Depression Symptom - Lethargy

[Trish_M]

I have suffered from anxiety and depression for most of my adult life, certainly since my late teens and I am now nearly 60 years old. In this time I have been on and off medication 5 times, never for long periods but most recently I've been taking an antidepressant for the last 6 years. Despite what I thought were "good" Drs and psychologists over the years who treated my depression, it has only been in the last couple of months that I have grasped the full implication of the complexity of my condition.

I somehow was always expecting a "cure" for what ailed me and often berated myself for falling back into old patterns, back sliding into depression and somehow never made the connection that my symptoms are my depression, not neccessarily as a result of my depression.

My most difficult symptom is lethargy and finding that spark to get going. Once I'm functioning for the day, I am generally ok to keep going. Everything is such an effort, I often think "What is the point?" When I have been tired beyond belief and unable to get moving, staying in bed or on the couch or in the house certainly doesn't make me feel any better.

Does anyone else else suffer in this way and are there strategies you have found helpful?

I think finally I have accepted that I have depression, it can't be cured but I can manage it so that it's impact is lessened whereby I can enjoy some level of positive functioning.

Looking forward to some useful tips and insights.

Trish M.

[White_Rose]

Dear Trish

Hello and welcome.

I can relate to your post very easily. I too spent many years looking for a cure for my depression and wondering where it was. I'm not sure there is a cure for everyone although there are people who endure a bout of depression and seem to get on with their lives happily ever after.

The tiredness is one of the hardest outcomes. I think it is a part of depression because our brains are not functioning properly. But I also believe it is an outcome of trying to hide the depression or deny it is happening. The energy we spend looking for a magical cure, wearing a mask or doing any of the other activities instead of concentrating on getting well, is completely draining.

Well you have taken the first most important step by recognizing it is up to you to invest in your wellness. By all means see psychs etc. They can (hopefully) explain stuff to you and point you to path. Then it's up to you to start the journey.

One of the most positive steps I have taken is to exercise. You would not believe the struggles I had over this. I resented every moment because all I wanted was to sit around and get well by osmosis. But I persisted with the help of a great Exercise Physiologist and later and equally fantastic Physiotherapist. I went to an exercise class for older people at my local physio gym. Individual exercise program to suit my needs and I gradually got stronger. The benefit of exercise is the release of endorphins, feel good chemicals, into the body. They stimulate the brain and help it to function better. For me this has been the single best strategy.

Yes I was tired after each session and usually came home and slept for an hour. But it was good and I was able to interact with others in the group, in this case a maximum of five per group. My moans and groans became something of a joke until one day I realised I no longer complained. Sure it was hard work but I was older than you are now when I started and I have survived.

So my suggestion is to consult your GP about an exercise class and the best place to go. I really recommend qualified trainers rather than a "personal trainer" who does not have the training and experience of the professional people. My GP was on about exercise to me for ages before I finally summoned up the energy to act. And I am very pleased I did.

Give it a try and stick with it for a minimum of six months, preferably a year, and compare the difference between before and after.

Mary.

[Trish_M]

Hi Mary,

 thank you for taking the time to respond to my post regarding lethargy. I had to laugh when you mentioned exercise.....how many Drs, psychologists, articles have suggested the very same thing over the years? I can certainly identify that when in the grip of depression, exercise is just the last thing I feel like doing and when I do make an effort, it feels like I'm struggling through quicksand.However, there is a lightening of step and mind when I persist, I just need to keep going without finding excuses.I must be a slow learner or maybe was wanting something which took less effort.

How wonderful it is to know that I'm not the only one struggling, somehow it does feel better knowing that I'm simply not lazy but being affected by one of the symptoms of my disease.

Thanks again Mary for your input.

Regards,

Trish M.