I have no energy to do anything

[Random_name]

Hi everyone,

In April 2018 I was diagnosed with Major depression, Social anxiety and an adjustment disorder. No one in my family ever spoke about mental health so I never really thought about it before all this happened and now I just feel broken, pathetic and weak.

I’m having a tough time at the moment, the past 10 months have been the hardest time in my life it’s full of ups and downs and I think I’m just about ready to crack. Just trying to get out of bed each day and find the enthusiasm to do anything anymore is so difficult.

I've been on line a lot reading about how people have been in the same situation and what they have done to help them and I just don’t understand these people.

Speaking to friends, doing exercise, eating healthy, talking to a psychiatrist.

But I don’t understand how people can just do any of that! I have no energy to exercise, I don’t trust anyone to talk to them and I don’t have the energy to do groceries so when I can be bothered to eat then it’s gonna be junk food.

Im always tired and all I think about at work is getting home and crawling back into bed, I used to put so much passion into my work and really make changes now I couldn’t care less. The only reason I turn up and do the bare minimum is because if I lose this job I also lose my house, and access to health professionals.

I am a burden on those I work with and I hate that it’s come to this but I really just don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t think this job is for me but if I leave I lose everything.

I was taken off antidepressants and sleeping tablets in October 2018 because apparently I’m doing well but nothing has changed, even on the medication I didn’t feel any better. I feel like the Dr’s just don’t want to deal with me.

I know things have to change, I just can’t do it and it makes me feel even worse, I wish I could wake up one day being totally happy with everything and not have a care in the world but thats never going to happen.

I don’t even know why I’m typing this, it’s not like I have a question I guess I just wanted to share my story with people that would listen and hopefully not judge me.

I guess any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Regards,

Random name.

[PamelaR]

Hi Random Name and welcome to Beyond Blue forums

Depression gets to you like that - i.e. not being able to get out of bed, having the energy to do anything, doing all the good things that help to get better.

You're not alone Random name. If you do a search through our forums you'll find many with depression who deal with this every day. It's the challenge. One of the best threads here is called - Depression: Fight It or Embrace It. You can find it by doing a search using the BB search field or you can find it in the Depression forum.

I have an ongoing struggle. I get bursts of energy. So when there is burst I make the most of it. Do lots of exercise, eat healthily, socialise etc. But when I stop, bah. I can lay in bed all day feeling sorry for myself. Those days however get fewer and fewer the more I break the cycle. For me it's changing my head space, how I think about things. Turning the negative stories in my ahead around, challenging the stories.

Generally I set myself some tasks no matter how much my energy levels are down. The achievements aren't great just things like - making the bed when I get up, having a shower, making a good healthy breakfast, doing some volunteer work here for a little while. These are on my low days.

You say - you don't know what you're doing typing this. Perhaps it's because you really want to do something and it all seems so far out of reach.?

What sorts of little achievements do you think you could set yourself? E.g. making a list of things for starters, then a sub column of 'how you're going to do these things when you're feeling so down and lacking energy'.

Keep reaching out if and when you want to Random name. No pressure. You've come to a good community where there are caring, friendly, supportive and non judgemental people.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Lily_28_]

HI random name,

I just want to say, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. It is incredibly hard doing so, and you have done so well in taking the initial steps to seek help, support and treatment. I have anxiety and depression as well as chronic fatigue syndrome, so I wake up every single morning exhausted, like I have not slept the night before. It is very difficult and hard. This most of the time can affect my moods and mindset also, turning it not into a positive one.

Just remember: that while some treatments or advice that can aide and support some, may not help others. It will always be that way unfortunately. Well done to continuing to go to work, that in itself is a massive step in a positive direction. I think you need to go and seek further support from another GP, book a 'mental health review' double appointment to see the GP and do the mental health test and ask for a referral to a GP and/or Psychiatrist. To have a team of health professionals supporting and helping you is vital in order to continue along...

I think each day, you need to set a few goals when you wake up, even if it is just to get up, have breakfast, and have a shower. these may be small, but achievable tasks that you can accomplish and tick off your list each day.

One thing to remember; you are unique and amazing. You have depression and anxiety, but it is NOT you. Living with it is hard, I won't lie, but with support you can manage to get through the day.

Stay strong x

[DJA51]

Hi Random name,

I know that feeling also. When I’m well I have high energy levels, so when I start not wanting to wake up in the morning and get up to do my exercise, I know these are signs of a depressive slump. I am fortunate to have a husband who reminds me there are no expectations, and a friend who tells me to repeat the mantra “leave anything that’s not necessary”. I know it’s my own inner voice saying “guilt”. Hard to silence that voice.

We just have to go gently with ourselves don’t we?

[amlo]

Depression is a hard one to ride out and yes you need pace yourself. A good GP is hard to find but, you have one your comfortable with its important to see your GP regularly. Even weekly or fortnightly visits. Request a MHCP Mentsl health care plan from your GP. Attempt to see a Psivologist if you can even if you feel hesitant and are not sure where to start. It you don't want to talk about your depression you can let the Psycologist know you are interested in coming up with some strategies to help you cope with negative thoughts. CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be useful to you. Remember not to be too hard on yourself and remember to work on improving your Self Compassion. Start with some self care such as taking up a hobby like reading or drawing, colouring in. When you have the energy go catch a movie at the Cinema even just by yourself. Enjoy the spending time with you and giving yourself that time out. Start with small self care things like getting a new outfit or a haircut anything really and make sure you do something for yourself each week. Then start to include friends, reach out ask them if they have ever had depression and if they have any useful tips. Or you could try some online programs at your own pace.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/etherapy

-Amlo

[amlo]

Here is another link I found directly on beyond blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/supporting-yourself/how-seeing-a-therapist-turned-my-life-around