All week I have not felt right...I've been feeling depressed. I started working at home now 5 days a week & I'm stuck in the house with no interaction except for when my mom calls during the day. She calls me with problems -there are family problems that I've been worrying about between my parents, sister, etc. My husband has been away on a business trip for 3 days...and on top of that I've gained weight & I'm upset about that. My husband & I are stuck in a small apt while we save money for a house & I'm so ready for a house & to start a family. All my friends are busy with their kids so I really don't have anyone to hang with anymore. When I try to talk about everything I tear up and I can't help crying. I've also been on my menstrual cycle. Do you think I'm suffering from depression or do you think it's something I will eventually get over??
2006-09-22 11:22:17 · 6 answers · asked by beachbum26 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Sounds like you have a lot going on and that stress is starting to take a toll. It is hard when you want to get going with life but feel that financials, timing, or other things stand in your way. Changes in the closeness of your friendships can leave you feeling out of synch with them and without your usual social supports. Working at home presents its own challenges in terms of staying motivated and dealing with the isolation that many feel. I don't doubt that you feel down and frustrated by circumstances at the moment - do see your doctor if the low mood and tearfulness continues - but there are probably some steps that you can take toward feeling better and more in control of your life.
Planning could be the key. I would begin by structuring my workday, beginning with a good, healthy breakfast, a work plan for the morning, and a daily brisk 20/25 minute walk every day after lunch. Consider this time for yourself to clear your head and do something positive for your mental and physical health. Exercise is a great way to battle low mood, and eating healthy, regular meals helps with this too. Plan what you'll work on during the afternoons and table what you don't get finished for the next day. Plan backward from your deadlines and be realistic about the time you need to finish tasks. Take care to wrap up your workday promptly at 5 or 6...whatever your official ending hours are, and keep your evening clear for personal activities. It's just too easy to work longer than you should when you're on your own working from home. Do you belong to a gym, or have a local activity that you can get involved in? I'm thinking of a cooking class, continuing ed course in some leisure activity, book club (you could start one!), a walking group, faith-based meeting, volunteering....wherever your interests lie. This could be a weekly or twice-weekly activity that you schedule in and can look forward to doing certain nights of the week. Great way to make new social contacts too. Spend more time looking after yourself and doing things that help you relax. Socially, make the first move, if you will, and set up coffee or lunch dates with your friends. New moms need to get out and have social contact too, and planning outings gives you both something to look forward to! Also make plans to spend time with your husband when he's in town so that you both have a chance to reconnect.
Meanwhile, strive to keep your home a place that you live and relax in, and not just work in. It's hard when you don't have much space, but working in your bedroom can mean translating the stress of the job to the place that you want to retreat to at the end of the day - a mixed message for the tired mind. Try to clear the area of traces of your work stuff at the end of the day, or work at your dining table and away from rest areas if you can. Try to change the way your space is arranged to give your place- and yourself - a lift.
Maybe most important is being realistic about the way things are now and the way the can be in the future. Comparing yourself and your current situation to friends is a always a no-win. When your husband returns, sit with him and set out a plan, if you haven't already, that outlines how you'd both like to attain your goals for home and family. Make the steps reasonable and doable, something that you can check off when accomplished.
Lastly, you sound like you are an important support and sounding board for your mom, and perhaps she is for you as well. It's good that you can be there for each other, but she may not realize that her daily calls are a source of stress for you. Maybe feeling less pressure to solve those problems, and just being an ear for her would help. As you alter your own schedule and activities, others will have to adjust. Making changes in your own life could have a very positive influence on those closest to you, so lead the way!
Hope that some of these ideas will be helpful to you. One day at a time! All the best.
2006-09-22 12:13:20 · answer #1 · answered by semper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As some of the other guys said you may be suffering from PMS, and without a support system. Our problems seem more amplified than usual. You have to take heed though as you sound as if you're also drifting into a stress related zone, if you're also gaining weight (are you sure this isn't water retention) you could become hypertensive. Pay a visit to your doctor.
2006-09-22 11:46:04 · answer #2 · answered by mouthahmassy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feel the same way after two weeks, it's usually considered clinical depression. You might wanna see a doc if you don't feel better then.
2006-09-22 11:25:15 · answer #3 · answered by liberpez 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are clearly feeling blue and if the feelings continue for a couple of weeks or so you may want to discuss it with your doctor
2006-09-22 11:25:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you're not depressed (belive me, i know depression) you're just lonely.
2006-09-22 11:25:23 · answer #5 · answered by luxxx ♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SOUNDS LIKE PMS.
2006-09-22 11:26:24 · answer #6 · answered by fayem7 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋