Keeping life under control in depressive/anxious episode?

[daffodilia]

I've recently just gone down a dose in my antidepressants due to unwanted side effects, and while adjusting I'm finding myself slipping back into old anxious habits, staring at my computer screen all day and scrolling social media to avoid the things I should and need to be doing.

What are some ways to deal practically with a depressive/anxious episode? (Most tips I see, like listen to music, meditation, pet animals, go for a walk, are all very helpful for mood, but not when I feel like I'm slowly drowning in undone, overdue errands and don't have time). Letting things slip only makes me feel worse and even more unable to look after myself - I want to be able to keep my life together and under some semblance of control. But how?

[white knight]

Hi Daffodilia, welcome

I cant answer your question directly. However in my threads below if you read the first post of each you might gain some ideas. Use google

Topic: depression the timing of motivation- beyondblue

Topic: switching mindsets- beyondblue

Topic: how I eliminated anxiety- beyondblue

Topic: depression, a ship on the high seas- beyondblue

also of course chat with your GP.

Tony WK

[White_Rose]

Hello Daffodilia

I join Tony WK in welcoming you to the forum. I am in that position at the moment. I know there are jobs to do, but I cannot bring myself to start any of them. I have patterns and fabrics waiting for me to make dresses for my granddaughters which will grow old before I use them. The silly part about not getting stuck into whatever we need to do the larger the task seems until we are completely overwhelmed.

I made a list of alternative activities which is attached to my fridge door. That's a great help we I know I am feeling low and have the energy to get up and get on with one of these. I think it's a good idea for those times when we are feeling unmotivated and cannot think of an alternative. I suggest you make a list on these lines and keep it visible and handy for when you need it.

I know you want to know how to get out of the bad moments that seem to suck the life out of us and leave us feeling like a blob of usefulness. Sometimes the list above can help. You are going through a difficult time now, waiting to decide what you should be doing. Have a look at your list and see what you can pick up easily.

I was told that depression and tiredness go hand in hand stopping us from working on tasks that will have a great outcome.There is no pill for this sadly. I have to decide which state of mind I want to be in I pick an activity If feel like doing. The rest of the equation gets put in a safe spot ready for the next time. They have to be activities you enjou either I am on what's going on your job at the moment .

I am falling asleep writing this so will talk more in the morning when I my brain has processed any information I may already have stored there.

Mary