Oh, Jan....

We are already bipolar and subject to depressive cycles.

But when we get older, and don't do as much...and our health begins to decline...when we lose a Purpose for our lives, it's easy to fall into depression and Stay there.

I'm barely 60 but my life has, for a while now, lost it's Purpose. My antipsychotic takes care of a lot of bipolar issues but I've also lost Joy.

I'm glad you have Cici and your landlord to help a little bit, bur I understand hoping a new med will boost you, as well. And hopefully it would!

I wish I could tolerate an antidepressant. I'd surely take it.

HUGS, Jan. We have to look for glimmers of joy every day, wherever we can find them.

I am sorry you’re going through this.

My defense against depression is to find the motivation somehow, trying to take action and get involved in projects. Sometimes i’m not strong enough to start it up to a space outside my own home and in the community, so I will try things at home. Usually arts and crafts and writing related.

It also helps to busy my mind with online classes and workshops. This is all so hard to get started though when depression is the crippling kind…and I have also been there before…..

Walking is great. Maybe some online videos out there of gentle yoga or tai chi you can do in the living room. Sometimes chopping vegetables and cooking something yummy is a good way to enhance and engage more senses to really tackle the lack of motivation.

I hope once the surgery is overwith you will have an adjusted vision in other ways too. You are so very helpful as a community leader here, and I am sending so many squishy hugs your way. Xoxo

So sorry you’re dealing with depression. I hope some of Nikki’s great suggestions help you, and I hope all goes well on Wednesday. Sending good vibes and hugs!

i would say give yourself a personal challenge -
a goal - a destination or something.
maybe you're not getting what you want?

choose the better choice. be selfish - choose happy
and go out and go shopping for a new blouse - even if
it's just window shopping. Caring in small ways can lead
to a momentum - and a body in motion is a body that stays in motion. :)

I don't have a hard formed strategy - but all advice given - we each have to
be like a caveman and scientist and find what works....yell shout - spit it out -
you can do it jan!

sorry that you are going through depression, prayer for you.

GTT you've hit the nail on the head
Ty and Im so sorry that you've been struggling sweetie...xo

Ty you Lady....A lot of good ideas
One thing about work even if it's tiresome at times is structure

Ty gr8ful and she did for sure

Thanx Marky....That's what I need some momentum

Thank you Terry for your prayer....xo

I don't really have an answer. I've had a long low period but I think that's because I seem to have long covid and my doctors keep giving me stuff for various ailments that makes me even more tired.

If I had more energy I'd probably be able to get over the hump and do some things that would then be their own reward like tidying my room. But that's hard to do right now.

So I think many of us are saying the same kinds of things, "do stuff" but many of us don't really have the energy to "do stuff".

The only thought I have is to "do stuff" but make the thing you are trying to do quite small so it's achievable.

Yes. Very important to start small.
I have been struggling with energy lately - all things in appropriate measure.

Big hug Mark....

Ty and I'm sorry that you're struggling is ongoing

Im where you are

All I want to do is sleep

I hope that you start to feel better soon
I've heard long Covid can be wicked

Thank you Lady...xo

I’m sorry Jan. I tend to “sleep it off”. Probably a bad idea. And I talk to friends. That helps too

here's another thought Jan. Maybe write a journal for yourself
about all the little or big things you're doing.
Write it to me or anyone - and just the act of writing no matter
how small a task (like got up, washed my face, brushed my teeth... and so on)
If you write it - you'll be able to step back and appreciate what you're doing
Jan! It just might give you that inspiration and momentum you need? Sometimes that's the magic touch I need.

I usually email my therapist about what I am doing - and just the act of writing it out like a history (or even making a list and checking things off)
really helps.

Thank you Sunshine

That's a good idea Mark

I te

ink some of it is health related and it's just got me down

If I don't start to pick
up post surgery I will try this for sure

Ty...xo

What helps me the most is making myself get out of bed and walk, yes that's what everyone says, but for good reason. I also love anything arts and crafts. I'm sure you have a journal, writing you can do from bed but also feel a sense of accomplishment and peace. I'm so sorry you are currently in this sort of episode and my thoughts are with you. BIG BIG HUGSS

Thanx Marleigh...It is good
I actually have to take my wee pooch out for walks so it pushes me...xo