Posting here for traffic. Is this what mild depression feels like?

[Slowcoach24]

Hello. I'd really welcome people's thoughts/ experiences. Generally quite an anxious person at the best of times but usually fairly chipper. I'd say in the last few months though my anxious thoughts have ramped up, and then for the past month or so, despite life being fun I just feel so low and heavy. I don't seem to laugh as readily, I just feel sad at my core for no particular reason (I could attach it to a few things but really, nothing in particular). I have come into work specifically because I think if I stayed at home I'd sink even further and I can't bear to. What's odd though is I can appear outwardly completely fine, and I do have fine moments and moments of lightness but they're very short-lived. I struggle with motivation, and keep having the thoughts of 'I can't bear to do X' when X might just be putting the washing on. I just feel like I'm wondering around in a fog like state. I suppose I associate depression more when someone who isn't able to get out of bed so I don't know if I'm convincing myself this is what I might have! I just can't seem to snap myself out of it, but maybe I need to try harder?! I keep worrying that this is me now and I'm going to feel like this forever. I have made a doctors appointment for next week but keen to know if this is what its felt like for other people as this is my first time experiencing this.

Thanks,

Yes, this is what it feels like for some people.

The GP is a good call, but think what you want from the appointment. They have 10 min for you and no magic bullet. My GO was very brisk to get to “Want antidepressants, yea or no?” so think how you’d respond to that, and if the answer is no what else they might be able to offer (possibly nothing).

Also worth doing a blood test to see if your iron, vit B etc are all ok.

For me personally, talking therapy and antidepressants and all that was just a patch and not really useful. What helps is exercise. I am not sporty and hate exercise. However, when I do it regularly I notice that I hate myself a little less. Also boring things like enough sleep and no alcohol.

Thank you for replying I appreciate it. What sort of exercise do you do? Honestly i don't know if I could bring myself to do any at the moment, I just feel so weirdly apathetic. It's just weird, it's sort of crept up on me?!

What age are you? Could it be peri menopause? I feel like this a lot of the time but I’m mid 50s and put it down to life / menopause, but I’m the same don’t feel any real joy and can’t be bothered with stuff most of the time and everything feels like an effort.

@Turquoisesea I'm 37. It's just odd as this isn't how I usually feel

Probably a bit young for peri menopause then, it’s good you are seeing the Dr and I agree about checking vitamin levels as previous poster said.

Could you be burned out?
Has home / work life been demanding over a long period?

@Petrovaposy I do have something quite objectively stressful happening (trying to sell a flat) but its on going. Maybe its just been building and my brains just suddenly snapped?!

Yes that could be it?
Your description sounded a lot like how I felt when I was burned out. I just lost all motivation, felt disillusioned and life felt like too much effort. With that came the non-specific ‘low’ feelings.
What helped me was first of all getting out of the stressful situation (in my case my job), being gentle with myself and seeking comfort (familiar people, places, lots of downtime, no pressure) some counselling, something to look forward to (a holiday), and time.

At least you are aware of the change in your mood, that’s a good thing. Like you say, it could be the stressful situation or other things at play. Do you need a few days off to reset?