I am no longer interested in the things that I used to be interested in.
I no longer enjoy doing the things that I used to enjoy doing.
I am not interested in trying new things.
I hate feeling this way. I do virtually nothing all day long.
How can I deal with this on my own, aside from seeking counseling? (Note: I am opposed to the usage of psychiatric medications for myself.)
2006-12-04 05:24:14 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I am NOT opposed to counseling! I simply cannot afford it, not even on a sliding scale fee. I have no insurance and was denied Medicaid. Counseling is not cheap!
2006-12-04 05:41:14 · update #1
Okay, you're depressed.
As for medication, I'd avoid it; I had a terrible time with two medications which were counterindicated in the Physician's Desk Reference that both my physician and pharmacy missed. After the DTs and dizzy spells were over a few months after I finally stopped taking the medication, I decided that I'm not taking medication again.
Last time I had an anxiety which I wanted to talk to a therapist about, she told me I needed to go into inpatient therapy though I was no danger to myself or others. This was not a major problem I was suffering, just an issue with being attracted to a person outside my marriage and feeling guilty about it. After I talked her down, I decided never to see a therapist again.
What has consistently helped me is helping other people. If you can find someone to help out, you find a purpose for yourself. I will admit, I'm not Mary Jane Sunshine all the time, but I appreciate being able to feel things deeply now instead of trying to avoid the emotions because it's the deep feelings which allow me compassion toward others.
I hope this helps. I really do, and I am so sorry you're going through this in your life.
2006-12-04 05:33:55 · answer #1 · answered by Jess B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi - sometimes psychiatric medications can really help you temporarily get out of the rut you might be in and get on the path you need to be on for recovery. Usually people need that extra help to get out of the slump and once out of it they can go off the meds. The best things to do is make some new friends (positive influencing friends that is...), join some community events, volunteer with an organization, the biggest thing would to force yourself to get out there and excercise since exercise naturally increases the chemicals in your brain needed to be happy and energized. Get more sunlight - if you live in a dreary gloomy environment you may need to get a special light with UV that helps people with seasonal depression (Sunlight is a natural antidepressant and creates the necessary levels of seratonin in your brain). It really sounds like you have clinical depression so if you don't want to get medications or counseling you're going to have to do it yourself. Finding the motivation while depressed can be so difficult without help. If you can find a friend or family member that can help you with this (external motivation) then that would be the way to go. If you have a friend who is knowledgable about therapy or psychology that would be a good place to start.
2006-12-04 05:34:04 · answer #2 · answered by Des Demona 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You oppose counseling and meds ?
You are looking for some magic, wicca thing ?
If you don't want to seek counseling , why are you here ?
Get over the counsel thing, see a doctor for a physical and a nutritionist to analyze your diet. If both those are OK, then see a psychologist or just accept that you no longer are motivated.
2006-12-04 05:34:53 · answer #3 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but it sounds to me like you have a chemical imbalance that is causing depression. Counseling is rarely the answer in these situations and the only other answer is medication. If you are against prescription medications, try taking St. Johns Wort, it is natural chemical balancer of some kind, and add some iron and vitamin B to your "regimen". You may have anemia or some sort of general exhaustion.
2006-12-04 05:28:28 · answer #4 · answered by concretebrunette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like depression, and I think you know that. You don't want counseling, you don't want meds.
If you're going to insist on self-treatment, it's going to be much more difficult. You're going to have to make yourself do things that you don't enjoy, don't want to try, are not of interest to you.
My I suggest:
Journalling
Exercise
Setting small daily goals for yourself---see http://www.flylady.net and adapt her routines for your own situation
Becoming responsible for someone or something---make dates with a reliable friend to work out, get a dog that must be walked, volunteer to help someone you couldn't bear to disappoint.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about possible underlying physical problems that could be causing your depression---hormonal imbalances, etc.
And if all that fails, recognize that counseling and medication don't make you a failure.
2006-12-04 05:31:53 · answer #5 · answered by Karen M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I suppose the first question to ask yourself is what triggered this feeling in you? If you understand that, then you can work to either make a change or get back to where you were in your feelings. What you are expressing is depression though, so in spite of your opposition to psychiatric medications for yourself, it might be the only way for you to get back into life.
2006-12-04 05:29:36 · answer #6 · answered by m27jean 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Me too!
Just find new things to do...
I read.
Try doing something that gets your adrenaline pumping.
Even telling someone off that you might otherwise bite your tongue around is empowering and gives you a thrill. Force yourself out of your own box!
Change your BEHAVIOR not so much your leisure. Different people do different things and like different things.
Maybe it's time to change WHO you are not so much WHAT you do!
The souls code, Character and calling by James Hillman
Radical Honesty is another great book!
2006-12-04 05:30:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
avoid alCOHOL plz!
step back ta ur last and find out those kindov of things u always wanted to do but u haven't had enough time or enough courage.
search within urself this lack hase come to u cuz u 're not in the exact situation that fits u,cuz u're not the one that u potentialy want to be.
2006-12-04 05:32:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds either like exhaustion or a spot of depression to me. there is an alternative to medication; try a herbal plant called saint john's wart, it will not solve your problem, but give you a lift until you are ready to explore them.
best of luck, been there myself so all i can say is do something now; you dont want to get into full depression, trust me.
2006-12-04 05:29:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
talk to your minister at church it wont cost anything and he can help if you need to see the doctor other members of the congregation can chip in and pay for you to see a doctor if needed just don't give up force yourself to go out and talk to people i know that you are opposed to using medication but it is not drug abuse to need it and getting the help that you need good luck
2006-12-04 06:13:49 · answer #10 · answered by linda y 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋