Feeling depressed and overwhelmed?

Question

For a long time I have been having episodes of where I just feel so overwhelmed that I can not function.. I have left work literally shaking because of the stress that I was under.. I have no desire to clean house, cook, or anything else.. Just want to be left alone.. My husband drinks and is gone either playing pool or fishing about 4-5 days a week plus he works full time, which leaves me with our child, a full time (night) job, cooking, and other household jobs while trying to find the time to sleep so that I can work.. I have been trying to either get him to agree to move back home or just plain leave him (called the cops when I did that).. I don't want to feel like this because it interfers with how I interact with our daughter.. Hubby acts like he could care less.. just as long as there's food on the table and his clothes are washed and put away..
Any suggestions???? My doctor has suggested Cymbalta.. I just dont want to take anymore pills..

Answer 1

Take the baby and go to a family or friends house for some much needed down time to think. Once you have 10days vacation you will see what needs to be don - tell him your friend or family member needs help and you will just be a couple of weeks that way he is assured you aren't leaving and you can rest safely. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Don't get on the drugs. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs will make you feel worn out, make your life harder and will take away all of your motivation and drive. You need to find some support of some kind, since your hubby isn't there for you. If you've had to call the cops on him, you probably shouldn't be with him, but that's not your question. Start taking some St. John's wart. It's natural and it's only $6 at Wal-greens. It helps a lot with stress and depression. If you have family or friends who can take 1 night a week to hang out just to relax and maybe have a glass of wine or a cocktail, plan a night and stick to it. Your husband gets plenty of nights, so you deserve at least 1 night a week to unwind. Worst case, just pick a night each week to have a friend or 2 over for wine and a good hour of TV and talking. Start taking walks either by your self or with a friend. Walking and exercise in general releases endorphins and relieves stress, plus it will raise your metabolism and you will have more energy when you are taking care of your daughter and your home. If there is no one like this near you, there are chat lines and internet sites where women can get on for free and meet friends. You would likely find someone in a similar situation who just needs someone to hang out and relax with. You obviously need more time for yourself and more meaning in your life, and taking a night a week to relax in good company is a good start.

Answer 3

So what would happen if there was NO food on the table and his clothes were in a heap on the floor? You need help and it is not a pill you need. You need to talk to him and tell him that he should be staying home and helping out. That is a lot to be going out every night. He needs to realize that. He needs a wake up call. He sounds like a real hard head and it won't be easy. Good luck and hope things get better.

Answer 4

Cymbalta is a good med. @ times we get in whats refered to as situational depression an can't cope with life. This happen to my wife after her mom passed away. She was on Zoloft 6 months an then got off it feeling her usual self.
I agree with the answer that said don't go on meds. But if you try the other ways suggested an don't improve why not try meds short term?
A decent Dr. wouldn't want you on meds. if you felt you was better after a few months.
Look for Wayne Dwayers book, Eronous zones it's very informative in how to not look at others for your own happiness. Best of luck, I will be reading answers daily, let us know how its going.

Virago Man

Answer 5

If you don't want to get onto drugs right now, I suggest a few options. First, have your blood check for anemia/iron deficiency and thyroid problems. Your symptoms sound like low iron or low thyroid. Next, try the plans in the book called "The Mood Cure"-- these also sound like you.

If you’re sinking in serotonin – you’ll tend to become negative, obsessive, worried, irritable, and sleepless.
If you’re near the end of your endorphins – you’ll be crying during commercials and overly sensitive to hurt.
If your catecholamines have crashed – you’ll sink into a flat apathetic funk.

Once you get your mental and physical issues stable, you can then decide you to address your marriage problems.