Time of Day worse with depression

I have a suggestion and do not mean it sarcastically but have you thought of getting a wig? They are so real looking now and I know I would do that if I lost my hair. Maybe you could save up for one. Also you may be able to research it on line. Just an idea but if you could do it , it might make you feel a bit better about yourself. A starting point!
With best wishes
Ainsleigh

@birdwbknwing I am sorry you feel so all alone. Many of us here do. Have you thought about trying something new such as a hobby? Time alone can be hard and hurtful. @ainsleigh made the suggestion of a wig. I know many who wear wigs and it made a difference for them. Our appearance means a lot. Did you get help for recovering from your knee replacement? You sound so discouraged. Depression is hard to live with and can also be difficult for others in our life. You have the internet to check into things to help. Many here understand. Surely you have medicare. Talk to your doctor about the depression. There are times we need to try and be proactive. The 1st step can be the hardest. If you cannot take the 1st step maybe you can try telling your doctor. Wishing you some hope and help.

@hopeful33250 I will write 5 times how much my grandson means to me. Grandma and her red bag of fun. Trying botox injections for pain. Back on Tuesday for 6 more. I am worth it for my grandson!!! As we all know insurance does not pay.

@birdwbknwing

I'm so glad you have found Mayo Connect, welcome to the community. I am a Volunteer Mentor and not a medical professional. I can't offer medical diagnosis or medical solutions, but I do offer my experience and support. All on this thread and in this community offer you their support, encouragement, and experience.

You sound very discouraged at this time. I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time in your life. I remember feeling so tired at one point in my life that I wanted to just go to sleep and never awaken. I didn't realize at the time that this was a sign of depression. Reaching out to connect with others here is a positive sign that you want to find ways to feel better. Fortunately, I too reached out and called my local mental health organization to ask about counseling. I didn't have money to pay for the counseling, so they put me on a sliding scale and I only paid $5 a session. This saved my life!

I recommend that you contact a mental health center, or a hospital in your area and ask about counseling. If you are like me, this was extremely hard to do--asking for help meant I couldn't solve the problem myself and I was therefore weak. In fact, doing so is a sign of strength. If you don't have transportation, please call an Uber, Lyft, or other transportation. The first 2 take credit cards to pay for the trip. Ask for an estimate of how much it will cost to take you for your appointment.

Please let us know how you're doing. Many of us are struggling with issues similar to yours. I'm concerned and here for you.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Hello @birdwbknwing

I see that this is your second post on Connect - I hope you are finding encouragement and support. I encourage you to read the post from @parus above. She makes some good suggestions including: taking up a new hobby and seeking ways of not spending a lot of time alone.

I hope you will try some of the suggestions offered by other Members. There is no magic-wand to make the symptoms of depression go away, but we all need to develop a group of tools that will help us deal with depression. As you read the posts from other members I hope that you will find some of those tools and start using them yourself.

As @parus said, the first step is the hardest, but is is worth it!

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa

Several of you have mentioned that you were experiencing worse depression at a certain time of day. Wanted to check in with you about this, thinking it will also benefit others in this discussion.

@anniegk @birdwbknwing @cognac @georgette12 - wondering how this is going?

Currently it is all day long. I believe the chronic pain contributes to what I refer to as one of those “gloom and doom” episodes. I have noticed by afternoon life appears more dismal. When I know there is nothing that can be done for the physical pain I become discouraged which enhances my dark side.
I endeavor to not entertain the negative thoughts. These are harmful.
We continue on knowing it is the depression. This knowledge does not make depression go away.
Not groveling about in self pity. Battle fatigue. Helps some to write about it as denying thus gets me nowhere.

Looks like all of the comments here are from 2018 - unless I didn't scroll down far enough. Unlike most of these comments, I tend to wake up fine, but start to feel low in the mid to late afternoon and then feel better again when it starts to get dark. What in the world? Anyone have this? Anyone know how to combat this?

@laurenrockwell

Welcome to Mayo Connect, even though this discussion is older, it is a great topic and maybe adding your comment will start new comments.

I also have all my energy in morning, if want get something done, have to do in morn. Afternoon I fade, not sure if depression or just lack of energy. Unlike you, I do not get another burst at end of day.

I did some searches, and some people have labeled it "Afternoon Depression Zone" .

There is an interesting article in Psychology Today, though from 2014, it talks about production of serotonin in the brain. Lack of enough serotonin is thought to play a role in depression,
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/201410/why-you-really-run-out-gas-every-afternoon
Do you eat or drink something (non-alcoholic) between your afternoon slump and when you feel better at night that might be helping your depression?

About 10 years ago, I was experiencing a debilitating depression where I couldn't even touch my keyboard at work. I hid it as much as possible throughout the day. Then as evening approached the fog would lift and I felt more energy. So I would stay late at work to make up for the time during the day when I could not function. I've always thought this was strange since I am a morning person. My problem was eventually resolved when my doctor switched me from Prozac to Pristiq, which unfortunately I still take because nothing else works...at least to my knowledge.