Not depressed-depressed but struggling to find joy. Anyone else?

[GrumpiestOldWoman]

I feel really flat just now, can't pinpoint a specific thing, just general fed-up-ness.

I think it is inevitable in the circs. I have found that being less serious has helped, so I have decorated the garden and played board games. I'm making some candle holders next weekend, again for the garden. I've also been drawing a bit.

I think this whole situation is rather old fashioned, I feel like the women in Cranford or something.

Yes, feel like the Covid blues have hit again. Have fallen out with my mum over the whole debacle, have had to use up all of my leave to cover childcare, children are completely fed up with being stuck at home and we are nearing lockdown again. Nothing to look forward to. I keep telling myself I should just be happy I’ve not lost a relative to Covid and both my husband and I have kept our jobs but I just feel downright fed up!

No I don't think I do look forward to things, every day just feels the same right now. I think normally I look forward to summer, having real holiday and recharging a bit but I've had 2 weeks off work and I don't feel refreshed. It doesn't feel like this summer ever arrived (crap weather where we are doesn't help).

@labyrinthloafer

I think it is inevitable in the circs. I have found that being less serious has helped, so I have decorated the garden and played board games. I'm making some candle holders next weekend, again for the garden. I've also been drawing a bit.

I think this whole situation is rather old fashioned, I feel like the women in Cranford or something.

I'm sure the women in Cranford had less washing to do though!

I think that doesn't help - I enjoy but am simultaneously totally sick of cooking and baking. We used to be a family with people coming and going all the time and a sit down meal was a thing to relish. Now it's every sodding night, all cooked by me.

I keep telling myself I should just be happy I’ve not lost a relative to Covid and both my husband and I have kept our jobs but I just feel downright fed up!

I kept trying to do this, a sort of 'mustn't grumble' approach, but actually it is shit, even though it is less shit for methan for many, and I felt less unhappy when I acknowledged I was understandably unhappy.

I hope that made sense

Yes I was there last week and I didn’t want to be around anymore. This week better but it just goes on a cycle. X

@labyrinthloafer

I keep telling myself I should just be happy I’ve not lost a relative to Covid and both my husband and I have kept our jobs but I just feel downright fed up!

I kept trying to do this, a sort of 'mustn't grumble' approach, but actually it is shit, even though it is less shit for methan for many, and I felt less unhappy when I acknowledged I was understandably unhappy.

I hope that made sense

It does, unfortunately I moved to 'this is shit' quite quickly so I've already played that card

Yes. I live in one of the areas that has gone back into partial local lockdown and it’s set me back, when I was just about coming to terms with a ‘new normal’ (sorry).

I am very fortunate that I am still working and have my health and am trying to count my blessings, but I don’t see any end to it and it’s tough going. I am trying to cut down on social media use (not Mumsnet!) as that is really not helpful either.

I feel incredibly flat & Im normally a very positive person but I don't know why I feel like this.

Yes me!! I am working from home indefinitely. It’s shit and lonely and I hate it. I miss wearing my nice work clothes and all the office politics! I love chatting at the photo copier, having a laugh with colleagues, all the little things that make a dull job joyous. Now I just have the dull job. Again, I know I should be lucky to have a job but just wallowing a bit tonight!
I second little things to look forward too, mine is mostly chocolate!!

I love chatting at the photo copier, having a laugh with colleagues, all the little things that make a dull job joyous

YY
Before all this happened I totally underestimated the value/importance of that 'fluffy' interaction with other people, even as an introvert.

Thanks @Lacey2019

The weather is not helping this week 😭 Grey skies really affect my mood .
Trying to convince DH to book anything (eg night in hotel, dinner out ) for something to look forward to before we all go into lock down again, but he’s worried about his job ...
I work in a school so in theory back in September so I just want to try and enjoy a bit of August ... but how !!??

Yes I feel flat too, we did so many things last year, this year is so dull !!

There was a piece on radio 4 about the effect of less oxytocin - which gets released mainly from hugs and touch.

It’s tough going. I had furlough, then a really intense time back at work, now the long Summer holidays. Yes to old fashioned craft activities (anyone want a pot pant holder?) It’s tough emotionally-you can’t plan anything, there’s a menacing undercurrent to everyday life and yet everyday things still have to be done. I’ve been reading a lot to at least be able to escape in my head.

Ooh yes, flat is a good way to describe how I feel at the moment.
I’m alright, just going through the motions.
I can’t offer advice, I’m safe, my family are safe, my dc are all healthy, we have our jobs, food on the table etc but just feel a bit flat, struggling to find joy even in joyful things.
Just know that you are not alone.

We were due to fly out for our once in a lifetime family holiday tomorrow. We saved and saved and have looked forward to it and planned it for the last two years. It’s what got me through many a cold dark winters night.

Funnily enough, when the flights got formally cancelled back at the end of June I didn’t feel too bad. I was disappointed but I was quite matter of fact about it.

Now however I feel utterly bereft and actually quite depressed.
I know we are lucky in the great scheme of things, we are healthy and have jobs, but there is just a sort of bleakness and flatness and the feeling of nothing to look forward to until goodness knows when.

Thanks @TheChosenTwo

What are you reading geranium ? I'm re-reading Jilly Cooper right now but unfortunately the escapism wears off quite quickly when I stop!

It's horrible hippo , I think being miserable with a tangible reason is much easier to process than this general shitness.

@TweeterandtheMonkeyman

The weather is not helping this week 😭 Grey skies really affect my mood . Trying to convince DH to book anything (eg night in hotel, dinner out ) for something to look forward to before we all go into lock down again, but he’s worried about his job ... I work in a school so in theory back in September so I just want to try and enjoy a bit of August ... but how !!??

Me too, nice sunny warm weather would be a big help. Making do with and instead but unfortunately it shows!

Ooh which Jilly are you reading OP? I've been reading all of her Rutshire chronicles (again) over lockdown, inspired by a Jilly thread on here and because I also love the escapism. I'm up to Score! at the moment.

Needed this today. Thank you. I don’t work and usually lead a happy life revolving around my children and house but am really struggling as there is just nothing different each day. So true about the sit down dinner.

I feel the same I am disabled and live alone and usually go out everyday for bits of shopping and ease my joints
There are so many obstacles now and feel I have to get out of a shop quickly with a mask on
I really miss 2 of my DS's, still in their uni towns and not seen them since last Christmas
Everything feels a bit pointless

@Drogonssmile

Ooh which Jilly are you reading OP? I've been reading all of her Rutshire chronicles (again) over lockdown, inspired by a Jilly thread on here and because I also love the escapism. I'm up to Score! at the moment.

I'm half way through Pandora having worked right through from Riders. Not even sure RCB could cheer me up now though!