This program is a font of information and support. So I welcome you and remind you to keep posting about your progress or frustrations. We have all been there (some of us still are there). I would suggest (making a plug for my list) you think of one good thing that you did, or happened (small stuff or big stuff like you won the lottery) and post it on the List of Good Things that Happened. I like to read it once in awhile, when I am really down, just to see that it is possible, even though it is so dark, that something good has happened. I also like to add to it when I can.
Thanks so much for responding. I tried other meds (Wellbutrin, Pristiq) but they don't work on me, they made me sick. Zoloft works well except I seemed to be gaining weight on it. Since I was so desperate to feel better, I asked my DR's to put me back on Zoloft. I am hoping that it will eventually work again like last time. I'm usually a very energetic, positive, busy, and love to be with other people. But now I am not any of these things. I rather stay home and sleep. I can't seem to find joy or motivation to go through the day, but when my kids are home, I pretend to be motivated and take care of them. Usually in the afternoon when they are home from school I feel a bit better, so it helps a bit. Mornings are harder, and it's frustating since I usually a morning person.
Welcome to the group! I encourage you to start working through the program. It will be a great help to you. Also, it sounds like you may struggle with keeping a regular sleep schedule. Is this the case? Sleep can often be disrupted when our moods are disrupted but it is important to try to maintain a regular sleep cycle. Do you think this may help?
Tell me a bit about what the "myself" is normally like? What do you do differently, what around you is different and how do you feel?
I think you'll find this program usefull. I can only share my experience with you. I think putting on a happy face is useful. I think working this program one step at a time is useful and take your time. I think talking to your doctor about the "right"medication for you is important as well. I recommend a psychiatrist as they specialize in depression. I shared with my psych about my concern for gaining weight. There are some out there that don't have that side effect or as much of a side effect. I'm on one.
Motivation is difficult and depression and putting on that happy face, irregardless of who it is for is mentally exhausting and requires focus and concentration (my opinion). Work through the program, you'll find sometimes that happy face is genuine as you go along.
Again, welcome, post everyday, every week or whatever you need for you. I come here twice a day. It's what I need. I work the program that way as my concentration has been effected by my depression (so I work a little bit at a time). I do make a list of things I have to do every week. I get those done; then I make a list of things I need/want to do. My depression and working on it is a "have to" do thing.
I hope you find this helpful and welcome to the program!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been battling depression on and off for 10 years. I was on Zoloft for 3 years but I weaned it off earlier in the year, in March, because I had gained 20 lbs and that makes me depressed. I was fine for several months, but then the depression crawled back, and so I choose to be back on Zoloft again. I'm a stay-at-home mom, and have 2 kids at home. I've been back on Zoloft for 3 weeks but it hasn't really worked 100%. I still hate to wake up in the morning, but I forced myself to get my kids ready to school and dropped them off school. When I get back home, I ussually go back to bed, until I forced myself again to wake up and taking care of the household. I don't feel sad anymore, but nothing gets me excited either. I'm just flat and unmotivated most of the time. I force myself to see my closest friends and chat with them via text messaging so I don't get really isolated. I'm just emotionally exhausted and can't wait to feel like myself again. Is forcing myself to look OK and be OK in front of my kids is a good technique to help lift up my depression?
