No motivation — feel like I'm going down a black hole
Currently not on any medication though I have been in the past on Celexa. Thought most of my problem was a painful divorce and went off medication. Since then I have lost my job, living with family, gained almost 100 pounds. I just can't seem to find the motivation to change anything and feeling helpless. I know I need to find a doctor and get back on medication, but what can I do in the meantime? I feel I'm going down a black hole.
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@twobluelady I understand completely. I tend to do that at times, sometimes I have to make myself go out. I am large myself. But even when I was thin or at a healthy weight, I still felt self conscious and that I wasn't good enough and that people were staring at me and thinking negative thoughts, but now I realize that it is me who is having the negative thoughts. I still have some trouble with that at times. I've been working on that and better about it now, still have to remind myself at times, and always doing my affirmations.
@amberpep My funny story is that my thoughts were always that they would see just how crazy I really was and lock me up for good. I no longer feel that way and going to my current psychologist has been very beneficial. I don't see a psychiatrist any more, she retired, so my regular dr and psychologist work together on my antidepressants.
Amberpep i admire your courageous spirit. Iam your age and have suffered 3 major depressive episodes with anxiety and panic. I have to say, this time around has been the worse one so far. You offer hope to all us seniors out here. Did you need medication?
Thanks for your nice post Teresa. I was just divorced at age 72 against my will. I miss my ex wife and my nice home terribly. Now I'm in this retirement community, but still living alone in my little studio apartment. My life long depression has gotten worse even on 300 mg daily of Effexor. My motivation is zilch. Glad I found this group.
Rick
Abby, thanks so much for your thoughtful reply.
Rick
twobluelady ..... I so totally understand what you're saying. My personality is essentially introverted, and while I can go out with friends for a time, by the time I get home, I'm exhausted. When I'm really down, I isolate ..... I won't deny that. I'd rather be left alone than bother with anyone ... I don't answer the phone, the door, or anything. Not healthy, I know, but I just can't push myself to change it at those times. abby
Exactly amberpep. I totally isolate myself, not answering phone, etc too. I've always wanted my alone time, but isolation is not good. I've missed out on so much because its too much of an effort to call, go out, etc. I just don't know how to get over this.
I think for me anyhow part of this is depression, but the other part is my personality. I was an only child, no friends as I was in an abusive home, and I spent a lot of time alone in my room reading - or hiding. I always felt I was different - sort of "that girl in the corner" that no one knew or cared about. Now, as an adult (an old adult) I appear to everyone to be very friendly, social, chatty, but inside it's a push.
abby
My biggest problem is I seem to have what is called "treatment resistant depression" none of the numerous antidepressants I've tried over many years have helped much. Oh well I just try to keep trusting in the good Lord.
Rick
Hi, @ricktrout--just wanted to mention you might like to take part in the discussion about treatment-resistant depression starting here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/66691/bookmark/?ajax_hook=action&_wpnonce=fad62fc57e.
There you’ll meet people like @jimhd and @amberpep, who have talked about their experiences with treatment-resistant depression.
Have you found any other strategies that do provide some help with your depression, since none of the antidepressants you've tried have helped much?