Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I wanted to know if anyone else has this experience when going through a depressive episode:
When I first wake up in the morning, I feel really, really lousy. I get this sharp pain in my chest of overwhelming sadness and my head feels stuffy and heavy. Honestly, it's like the feeling you get after a night out drinking... I wake up feeling like I have a hangover! This only happens during my depressive episodes. I have no energy (which I know is common) but also I question whether or not I'm even alive, although that feeling lasts the whole entire day for me. My depression is agonizing because it doesn't leave me alone and even in my sleep it doesn't back off because I usually have nightmares or just low-vibrational dreams. When I wake up every morning though, it's like I died and went to hell. Does anyone else feel like they are trying to recover from a hangover when they first wake up?
When I first wake up in the morning, I feel really, really lousy. I get this sharp pain in my chest of overwhelming sadness and my head feels stuffy and heavy. Honestly, it's like the feeling you get after a night out drinking... I wake up feeling like I have a hangover! This only happens during my depressive episodes. I have no energy (which I know is common) but also I question whether or not I'm even alive, although that feeling lasts the whole entire day for me. My depression is agonizing because it doesn't leave me alone and even in my sleep it doesn't back off because I usually have nightmares or just low-vibrational dreams. When I wake up every morning though, it's like I died and went to hell. Does anyone else feel like they are trying to recover from a hangover when they first wake up?
When I first wake up I feel euphoric...it only lasts for a minute or 2 if Im lucky and then a massive wave of anxiety followed by despair takes over. If I don't get myself out of bed while Im in that first minute I end up staying in bed for the whole day.
I also experience that brief lightness of being when I am first awake. It feels like hope. Then, of course, the crushing reality of my depressed life overwhelms me. I curl into a ball (fetal position) and hold onto myself, while trying to figure out how I will survive another day. Many days are just that - plain survival. I am filled with a million tears that just will not come and an anxiety that doesn't quit.
I hope I answered your question. As far as what is normal, I have not a clue. Please take care and know you aren't alone.
And yes, heatherhurts, I also am now only focused on survival. That's all I have energy for anymore. Just keep breathing. Just don't swallow the pills. Stay away from the knives. Wear your seat belt. Keep breathing, keep breathing, keep breathing. Exactly how I feel- in the beginning, like you I couldn't cry either, but now all I do is weep excessively.
Gordos, I actually think I get your tin can reference! It's like your stifled and can't breathe. I also feel crappy the moment I wake up and it lasts the entire day, even through sleep. Like you described, everything is just so HEAVY.
CALL YOUR MD ABOUT IT.
BIG HUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GBU
D
;-O