Does boredom make me more depressed?

Question

For starters I was diagnosed with major depression about 20yrs ago so this isn't something new for me. I fell off a ladder at work in May and broke both my heels. I had major surgery in June and I've been home ever since. The doc says I'll never be returning to construction, which I've been doing for about 18yrs. But that doesn't really bother me that much. I am going to get some training for another job. That's actually kind of exciting. What does bother me is this depression. I have a wife and 3 kids(4,12, & 15) and I don't enjoy ANYTHING anymore. And I'm so bored that I don't want to do anything. I know that sounds kind of silly, but that's how it is. I do go to counseling and I am on meds. There's actually a few talents that I have also. I play guitar and paint some pretty nice oil paintings. I just can't even bring myself to do these things anymore. I've lost interest in everything. Please help.
P.S. Please don't give me the positive affermation advice. I've tried. Thanks

Answer 1

Yes, Be sure and make sure your counselor knows of these feelings. You may need an adjustment or change in meds at this time. You are going through a major change in career and this is probably causing stress and more depression. Good Luck. This advice is what I have done and it has helped me.

Answer 2

Absolutely. Boredom can make you more depressed. I've been dealing with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and ADD for over 25 years with several bouts of MAJOR depression.

Keep up as many of the artistic activities as you can. I found that playing music (I play the keyboard) can be very therapeutic. I envy you your painting talent! I've never been artistically inclined, so I can't advise you as to whether that would be as beneficial as music. I know that it's extremely difficult to start playing an instrument (or doing anything for that matter when you're feeling depressed). I just forced myself to start, though, and was amazed at how much it helped. Even if you just pick up the guitar and play around with it for a little while it might help. When I was very depressed and garnered the strength to sit down at the keyboard and just play a few chords, my mood improved.

Good luck.

Please post another message to let the group and me know how you're doing.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear that, I've been there and done that but it does get better. When i had my back surgery i thought the world was coming to an end, i had nothing to live for. My doctors kept switching my meds I felt like a ginny pig, then i found a great doctor who took the time too listen too my med. issues. It took about 2yrs. too get me on the right track, but I'm so much better.Dont give up hope. Try & force yourself into doing some kind of activity if you dont your going to totally give up. I wish the best for you and your family. Trust in God he never gives you more than you can handle, Trust me it does eventually get better it just takes time. Best of luck. BDgizzy

Answer 4

You and I have a lot in common. But my wife and I couldn't have children; we really had our hopes up once, but she lost the baby. We are in our 50s now, so it ain't gonna happen. We aren't interested in adoption; we wanted kids with our own genetics--it just isn't the same to us.
I also have a diagnosis of Major Depression, since 1983, and I have had injuries that give me some degree of physical limitation. I used to be a musician but the combination of carpal tunnel syndrome and an old fracture of my right arm makes this very difficult and frustrating now. I also have a box full of my own CDs in the garage, and they aren't selling, but I'm still glad I made it.
But there's always somebody worse off than you. I see this guy almost everyday waiting for the bus, he's blind, has one arm, and his only arm doesn't have a hand on it. I am in charge of client records for an agency that serves people with mental and physicial disabilities and I hear about several new sad stories every day--sexually abused kids, a guy who sleeps in a dumpster, babies born with half of their brains missing, you name it.
I understand what you mean about being bored, I really do. But I think it's going to help a lot when you start your job training and get your mind into that. Best wishes.

Answer 5

well yeah, it does. and pushing yourself to do things you dont enjoy is also depressing but thats the best advice i can give.
try something new, or go back to something from your past. Play a different guitar or paint in watercolours. paint without brushes. Do something that makes someone else happy, write a song for your wife paint something for your kids. maybe you'll find some joy in that. Appoint your wife or a good friend as a motivator - write a list of things you want to try a give it to them so they can help you do it. Dont expect that your depression will ever be gone completely, but you seem to have resigned yourself to being forever depressed and i dont think that's what's ahead of you.

Answer 6

First off, meds and counselling together are the best treament, and it's rare to hear someone on here say their actually doing it.
The boredom is more likely a symptom of the depression, which is exacerbated by your physical immobility.
Try to force yourself to do something you did enjoy before, or even try to think of something hobby related that you always wanted to try but had not yet tried.
Good luck my friend.

Answer 7

I'm with you. Can't get out of it and my interests have suffered. I like to think that winning a lottery or similar event may spring me out of the depression, but I'm not sure. I haven't won yet so nothing to go by.

Try a hobby pursuit that has an element of danger in it, sometimes the adrenaline high can help. If its any help, realise that you are one of many, many men with a similar problem and use what support services you can find.

Answer 8

Yes it does. I don't recommend pharmaceuticals to ward of depression. To me, that's just trading one sickness for another. That's how the pharmaceutical industry stays in business.

Exercise regularly, get the recommended amount of sleep, eat a healthy diet. I do. Don't drink alcohol and do illicit drugs, and while you're at it stay away from pharmaceutical drugs too. Read the horror stories from people's experiences with Zoloft and Prozac

Answer 9

in spite of you decide directly to do. in case you have acquaintances get in touch with them and connect up. in case you do not have acquaintances then get some with the help of beginning something new. look on the information superhighway and detect a team or society on your section that seems solid. there will be a lot approximately; some which you will discover are, working, martial arts, team activities, portray/ pictures, library's each and every each and every now and then have poetry communities, place playing, volunteering. something you decide directly to do, you're able to do- in simple terms get off the workstation and do it!

Answer 10

Yes. Boredom is the enemy of the depressed. Try a new hobby. Building model cars worked for me.