What do you do with yourself when your depressed but somewhat limited as to what you can do?

Question

I am depressed (very) takings meds for a long time but none seem to really help. to make my situation worse i don't have many friends or family around me, just me and my husband. the worst of it is my only son was sent to iraq 2 weeks ago, my car quit running so i am now driving a very unreliable one until Sept so it is hard for me to get out and do anything. sometimes it just seems like the computer is all i have and i get sick of that too. do you have any suggestions as to what i can do to make myself feel better and quit feeling sorry for myself. i am really trying but i feel like a brick wall comes up at every corner. any suggestions are welcome but be nice:)

Answer 1

Take a lonnnnnnng cold or hot shower. go to sleep. go for a walk. drink warm milk. spend time with your hubby. good luck mwahx

Answer 2

As a long time sufferer of depression I can understand just how debilitating it can be. I use Wellbutrin. To me it is a wonder drug. It doesn't have the effects of some of the other anti-depressants. You simply realize one day that things that would ussually bring you down don't bother you nearly as much.

Other than the drug, I have come to realize that if I can't change my attitude then change my lattitude. In other words I take a short trip, even if it's just a Sunday drive along the lake Erie. Sometimes to get out of the doldrums you just have to focus on something or someone other than yourself. I know it's easier said than done. But try it anyway. Worrying about your son in Iraq isn't helping. Pray for him, write to him, and use your computer in contacting him. Hopefully this war will be over soon and our boys will come home.

This may sound stupid, but get a joke book. Really. A big one. And once a day look up the joke of the day. It's hard to be depressed when you're laughing. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Hey there Donna,
a lot of good answers here but one thing I would touch upon is the fact that exercising consistently definitely helps to fight stress and raise spirits (and energy levels too). A couple of months ago I started walking about a mile or more each day and have noticed higher energy levels and a better outlook overall. Maybe you and your husband could walk/talk together? It really does help.... Our son is also in Iraq and, while I dont know how much contact you have with yours, my wife suggested keeping a journal of things you would say to him. Also, we were given a number to the postal service to get free boxes, tape, packaging materials and labels for sending care packages to soldiers --> 1 [phone], and select option #1, then #1 again, and ask for the "Military pack." For anyone else reading this, that # is for packages to soldiers only and use of the materials otherwise is a felony. But, in closing, what might be the most important thing is that I pray a lot more now and have gotten closer to God. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I think I understand what you are saying. I have chronic neck and back problems resulting in tons of meds, and am now being treated for depression and anxiety. I am very limited on physical activity which can really leave you bored, restless, and depressed. I have found that reading a great book helps me excape (I'm a regular at the library now). Also I taught myself how to crochet, for a variety of arts and crafts go to www.about.com They have everything you could ever be interested in and instructions on how to do it. I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I finish a project, and I think that's what people in our condition need to feel, like you are still contributing. I get outside as much as possible throughout the day and that always lifts my spirits. I walk when I feel able too, again helps get the endorphins going, and you feel better. I love Yahoo Answers, because it makes feel great when I can help someone going through similar things, and can maybe shed some light on it for them. I think I get depressed when I feel like I'm not making a difference, and these things are something I really need. If none of these ideas appeal to you, think of what you feel your missing, that keeps you down in the dumps. When you figure it out, seek out ways of getting that even if it is on a smaller scale. I think you feel sorry for yourself because you haven't hit on what makes you tick, or makes you happy. I sure hope this makes sense, and give it a try. Depression is a dark lonely place, and you don't need to be there! Best of luck to you!!!

Answer 5

I'm really sorry that your son went to Iraq...
At least you have your husband...I lost mine five years ago, my parents are also gone, and my children are grown--some even live in other states. My car has been down for nearly a year--I live in a city that I hate--the heat makes it difficult just to walk to the mailbox...

I do manage to do some shopping and go to the library with family members--but not often enough for me. I take courses at the community college--but money prevented me from doing so the last two semesters.

Call friends on the phone
Have a barbecue or yard sale with neighbors
Go to community gatherings, fairs, etc.
If you go to any church--attend their social events
Volunteer at an organization near home
Take a class or two near home
Be sure to get your husband to take you out often enough
Go swimming, or to a ballgame, etc.

Walking outdoors in nature helps depression, and is good for your physical and mental well-being.

Feel better :)

Answer 6

Hi Donna,

Isolation does make depression worse.

First, give yourself a gift: get outdoors if you can, get some sunlight on your face, and walk. Feel the air on your face, the ground under your feet, and the strength in your body as you walk.

Think about what sorts of things feed your soul. Seek them out, and let them feed you. Drink them in. For me, time outdoors watching birds (or ants, or a stream, or clouds, or stars) does that. Listen deeply to whatever music speaks to you. Or pick up art books at the public library. Or pick up a pencil (or papier mache) and make your own art.

If all that sounds like too much trouble, just do the thinking part: what feeds your soul? what nourishment are you craving? This can re-awaken those true and joyful parts of yourself that are hidden under the depression. They're still there, waiting to come out and play.

Answer 7

Some depressions are as simple as having lived dehydrated over time.
Food is another factor, I sense diet is the reason.

Depression is your body's way of telling you it's not liking the diet. Treat your body well, and it will treat you well.

Answer 8

I find that sewing, crocheting, knitting, anything like that is very therapeutic. Also, other crafts, like painting, or even working a puzzle are very nice to do.