Sometimes you just need to ride the train until it stops at a station. Do the things that make you feel nourished and safe and get medical help if needed. Good luck

I completely understand what you mean. And if you do nothing the jobs start piling up and then that makes you feel worse! I find that listening to music helps. I find the most cheerful song or a song I haven't listened to since I was little, and play that because it really helps to make me feel better. It takes my mind off things so I can start with something small, focussing on the happy vibes of the music, and when I've finished a small job I feel satisfied to possibly do another, but even if I can't I have the knowledge that I managed something and that really does help!
I rambled I know, but start small. Play happy songs. Wear your favourite socks. Then do a small job. You can do it. You just need that jolt to start you off, to break the cycle, and then you'll be unstoppable.

Your description of the cycle of depression is exactly how I feel and your question is a really good one. I actually agree with looney1 sometimes you just have to ride the train. What I mean by that is I recognize that depression is a cycle and the bottom doesnt last forever(just knowing the bottom is temporary I find empowering) and when I do find myself at the bottom sometimes like you said there is no energy to fight so all we can do is nuture ourselves whether it is sleeping, eating fav food, listening to music etc. I truly hope the bottom lifts for you soon.

I have found, that if you can somehow find some kind of outlet, it truly helps. I try exercise and I love to sing, so I may turn on some music and make my dogs howl. :) Maybe rent a really good movie, or call someone that you may know that may be fun to talk to.

Yes, it is a cycle, but all you can do is do your best to concour the low feelings the best you can. I do know how you feel, I think we all do.
I send my love and a hug dear friend.

kasandra
xoxo

This is a perceptive analysis. Once you feel good, then see what are the impediments towards changing your life.



"Does anyone feel like depression is like being stuck in a vicious cycle that feeds itself? I start to feel depressed which leads to a lack of motivation, energy, and desire to do anything. Doing nothing due to the lack of motivation, energy, and desire only leads me to feel more depressed. The cycle goes on and on.
I know the key is not to get stuck doing nothing, but when I am really depressed it feels like a battle I cannot win."

I believe it is a cycle. I can't seem to recognize the cycle until I am completely at the bottom of that big black whole. I truly hope that you feel better soon.

I used to feel this way. It was my lowest. I think for me, I got out of the cycle when I got out of my routine. It seemed terrifying then though. I just decided to do something new. I guess you need to draw all the energy you have, no matter how little you think it is and break out of your routine. I did 30 day challenges that I never completed. But it took me out of my routine and helped to pick me up. It seems hopeless at your lowest but it's not. It gets better and if you need to wait it out, that's fine too.

Blue Yonder, I can not only sympathize with you, but empathize with you as well. I have been on a major roller coaster of depression and panic attacks for quite awhile now. It makes it hard to get on my computer, to eat anything, to actually do anything, but sometimes I don't have a choice because I have to take care of my mother. A lot of my depression and anxiety comes from having to take care of my mother and being helpless to really do the best that I can do,, because I can barely take care of myself at times. I don't know from one day to the next, how I am going to feel when I wake up. Sometimes, I will be ready to go to sleep and just feel that maybe tomorrow will be better. and when it is, I do everything in a day what I needed to do all week. It's a real dilemma and so frustrating, but somehow we get through it and we do the best that we can. The worse thing you can do is to feel guilty, bad about yourself, or wanting to give up. If I didn't have my family here on DS, I don't know what I would do. Here is a quote that I put on my status: Keep going. Each step may get harder, but don't stop. the view is beautiful from the top. I'm here to talk whenever you need me. Lots of hugs GB

Thanks for the responses. I have broken out of that cycle *knock on wood* and have been doing better since I posted that. I definitely need to take your advice for when I am back in it because you all had wonderful thoughts.

The best part of hitting bottom that you have no where else to go but up! I agree it is a cycle. I spent most of my years fighting an upstream battle. Now I just go with the flow. Having a bad day/week/month/year...whatever. The cycle will ebb and flow so enjoy the better days and know the bad days will end. THIS TOO SHALL PASS :)

Ugh I am back to being in this cycle. I think the winter makes it so much worse.

depression

depression is like tennis shoes in a dryer

some times they bounce together

most times they just drive ya nuts

((((HUGZ))))

Thanks doghunter59. You are a riot! :) Hugs to you!

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to not feel guilty about the depression and not being able to do what you normally do. looney is right about riding it out. Sometimes that is all we can do, knowing that it will pass, in time. The harder I would try to make it go away, the worse I would feel and the more depressed I would become. Are you seeing anyone to talk to? Are you taking anything for your depression? If nothing else, I hope you can find a Therapist to talk to. If not, then I hope you will seek out friends here that would love to help you through the rough times. I know, sometimes it's impossible to do that either, but knowing we are here, may help a lot, and we are here for you... Hugs GB

I have accepted myself, and everything I feel. I don't try to be the scale, I allow myself to balance out on its own terms. I refuse to think as feeling down and blue, as being broken. When I get stuck in this cycle, because I very often do...I allow everything to slow down, so that I can rest my body and soul. I try not to be hard on myself. If I feel like I need to cry, I just let it out. But most importantly I remind myself, it's ok to feel.

HUGS