Hi, if you are having trouble sleeping could adding some exercise into your days might help to send you off to sleep. I have found that if I get on to my computer and just keep writing about what I'm thinking of that it helps to get the negative thoughts out of my head and out on the printed page, I always have trouble with Christmas and I recently had a bout of severe depression but by getting what I was feeling out of my head and into print helped to pull me out of my tough spot,
Hang in there,
Dark Chocolate

Hi Dark Chocolate, thank you for your kind comments and advice. I have found journaling my thoughts and feelings to be helpful in the past. I may try that again, along with some exercise.

I know how you feel. I have been in that situation. Hang in there Restful you are worth the fight.

The darkness is hard to deal with but it can get better. Look for the light in the darkness even though that may seem impossible. Others may offer their hand in guidance to lead you out... Listen to them.

Don't give up. Don't give in. Raise up and fight the darkness. I know you will win.

Thank you rianbooyer

Restful, you very eloquently described depression. It takes over our lives, and yes there are times that we just don't care to be here any longer. I have isolated myself from family and friends. It is so bad I don't care if I go outside. I usually leave my house once or twice a week. One day is grocery shopping so that is something I have to make myself do. The other outing is when my husband insists on getting me out of the house, so we go out to eat. I'm back home to "my conform zone" as soon as possible. Depression drains your energy. My therapist suggested when things get bad to think and visualize about a "happy time, or happy place". Determine in advance what this will be. In your darkest hour, think about the happy place and don't lose your focus on your happy place. Don't let that negative mind take over which will allow you to "go down the rabbit hole" as I call it. I've been down too many rabbit holes in the past. I'm tired of it all just like you, but I take one day at a time. My therapist also suggested starting my day with reading something inspirational. Try anything that might possibly bring you the slightest little bit of encouragement that you will make it through this. We Will Make It through this. Find a happy place and take one day at a time. Love to all that deals with this, because we live with the daily struggle each and every day.

KG, thank you for your kindness and advice. I wish I could actually think of a happy place, but right now everything I don’t feel like I can breathe anywhere. I feel as though my central nervous system is completely shot. I kind of jump with the slightest thing that happens. I feel lost and alone, even though I have people around me.

Hi, I am right there with you. I've been having a tough go of things lately too. I could sleep forever and that would be fine with me. Something that has been helping me lately is listening to podcasts... Just search for a topic and take a deep dive. While it doesn't make me feel better, it takes my mind off of feeling so lost.

I hope you find something that works for you!

nmarie727 thank you for the podcast idea. I think that would be a good distraction for me too.

Hello Restful. I too am feeling how you are feeling. My current bout is due to my ex. I have been advised to write down the pros and cons of our time together and seeing it in writing will reinforce that I am better off without her. It's a long story which I won't go into. I have thought about writing out these 2 lists but I am hesitant. Many years ago I was quite suicidal and wrote down my dark thoughts. Years after that I reread them and it affected me in a negative way. I still have those writings but haven't looked at them since that night.

I'm in the same boat right now. Can't seem to enjoy anything and shake this dreadful dealings and lack of motivation.
Just know you are not alone. So don't give up please.