To ask for advice - I think I might be depressed

[PollyPocket888]

I am nearly 40. I've never been depressed. I've been sad or down about stuff as everyone has but in the last couple of months I've felt something I've never felt before - basically numb. I can't motivate myself at work, I am drifting around, spending hours online, eating crap, feeling crap. I've got young kids, partner, job etc

I have never ever felt like this before. No motivation. I feel so sad half my life is over and then at the same time - don't care.

What do I do? Any tips or advice? I don't want to feel like this. I've tried to stop the social media and the junk food. But every day I act the same and feel the same

I know it's not really an AIBU. Nobody has noticed at home or work. Is there something I can do? Any advice?

Please go to the GP. I would suggest this is depression but they can rule out anything physical. If it is depression then they can help you navigate routes to therapy and/or antidepressants. Your body may just not be making the right chemicals and need a boost for a little. The numbness is a horrible feeling, but please rest assured you're not alone and you can get help.

It sounds very like depression. So GP is the only way to go. Sorry to hear you feel so shit, hope you can feel a bit better soon.

I would speak to your GP. As a minimum it's worth having all of your hormones checked and a bit of an MOT, there are lots of things that could cause this include peri menopause, low cortisone etc etc.

Can a GP do such a thing @manipulatrice I did mention to GP a couple of weeks ago and she recommended anti anxiety medication which i refused. But yes I want to try and find out what is causing it - maybe hormones, wondering if there are supplements or things to try. This feeling is so unfamiliar and its scary.

Yes they can, ask for a full MOT and explain you want to check to make sure all of your hormones and levels are in order.

To try and ease your mind, this time of year is notorious for low mood, and you (and I) are at the prime age for having dips in mood stability.

I'm glad you reached out. It's always good to talk about these things ☺️

Very possibly depression. Maybe hormones as others have said but I'm not too knowledgeable about that.

I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder at 16yo but haven't taken meds in years. Exercise and good sleep/healthy lifestyle help a lot as when I'm tired and stressed I lean towards 'glass half empty' mentality.

Doc may just bung you some pills and send you away but unless you're really struggling I'd be tempted to try and get fit and shake off the apathy/inertia rather than just plaster it over (not to say that meds don't help some people though) . Exercise boosts endorphins and helps - I felt really 'alive' when I left gym earlier and feel good now I'm home. I know I'll sleep like a log tonight and wake up feeling fresh.

Thanks for sharing. I haven't exercised in a very long time @FatPrincess in fact in all honesty I've never exercised with any consistency at all since school. My pelvic floor is awful from difficult birth and I have an office job. Feel knackered all the time from chasing kids but I guess I would say I'm not fit at all. The social media thing is new and all consuming- watching strangers online talk about nothing - I know while I'm doing it how it's causing such lethargy but can't seem to stop. I could join gym but wouldn't know where to start