Non-verbalism (I can't talk when I'm depressed!)

[PeculiarTulip]

Hi all, I'm new here.

I was just trying to find some help on non-verbalism for people with depression, but I couldn't find much information on it. This isn't really surprising, because non-verbalism is generally linked to ASD rather than MDD.

But I've noticed when I have my depressive episodes, I actually stop having the ability to talk. I try to get any words out but I just can't. I become mute for days on end, weeks sometimes, during my depressive periods. This makes it incredibly difficult to express how I'm feeling to my parents and other people that are trying to support me. I can't communicate what I need or how they can help. It's extremely frustrating.

Has anyone here experienced anything similar? Any tips on how to overcome it?

[Doolhof]

Hi Peculiar Tulip,

There are times when I feel like I can't get my words out, but it certainly does not last very long at all. I am wondering if you could write down how you are feeling in those moments and show people what you have written or maybe try to read it out yourself.

Maybe you could try reading out loud, when you are by yourself just to get a feel of how that is for you. It might be helpful when you do loose your words to try what I have suggested. I have no idea if it will work or not. Anything is worth a try.

When you do loose your words, do you automatically think "Oh dear. Here I go again. I won't be able tot talk. (or something similar) Could you try to tell yourself this is a temporary hitch and shortly you will be able to talk properly again.

The more negative my thoughts, the worse they become and the downward spiral is easier than trying to pull myself back up again.

Hope you find some ways to work with what you are experiencing and to find a solution.

Cheers from Dools

[PamelaR]

Hi Peculiar Tulip and welcome to BB forums

It's good you've found your way to our community. Depression is so difficult at times, though people do learn to manage it.

Not being able to talk must be so scary for you. I've not experienced that, though I do have PTSD, anxiety and depression. I'm responding here to bump your post up in the hope someone out there has had similar situations.

I do know that when I or my hubby are seriously anxious and majorly depressed we stop communication. When one tries to talk to the other we often find ourselves not responding. It is awfully frustrating for the person doing the talking. But it is also understandable. It's the worst feeling - when it happens to me I find it like a paralysis. The body almost shuts down. Doesn't take it long for me to rejuvenate and start talking again though. Nothing like your experience.

Do you communicate in other ways when this happens? For example sign language or writing down things?

Feel free to browse and to join discussions that you relate to. You're not alone.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[PeculiarTulip]

Thanks for responding Dools, I really appreciate the support.

I'll definitely try out the writing and reading method. So far all I've managed is charades, shaking my head, and pointing.

I do know and tell myself that it's temporary, because I know it always goes away when the depressive episode ends. This self talk does help me feel better about the situation, but it doesn't solve it.

[PeculiarTulip]

Hey Pamela

Thanks so much for the support and warm welcome. I can, but struggle, to communicate in other ways. Pointing, shaking or nodding my head, and simple charades. I believe it's some form of the paralysis you've experienced. My body goes into shut down and only functions on the most basic level, slowly moving, drinking and sometimes eating when I have to. Unfortunately my speech just goes away with all a lot of my regular functions. It's really frustrating for my family and especially my mum, who's my main carer, but when I get out of a depressive episode I find it extremely difficult and almost embarrassing to explain how it feels to them, especially since going non-verbal just isn't common in depression.

Thanks again for the response

[PamelaR]

Hi Peculiar Tulip

I've had a bit of a browse around the internet for similar symptoms to what you describe. I think my situation was the switching off was for very brief periods and only happened in extreme situations. My thoughts are if you go days without communicating I think it is - best to go see your doctor and tell them what's happening. There could be a number of explanation for what is happening. As you say it is not usual. It might be associated with something else. If it were me I'd get the dr to really look into it.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards

PamelaR