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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask for some coping mechanisms for depression/anxiety...

6 replies

Hardbackwriter · 20/10/2020 09:22

Because I feel like I've lost my usual ones? I've had bouts of depression and anxiety since my early 20s; some of these (especially the first couple and when external circumstances have been particularly bad) have been quite severe and required antidepressants but in recent years I've been much better at spotting the signs and taking action and that seems to be really effective. But my normal actions are exercise, focusing on sleep quality and increasing my time with friends and out of the house. I'm 24 weeks pregnant and have pretty bad SPD; I'm finding walking around and picking up my toddler increasingly difficult so I can't find a form of exercise that isn't painful - I tried a couple of pregnancy workout videos and had increased pain for days so not keen to do that again, and running (my usual go to) is out of the question. My toddler is sleeping badly and in any case I'm sleeping badly even when he's asleep because of the SPD pain and general pregnancy insomnia. I'm in a tier 2 area so I can't easily go see family and friends (meeting outdoors is particularly crap if you can't go for a long walk, and no one else wants to do it) and I'm increasingly struggling with the isolation of working from home. I spend all day in Zoom meetings so can't face virtual 'socialising' in the evening. I know this sounds like a long rant (and it probably is a bit) but I'm desperate to find new coping techniques that are possible at the moment, but I'm at a bit of a loss. I remember what the darkest days of depression were like and desperate to avoid going back there but just feel myself drifting deeper and deeper into this rut, and then my anxiety getting higher and higher.

OP posts:
SeaToSki · 20/10/2020 12:13

I would suggest having a strict routine for the day for yourself that includes time outside, even if that is a drive to somewhere pretty/you like. Take loads of Vit D. Have you tried meditation/mindfulness? Some sort of a treat every evening before you go to bed. Have you tried seeing a really good massage therapist for the SPD, sometimes they can help a lot although you have to go regularly.

Yeahnahmum · 20/10/2020 12:33

Music. Books. Baths. Hot showers. Clean clothes.hugs. flowers. Getting help.

Jeezoh · 20/10/2020 12:49

Make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating regularly to keep your blood sugar stable.

Try and get fresh air every day, even if it’s just sitting in the garden or going a window open.

Write a diary, make a daily list of things you’ve achieved that day (however small they are).

rooty123 · 20/10/2020 12:55

Have you tried alternate nostril breathing? Useful for some respite if things are getting too much.

Carabu1 · 20/10/2020 18:57

I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling. Tbh I don’t have much to say except I sympathise! I’m also pregnant, struggling with pgp, and can’t do any of the things I’d usually do to manage anxiety etc. The only thing that’s really helped me so far is trying to plan at least one ‘nice thing’ a week to look forward to (even if it’s only small!) and trying to view it as temporary - I have less than 12 weeks to go now (at most!) so each day is a day closer to getting at least some of my old life back. I feel for you though, it’s crap - don’t be afraid to reach out to your gp if you need it.

Hardbackwriter · 21/10/2020 13:07

Ah, only just seen that this now has replies - thank you so much, I really appreciate the comments and suggestions. I think fresh air daily (which I do try and get, but fail more often than I should) and regular 'treats' are great suggestions that could really help. Any suggestions for non-food based treats that also aren't expensive? We've been eating quite badly recently which I don't think is helping so I'm trying to change, but that means cake/sweets/a takeaway can't be my go-to treat...

Really sorry that you're struggling too @Carabu1. You're absolutely right that it's temporary - it feels like a long way still to go for me (and I'm also slightly dreading returning to the sleep deprivation of having a little baby!) but knowing that this too will pass is really important and helpful, you're right. Hope it passes fast for you too.

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