeling life right now. Iron, B12, thyroid, hormone imbalance issues or sleep apnea or other sleep related issues can definitely add to depression, not to mention a whole variety of other physical challenges which can have some seriously depressing side effects. The usual suspects (in regard to lower than normal energy levels) can sometimes reveal themselves in blood test results.

There can also be the unusual suspects, such as dehydration (especially at this time of the year with the heat). While everyone may insist 'Yeah, everyone's a little flat towards the end of the year', researching 'Depression side effects of dehydration' can be serioiusly surprising. While water's definitely no miracle cure, far from it, I've found it can make some difference to my energy levels. It can come with positive biological, neurological and chemistry related side effects.

I've found feeling everyone else's flatness around this time of the year can also play some part. I'm not going to be feeling the vibe or too inspired by a whole stack of people who have next to no energy. If you're a naturally sensitive person who easily senses or feels other people's emotion, it could be other people's flatness you're feeling that could be adding to your already present struggle.

While I'm a 54yo gal who's managed and occasionally mismanaged depression since my late teens, I've found dozens and dozens of triggers that have helped explain why I feel life the way I do at times. 'What the hell am I feeling?' or 'What is this feeling really about?' are just a couple of the many questions that can come up on the quest to know our self better in regard to how and why we tick the way we do. A good GP can make for a great detective. As mentioned, wondering whether blood tests may offer some clues. Maybe, maybe not. Only one way to find out. Ask for some to be done, so that you can rule out those usual suspects which can trigger a deeply depressing lack of energy. Personally, seriously low B12 levels messed with me something shocking some years back, leading me to feel deeply depressed. I hope you find the answers you're looking for while on your quest to discover a greater sense of mental, physical and even soulful wellbeing. Wishing only the best for you 🙂

sbella02

FPR,

I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling, it's awful when even the little things are a struggle. Good to hear that you've got a GP appointment coming up, hopefully they can offer you some valuable advice from a professional standpoint.

As for laying low during Christmas, there's no shame in having a day to yourself if you don't feel up to attending any large social gatherings. You could plan something small just for yourself to do if you really feel like you're missing out on celebrating - taking yourself out for a walk, perhaps even writing yourself a card or buying yourself something nice if you feel up to it, cooking yourself a low-maintenance meal, doing something you enjoy or have enjoyed in the past.

The following thread was started specifically for people who are spending Christmas on their own and need some peer/moral support during this time if you'd like to have a little read:

https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/bb-social-zone/a-place-for-people-alone-over-the-festive-season/...

I hope this helps, and just know that we're here for you if you need some more support. Best of luck with your GP appointment, and sending you well wishes for the new year.

All the best, SB