Continuously depressed since pandemic

[GalGadont]

Posting for traffic, not really an AIBU. Wondering if anyone can relate, and hoping there might be a few inspiring stories from people who have pulled themselves out of it! I should say first that I am very very aware that there are many people who had a much tougher experience of the pandemic than I did. So anyone who had a traumatic experience or experienced loss might want to skip this thread as they might well feel it’s self-indulgent.

But: without experiencing trauma, I feel like it knocked my life off course and while trying I just don’t feel I’ve anywhere near succeeded in getting it back on track yet. It’s left me lonely, paranoid, angry, sad, but most of all depressed: don’t want to wake up in the morning depressed, want to sleep all day depressed, spend all day on my phone depressed, and worst, don’t take action on opportunities to make things better depressed. I know that only I can change these things. But I’m just wondering - is anyone else out there feeling like this? Has anyone else felt this and managed to pull themselves out of it? Please tell me the story of how you did it, and I’ll try to take comfort and inspiration from you.

Spotted this thread by chance and didn't want to leave you without any replies.

I did suffer from bereavement during the pandemic, OP, but that's not really the point. Depression isn't a competition. You don't have to 'win' at having the worst set of circumstances to be 'allowed' to be depressed.

If you are feeling depressed, you can't pull yourself out of it. It's not that simple. I know some people who got through with medication - for me, I used talking therapy. I felt like I was putting a lot on my friends, and for me, that professional therapy relationship allowed me to open up and begin healing.

I hope you start to see a light soon. x

First of all, everyone was traumatized by the pandemic. We all had vastly different experiences. but Covid and the way it changed everything is something the whole world experienced together. You’d think we’d be more unified. But most people are pretending it didn’t happen. It’s so unhealthy. It’s great you can speak up about your experience. Depression and anxiety are a huge problem post pandemic. I have Long Covid so I read everything I can on the subject of long term effects. Depression and anxiety are big symptoms for me and many many many other people, not just those with serious covid related issues. For me it’s directly related to Covid and how it screwed up my life. I’m disabled, can’t do anything I used to, my nerves are damaged so I’m in constant pain, nothing in my body works right, fatigued, always dizzy and nauseous, I can’t eat solid food, and there’s no cure. Sometimes I feel so depressed I can’t even tell when I’m having a good day or a bad day, or when I’m actually fatigued or just depressed. The anxiety is so bad I’m afraid to leave the house or go near the front door. So obviously my situation is a bit different, but it’s still a big disruption in my life due to Covid. It really does help to hear from other people that it’s normal. This is our new normal. I went to therapy 2020-2022 for this specifically and it helped a lot, especially learning mindfulness techniques. When I am having a good day, I do everything I can, going for a walk, dressing up, going places, etc. I’ve tried meds and nothing worked, I mainly got side effects. But meds work for a lot of people so it’s worth a try. I don’t think the depression and anxiety side of things is going to last forever for me. I really believe that, and I think about better days in the future a lot. I could be wrong. But it makes a huge difference believing that good times are just around the corner. This is our new normal for now, not forever. So my advise is, therapy, meds, mindfulness, and do the most on the days you can. It’s nice to look back on the day last week when I went to the park when today I’m too sick to get out of bed. It also helps me to make plans. When I can’t do anything else I will watch travel shows and make plans to visit those places. It’s silly, but plans are the exact opposite of depression. A person who makes plans is someone who is actually living. It’s fine I can’t travel right now, it’s a mental exercise so when I’m better I’ll be ready! If you can physically do things, I would shake it up a little. Do something different you don’t usually do. Go to a new place, wear a new outfit, anything to break up the same ol’ same ol’. All the little things you can do for yourself add up and make a big difference. But don’t worry, it won’t be like this the rest of your life, things will change.

I work with teens, and the increase in anxiety that I have seen in them is staggering. So you are not alone.
I would say that you need to make yourself do something. A day out that you really can’t be bothered going on. You may well find that you enjoy it, and it will spur you on to do it again. The change can only come from you, good luck.

Maybe talk to a medical professional and get some treatment?

This is a reasonable reaction to a serious traumatic period.

PTSD can be treated.

In addition as pp suggested, days out, family, friends, join a group for new friends. Sleep, exercise, eat well, be nice to yourself.

OP you are not alone. Thousands of people feel exactly as you do. It is real and justified. I hope you can find the help you need.I am struggling to access help for my daughter ,the waiting lists are huge. Keep going!

Thank you all very much for the replies. @anotherthrowawayname I am so sorry for your bereavement. I’m glad therapy has helped to provide some healing. @junbean I’m glad you have good days as well as bad days, I do hope your health will continue to improve. I like the point you make about making plans being the opposite of depression!@whatdidshedotogetahillnamedafterher I do hope you are able to access help for your daughter soon xx