why is it so difficult?

[lynnsee]

I feel content but I find it hard to get outta bed everyday. It's gotten so bad that I haven't been to school in a week and it's barely week 3. I feel fine like not down at all. But I always seem to be so sleepy and exhausted. Like why am I this way?

[JustHelp123]

It looks like you are getting some valuable input from some other members.  I will just chime in about the school thing.  I've been in school on and off for 10 years.  I've withdrawn from classes (by failing due to attendance) to the point my advisor was telling me to give up.  You need to tell your professors!  I know it may be hard,  but try to write them an email to set up a time to talk.  You can just say I've been experiencing some symptoms that appear similar to depression.  That way, you cover your grounds before you find yourself in a bad position.  And you don't have to just ask to be allowed to miss class.  Just tell them you need help, that you can't do it on your own right now.  It might strengthen your argument to tell them that you are actively trying to seek medical attention, even offer to get documentation (they won't need it-- no one makes this stuff up).  The first time I did this, I almost broke down in tears in front of my professor because of how much I had built up inside.  As I spoke, thoughts of the 20 classes I had already failed-- the retakes I had failed-- all surfaced.  After the first sentence, "I need you to know that I have depression," everything got better.  He ended up telling me that his sister in-law had been dealing with major depression, and he totally understood the situation.  I related that I was starting a medication, and he even recognized it was the type his sister-in-law took..  People might not know exactly how you feel, but they probably know someone who's been in a similar situation.  You won't be the first student that's talked to your professor about this topic.  They'll respect you for speaking up earlier than later.  It gets easier every time you speak up.  Email them if nothing else.  They will rarely do anything after the fact.  If you think you aren't going to make it, contact your professor, school counselor, or dean to find out how to get a medical withdrawal.  It can help save your GPA and the slight possibility of retaining some money.  I can totally relate to not getting out of bed for school, and I know how hard it is to get out of the kingdom that is your bed.  You will one day hop out with a smile for whatever the day brings.  Well, maybe not a smile, haha depends on what time it is.  But you won't feel the same way you do now.  I only missed one day of class last semester, you can get there too.  Let us know what is on your mind, there is always someone out there listening.

And PS, I've told about 15 professors since that first one about my depression/anxiety/ADD/bipolar.  I graduate this May from a 4 year school with a degree in accounting-- not bad for someone who was told to drop out and work in a factory ;)  

You can do it. I hope you take care and start feeling better soon.  Best regards

[abbyxelizabeth]

No problem. :)

[lynnsee]

Thank you so much. ♥

[abbyxelizabeth]

Hi there.  

I'm brand new here, and I'm rather young, but I've had a bit of experience in mental health as I've dealt with issues such as ADHD/ADD, depression, anxiety and bipolar since I was very young.  I've been seeing doctors and taking medications as well.  It's been quite a battle.  

I understand where you're coming from, and I believe that you should tackle these issues before they become worse.  Seeing a doctor, or even a therapist, is a wonderful idea.  Before going in, write down as much as you can about what you've been dealing with.  You may want to record your eating/sleeping habits and anything else the doc may find useful.  I find when I get to the doctor's it's hard to remember these sorts of things unless I've prepared it before.

You may not need medication.  You may just need to adjust sleeping or eating or exercise habits, or other things in your life.  There's a lot that could be contributing to how you are feeling, and a doctor would be the best person to help you decide what's going on.

I really wish you the best of luck.  If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here.  Take care.

[lynnsee]

Ah why are you so good to me?!?! Lolol

Some of those do apply to how I feel. I dont think I'm isolating myself though. I actually live being around my family and my boyfriends family. We're all super close and like doing things together. I did however have a really big fall out with my most dearest friend and things just aren't the same with her and I and its been pretty hard on me. I still like doing the things I used to like shopping or going for walks or just watching movies. I have always had a big appetite so I dont think I'm eating more or less. I just have a weird eating schedule. It is very hard to concentrate though. At least on the things that dont interest me. But idk. I totally heard that saying and I needa keep telling myself that. I have been to a psychiatrist and was actually diagnosed with mdd along with my anxiety. Which actually hit me yesterday pretty hard. But once I started doing things around the house I got distracted and felt better. Idk. I'm just always so sleepy. Is there a chance that my meds could have stopped working? I'm on 50mg of zoloft and its been the best thing ever but I been feeling this way since about the beginning of christmas break.

[nursegirl6572]

Okay, thanks for the clarification.

You know, it's sometimes hard to discern the difference between depression and just a lack of motivation.  It seems to me that you display some signs of depression, with the lack of motivation, isolating yourself, feeling tired all the time.  Are you sleeping a lot, or not enough?  How about eating habits?  Have you been eating more or less lately?  You have a history of depression right?

Just as a refresher, here is a list of the symptoms of depression.  Browse through it and see how much of it rings true for you:

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

    Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
    Fatigue and decreased energy
    Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
    Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
    Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
    Irritability, restlessness
    Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
    Overeating or appetite loss
    Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
    Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
    Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression

I would really recommend talking to a professional about how you feel.  If you haven't had a physical lately, that's a good place to start.  There could even be a medical reason (ie anemia, hormonal imbalance, etc) for how you're feeling.  Then I would recommend an assessment with a mental health professional who would be able to better assess whether or not this is depression.  

You definitely need to do something, as, regardless of the cause, it's starting to affect your life negatively.  You definitely don't want to miss anymore classes.  As tough as it is, push yourself to go.  It may do you good to socialize with the people in your classes also.  Try to engage yourself in life a bit more.  

I know it's very hard when you'd rather do anything BUT, but it really does help, and it WILL get easier with practice.  My depression affects my motivation levels probably more than anything, and I can attest to the fact that the more you push yourself, the better you start feeling.  Have you ever heard the phrase, "fake it til you make it?".  That kind of applies here.  Kind of put yourself on auto-pilot when going through the motions of your life, because the more you allow yourself to withdraw, the worse you will feel in the long run.

Hope you get to feeling better soon, get on the horn and make yourself an appointment to be seen, either by your doctor and/or a mental health specialist.  Keep us updated, okay?  I'm thinking of you!

[lynnsee]

Its only the 3rd week of school and I've already missed 3 days. If I miss again I'll get dropped from all my classes and can't go back and I'll owe alotta money.

I havent really addressed it because I feel like I'm fine. Just super tired and not motivated. I feel like all I wanna do is be in bed, be with my sister and aunt, be with my bf or like shop and stuff. I just dont wanna get outta bed to go to work or school. I find it a little easier to get up for work but even then I'll wait til like the last 10 minutes before my shift to actually get up. I'm not late too often but I've even made up some lie one day to not go because I just didnt feel like it.

[nursegirl6572]

Hi again!  I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time.  When you say "it's only been 3 weeks", what are you referring to?

Can you get me up to speed on what you've been doing to address the depression?

Just know you're not alone, we know how hard it is.  Hang in there sweetie.

[lynnsee]

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