To ask what small things I can do to make myself happier?

[Farontothemaddingcrowd]

I've had a bad time with depression and relationship break ups. Always the dumpee for some reason.

I'm a single parent to 3 dc but my youngest is nearly 8, so I'm starting to get a bit of time to myself. I'm anaemic and constantly exhausted and often don't feel like doing much.

I need a kick up the bum. I'm not going to feel any better if I keep wallowing.

What small or big things might help me to feel happier?

My cat is currently making me happy, purring away while nestled in the crook of my arm.

I think I'd quite like to do something completely decadent and self indulgent.

Change your diet potentially? I have a few friends now who have started doing the Banting diet (or food revolution) and have all been feeling more energetic, less headaches, sleeping better, losing weight and not feeling hungry.

For moods, keep your head clear. Don't allow yourself to focus on all the negatives and how much a victim you are to circumstances but turn your thinking to the positive things in your life and to ways to overcome the challenges... One step at a time being thankful.

Op friends like that aren't worth keeping.

It doesn't say much for them by their sheer lack of understanding.

Don't take it too personally.

Thank you Polly. It was a knock to my ego but maybe I can take on board what she said about being self centred and try to show more interest in others. It might help me with the depression. I had a lovely lunch with a new work friend today and I've been making the effort to reach out to others and build new relationships.

Far - I hope you are feeling a bit better today - that person you are better off without -just nasty - I actually am pretty angry that people are still so ignorant on depression especially when it is being talked about so much at the moment.
The volunteering sounds good and anything that boosts your mood right now is great.

I love the idea of trying something new every day for a year, just need to write the list of 365 things now!

Thank you greenberet. I am feeling a bit better. It's just unnecessary I think. Why not just be polite but busy and distant? Why tell someone they are self centred unless you want to hurt them?

I know I've had friends who kept cancelling at the last minute or who were self absorbed and I just didn't message them as much and it drifted.

Far don't beat yourself up over this - depression can make you appear self absorbed to others that don't get it - your friend probably thinks this is about her and wanted to get in first if this makes sense - I have a friend that uses my depression for the reason I pick her up when she contradicts herself - I am slowly becoming less connected to her.

It's hard enough dealing with this and it takes two to make a friendship work - maybe you are ready for some new friends.

Thanks greenberet. She did send an apology text today which made me feel a bit better. It is difficult when people don't get it and I would much rather not feel like this. I'm out with a mum friend on Saturday which will be nice.

I’ve read all the way through this thread and there are some really great suggestions.

Just wanted to chime in because I also tested at ferritin 7 - I don’t feel particularly bad, but then again if it’s been like that a while I may not notice the difference.

For me, a big happiness increaser is human contact. My husband is very understanding if I don’t want to have a whole conversation but just want to be squeezed or nuzzle him. The touch of a loved one is not to be underestimated.

to OP, depression is a bugger, it totally screws with your perception of the world.

Thank you Spartacus.
A bit unconventional I know, but I had botox and filler today and it has lifted my mood.

Transexamic acid is good for heavy periods, it makes them much lighter. Ferrous sulphate for iron. I took ferrous sulphate for 3 months, helped me so much as my iron was very low. Felt much better afterwards. For treats, a bubble bath with a face mask is very relaxing. I also quite like browsing in shops but realise some people wouldn't like this. Going for walks in the countryside is good on a nice day too.

Forgot to say both the Ferrous Sulphate and Transexamic acid were on prescription so worth seeing the doctor. Hope you soon feel better.

Thank you. I already have ferrous sulphate prescribed but will ask about transexamic acid

Taking a long shower just after putting the DC to bed marks the beginning of the evening for me and is really my feel good moment.

For me it’s more a case of being aware of what I do for myself. It doesn’t actually matter what I do, just acknowledging that I’m lucky to have time to do this etc. Good luck