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.

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PokemonKid 01/07/2015

Hello.

So, I've been struggling years with my depression. It started very early in my childhood along with self harm. Now I am an adult and still struggling to this day. I have found myself laying in bed for days, not cleaning the house, bathing, or eating. I am seeing a doctor about it and I am taking medication, but I can't find the motivation to actually get up and take care of myself and the house.
I live at home still with my mother who is disabled after a car accident. I have been taking care of her for the last ten years. I can make food for her, make sure she doesn't fall, and keep her company, but I don't take care of myself.
I don't know how to pull out of this rut. It's been going on for so long. The house is deplorable and I'm overwhelmed. I want to cry because I look around and see how much I need to do, but can't find the strength to do it.

How did other people find the motivation to live life with depression?

eternallybroken 01/07/2015

With sorting out things you need to do I find going into a room with a pen and paper and writing things down that have to be done and then numbering them up so I do them in order, a list always helps me because it's guidance, I notice like me you also have ptsd, bp ect.. so it may work for you too, it soulds like you need some much needed you timel, a day a week if you can where you go for a walk or if you cant get out then something you enjoy doing at home for an hour or 2, then you'll have something to look forward to rather than the same routine day in and day in and day out, where are you from?? xx

PokemonKid 01/07/2015

That sounds like a good idea, Eternallybroken. A list would provide some structure. Unfortunately I'm not able to go for walks due to anxiety. When I am outside alone I begin having panic attacks.
And I am from the US. Where are you from?

worldofblah4 01/07/2015

I recently got a puppy (in November) after I got out of the psych hospital where I got ECT (shock treatments) for two months. I live alone and normally in the winter don't get out of bed or do anything. But the puppy gets me out in the morning. I love her sometimes more than I love myself but that is what keeps me going. Just by chance, I rescued her from a kill shelter, and her name is HOPE. I just...had to have her. I instantly knew she was for me. She, ironically, gives me HOPE. I have to spend a bit more in money to afford her but it is worth it if she keeps me alive, ya know?

gramybear 01/07/2015

I understand how you are feeling. I know how hard it is for you right now. I too am taking care of my mother but I have learned, from a lot of help and support from DS, that I have to take care of me first. It doesn't mean to ignore your mother's needs, but I"m afraid your panic attacks and anxiety is going to get a lot worse if you don't. I write out a list at the beginning of the week as to what I want to accomplish during the week. If say, on Monday, I don't get it all done, I add it to a different day. And if I don't get everything done, oh well, there is always tomorrow. Don't overwhelm yourself because if you do, everything falls apart. We are here to support you and help if we can. Hugs GB

PokemonKid 01/07/2015

Worldofblah4, I actually did the same thing after I got out of the hospital, however I got a rat instead of a puppy. Animals are a fantastic reason to get out of bed. They are therapy!
I'm really glad to hear that you are doing better because of Hope. =)

Gramybear, Thank you very much. You're right about taking care of yourself first. I know that if I don't take care of myself then I won't be able to take care of my mom. So far I have been trying to find support online, going to support groups in person, and talking with my doctor. Unfortunately our insurance doesn't cover a psychiatrist and a therapist. So, I'm trying to find other methods.
I'm sorry to hear you are having to take care of your mother. It's so good that you take care of her, though. There are too many people in the world who don't show compassion and don't take care of their parents. It's truly a blessing that you're there for her.

eternallybroken 01/07/2015

Even if it's to go outside the door would give you some time, I'm from the UK xx

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