Depression?

Question

I can't understand why i'm feeling so depressed lately.5 weeks ago,everything was flowing smoothly,ans then my grandfather passed away.I wasn't so much sad,as i was overwhelmed at that time,and have gotten over it,but it seems that lately i've just had a pattern of overanxious negative thinking(about other things) no matter what i do,or what activity i engage in.I'm almost having to become an insomniac and tire myself out to the point where i'm too tired to think.Could i just be going through some up's and down's right now?Are these normal patterns to be going through?I don't understan how i could be feeling so perfect a month ago,and so lousy lately.Almost like a 360 degree turn.It seemed that that event along with other things threw my thinking off kilter completely.

Answer 1

Here are some tips that will help create more balance in your life while also decreasing depression. Hope this helps.

"GET OUT OF BED:

One of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal.

LIGHTS:

Light helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course.

MOVE:

Be active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive.

MUSIC:

Select and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out.


BREAKFAST:

Begin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread.

TALK WITH SOMEONE:

One of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take.

And, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around.

LIMIT CAFFEINE:

The long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression.

LIMIT SUGAR:

Sugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too.

The caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue.

MAINTAIN FIBER:

Fiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals.

STRESS B COMPLEX:

Some persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial.
Some nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, then perhaps you should consult a nutritionist to see if there are other ways you can augment your diet.

ROUTINES:

Changing your routines is another way to help shake the blues. Choose a different combination of clothes to wear, walk rather than drive, take a different route, eat at a different place. Do something different to help break the routine.

It's hard. Getting up in the morning, turning on the lights, eating a nutritious breakfast, keeping busy--keeping such a schedule is not always easy.

You might need help for the first few days, someone to help you form good habits, get you out of bed. turn on the lights, make sure you have a good breakfast, someone to help you be more active. One good way is to make a contract with a friend or friends who want to see you change. It might seem embarrassing, but
those friends want to see you healthy and happy rather than depressed and difficult to be around. Note: If you feel that you need the help of someone for more than three or four days, you probably should make an appointment with a counselor or psychotherapist. You don't want to wear out your friends!

DEVELOP SUPPORTS:

Good old-fashioned support works wonders. Most of us have not developed "support systems." We need to think about that idea ahead of time, if we have the tendency to feel blue, so that the supports can be available when needed. Plan ahead by filling out the last section of this publication and keep it handy. In addition to developing your own resources, you might know of some community support groups for persons with the blues. Call the local mental health center to see if there are some groups you might be a part of. Some places to call for leads at K-State will be listed at the end of this brochure.

What do I do when I feel myself coming down with the blues?

Recognize the change in yourself when you are "coming down" with an emotional slump. Don't deny it or feel guilty. Rather, take charge of yourself right away.

Perhaps taking a day off and doing some favorite things will restore you. Get more exercise: walk, garden, cycle, swim. You might not feel like it, but exercise is one of the best depression breakers and preventers.

PRETEND:

Put a smile on your face and pretend that you are happy. Stand straight rather than falling into that slouching, depressed posture. Sound hokey? Well, it isn't. Research demonstrates that forming a facial expression actually changes how you feel inside. And pretending to feel an emotion results in actually feeling it. Frowners feel sadder. And the depressing effects last for hours. So smile: at yourself and others, even trees or dogs or cats. Sure, it's tough to smile when you're feeling blue. The extra effort you muster to do it will help you break the blues.

Wear bright, happy clothes and pretend you are happy. You will then find yourself happy. Maybe, even wear a goofy shirt or blouse or cap so you can see others smile with you. Dressing cheerfully and pretending can beat the blues.

SEEK OUT HUMOR:

See a funny movie, read a humorous book, or listen to a comedy tape/CD. When you see a really funny cartoon, make a copy and save it. Consciously decide to use and employ these things when you find yourself coming down with the blues. Singing can help -- make yourself do it.

EXERCISE:

It's worth stating again: Exercise is a great way to break depression. Walk, go to the Rec Center and ride an exercycle, swim, or climb stairs if it's too cold or hot outside.

Do not give in to those inner blues that say, "I don't feel like it."
Doing almost anything constructive will be beneficial."

Answer 2

Everyone goes thru ups and downs, that's normal. You may think that you're over your grandfathers death but in reality you may not be entirely and with it being the holiday season, alot of people get depressed this time of year. As long as you aren't having suicidal thoughts, give it a little time. Do whatever you can to make yourself feel even a little better. If after a little while you find you're still depressed, talk to someone about it or go see your family doc. Just don't let it go to long. Depression does take a tole on your physical health as well as mentally.

Answer 3

You may be depressed, understandably, because of the upset in your life. I am very sorry about your grandfather. Definitely find someone in your life to talk to and maybe visit your doctor. Exercise can help both insomnia and depression, and you may want to talk to your doctor about other ways. If you're still feeling lousy in a few weeks, you may want to talk to a counselor. Your doctor could refer you or there may be a non-profit agency near your home. Some people also find it helpful to talk to a faith leader such as a minister or rabbi. I've been through periods of depression, and believe me it can get better. I hope all goes well for you!

Answer 4

Life's supposed to be tough. Just when you think it's a smooth ride, everything blows up in your face.

Just stay calm and let the dust settle. You'll see clearly when that happens.

I am really sad about your grandfather. No wonder you feel like crying. I hope you'll find out soon that he is there in heaven looking out for you.

And I hope you find a reason to smile soon.

Good Luck! And happy driving in the rough terrain!

Answer 5

First off allow your self to grieve.

IN reality it takes at least a full year to start getting over the death of someone we care about. To start feeling better. A hundred years ago when you lost someone, depending on how close they were to you you were expected to were black and morn for a period of time. This was not for society in general it was for the person who was morning. It allowed you to publicly declare your sorrow when ever you needed to. It made it so people could give you emotional support.

Now days you are given a couple days then expected to get back to business as usual. They are dead now get over it! But it really doesn't work that way. We need time to morn to allow ourselves to morn. to feel supported by those close to us.

This is so soon after the death! Allow your self to morn. Morning helps us to adjust. I am betting you will feel better.

Answer 6

It seems that sometimes when we lose a loved one that we get over it, but at times it can get us off track and its not as final as we think. Going threw the lose of my dad and 2 years later my mom did get me off track both times. I thought I had gotten over the lose both times. I found it good even though it seems to some people silly, to go to their resting place and talking to them. Just telling them how I feel and how I miss them. I hope this is something that will help you to.

Answer 7

well we all have our own messed up ways of dealing with things. some people evn shut down to the point that they denie whats really going on. my guess is that you are stressed out and feeling sad about your recent loss. things like this can be over powering and cause our mindes to race. i know i have gone through it. what i would sugrestis see your D.R. tell them what has been going on. there are some meds that can help you out of your little rut. it wont be a perm. thing just something to help you get back to yourself. then you can stop. its ok you will be fine.

Answer 8

Then maybe it was time for your thinking to be challenged. Figure out what is making you that way, and either accept it or change it.

When trying to sleep, try thought stopping. This is where you yell out "STOP" when your mind keeps going on and on. If you can't yell, then visualize a stop sign.....or a fat greasy construction worker with a hard hat and his belly hanging out of his nasy jeans holding one of those paddles in front of a roadblock with blinking yellow lights.

Answer 9

well buddy i can understnad ure situattion, i request u to concentrate on something which u like very much, i think ure losing ure regular track of work and things which is not good so, sit and find out what is the thing ure missing if ure not able to find out what sit and pray or meditate. then u would be able to find it out, rememeber if ure in depression it means ure lacking in some of ure traits and ure problems are the only oppurtunity to stregthen and polish ure characters . if ure still confused u can mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 10

Get to your doctor. Part of it can just be part of grief with the loo of your grandfather.
These kinds of experiences can set off a change in brain chemistry that can cause depression.

Answer 11

Yes, you are under depression. and try to come over it, before you are too depressed to overcome your depression.

Do the following,
(i) Exercise, exercise, and sports.
(ii) reach out to friends.
(iii) if possible try a change of place for some days, go for touring.
(iv) increase your water intake.