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 was diagnosed with clinical depression in the teens. I'm now 32 and have had several ups and downs. I'm currently in a "down" but not at Rock bottom (yet). I'm currently using the "fake it 'til you make it" method. This is extremely exhausting. I'm looking for suggestions, ideas and support on how to do make this easier. I exercise (quite frequently) and talk to a therapist. I have tried journaling but that has never helped. I don't want this to get worse so any ideas are appreciated. Thanks..
it's like riding your bike. The amount of resistance you get riding at 15kmph is nothing like the resistance at 30kmph. it's multiplicative progression or something; the more cheerful you have to pretend to be, the more exhausting it is to do it, so fiddle with the level of cheerful you can manage without coming absolutely unglued.
Also: you don't have to be happy all the time. You can be busy, quiet, distracted. You can be otherwise occupied. You don't have to be constantly available. You don't have to be constantly emotionally available.
I used a dual method of fake it at work, be real and exhausted and rest a lot at home. I cannot fake it at home; but I can take a lot of time out on my own. i had to create a home that does not give me stress however. i have had to turn home into a place to recharge.