How do I get out of this black mood?

Question

Hey. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for some years, but have been feeling generally OK for the past few months. Anyways, I had a ridiculous weekend and got really drunk (v. stupid of me as I take prozac) and have been feeling very dodgy since. Had an alright day yesterday but feel awful at work today. I do a very brain-dead, boring job, which doesn't help - I just have this irrational fear that my mind is going to completely stop working and I won't even be able to move! I'm usually quite good at coping with my depressive spells, but am so exhausted that I'm finding it really hard to think positively today. Anybody got any tips for alleviating this horrible frame of mind I'm in? Thanks!

Thanks everyone for your responses so far. Making a big effort to think positively at the moment - still feeling very scared, but as some of you have said - this horrible thoughts will pass. Thanks again.

Answer 1

I don't know you but I'm willing to tell you that I could probably write a book on my life so here are my secrets to getting up again:
1.)Set yourself a goal,whether it be a dream you would like to realise or just something you want to do!
2.) Picture yourself realising that dream!
3.)Have a makeover physically and emotionally!You will surprised how looking good can make you feel good!
4.)Like someone else said get involved in charity, making someone smile will make you smile!
5.)Spend time with loved ones!
6.)Being in love is happiness on it's own!
7.)Do something that scares you at least once a day! This will give you more confidence and balls(excuse the term) !
8.) Do something once a week that you wouldn't normally do! Go to the theatre, or chat to a complete stranger! Use your imagination!
9.) Don't get drunk, it's not worth it! I have tried. The problems are still there in the morning. Alcohol is a depressant, bad for you physically and it makes you fat!Lol!
10.) There is someone higher up, believe in him, miracles still happen.

M x
P.S. Email me when you feel you are starting to fall again. But if you follow these simple rules, it will be me emailing you! :-)

Answer 2

Go and sit in a park or under a tree somewhere. Spend some time just focusing on the leaves, their movement, their shapes. Then when you have stilled your mind a little , just spend some time smiling. At who or what doesn't really matter; although grey squirells always have that "Ah" factor that stops people thinking you are tripping!
The very act of smiling, no matter how false it may feel to start with, sends programming to your brain that re- focuses it. Give yourself half an hour for this self indudlgence- you are worth it!
Then when the next time it seems that there is just one too many mountains to climb , your facial muscles will be programmed to respond really quickly and you will find it easy to do the excercise anywhere.
Good luck and be strong.

Answer 3

I'm sorry you are going through such a bad time at present. I could give you a list of things you could do to try and alleviate your mood, but as youv'e suffered depression for many years, I'm sure youve heard them all. All I can say is that you have been through these periods before, and as you say, you do come out the other side. Maybe you feel guilty because of the weekend, but blaming yourself for causing this bout of depression will only make things worse. Just concentrate on the fact that you bothered asking for help, and you bothered reading the replies- this is positive thinking by itself. This tells me that you have not succumbed totally to your depression and that you will find a way out.

Answer 4

don think so much about everything, go get new clothes get dressed up cause when u feel good on the outside it will start the healing on the inside. quit ur job its not worth it go do a course on somthing that u always wanted to do since u were young. plan something a project or a holiday something to look forward to that will keep ur mind thinking positive. stay away from the alchohol worst thing u can do. ur family love u very much an would hate it if something was bothering u so tell them whats wrong an dont bottle up feelings. u neen to get things in the open.

Answer 5

Using the "Honor System", every time you have a negative or depressing thought, put a quarter (or dollar) in a tin can or some other container. Maybe in this way, you will train yourself to have only positive thoughts. Don't spend the money on booze. It's fun at the time but it's counterproductive.
Do a crossword puzzle, or some other mental exercize. Go for a long walk, or get on a treadmill or bike. Listen to music. Concentrate on subjects that interest you, not on your mental state. Get your mind off yourself.
Good luck.

Answer 6

Get up get moving and motivate your self. If it is nice out side go to the park for lunch take a stroll. Keep away from the TV and boring things like that. Take a walk after work with a friend. A tell your self how good you are and the great things you have to offer. Even though you may not think they are great they are. Keep you head held high nothing can stop you now.

Answer 7

I know a little about what you are going through. I am not going to patronise you and say i know exactly, but i have very similar feelings. I bought a book the other day by Louise Hay, it is about healing your life. Some of the content is a bit new age and convenient for me, but there are some passages in there and exercises that have put a positive spin on things.

Remember everyday that passes is one more task you have conquered, i need to remind myself of that sometimes...

Look after yourself x

Answer 8

I used to suffer badly from dpression. I think of it as a monster i have to fight. When I feel myself slide into the "darkness" I make a very strong effort to stop myself. I do small things that help me feel more in control and I do nice things for myself such as having my hair cut of going to the cinema. I would recommend small changes that will help you feel happy and help you move back to the "brightness". The depressed feelings will pass, just go easy on yourself and give yourself time.

Answer 9

If i was in the same frame of mind (and i have been way in the past) then i'd get home from work and have a nice glass of red wine or whatever works for you and listen to some classical music which is proven to put all your muddled up world back in the right place ...........believe me if you like classical in the slightest then this is the right thing to do..........it worked for me. Good luck and the best of health to you.

Answer 10

I have those in certain situations... i imagine everyone does in some unspecified time sooner or later. at the same time as i'm in a foul mood or feeling down there is one element that continually manages to cheer me lower back up... I pay interest to a Burl Ives Christmas CD. sure i recognize it sounds stupid, yet after I listen that music i trust the buzz of the holidays, smell the Christmas cookies baking, listen the jingle of the bells my mom used to position at the front door putting forward travelers, and the warm temperature and love of relations and friends. His voice and the music shipping me to an area and time after I felt youthful and hopeful and loved and loved. It brings lower back to me the spirit of that season and places me in the mood to love everyone and each and every thing round me... discover your "Holly Jolly Christmas"... discover the element, besides the reality that it ought to correctly be, sound, smell, the contact of a warmth fluffy towel... besides the reality that that is that reminds you of the sturdy factors of existence... those issues that make residing priceless.