Depressed, numb, i'v lost the ability to feel!

[newnamenow]

I was just wondering how common this is? and what on earth i do next.

very briefly, I have suffered from depression on and off for a couple of years now since leaving a violent relationship.

Its still happening, i think i am better - then it comes back with a vengeance. I was on antidepressants for about a year but I took myself off of them because they gave me this awful numb feeling. That was 8 months ago, and iv been up and down since but I have recently got this dreadful numbness back just like when i was on the medication.

I have nothing to be sad about and everything to be happy about, a wonderful partner and daughter, great new job, no financial worries.. But iv never felt worse.

I really dont know what to do next, i'v asked for a bit of a break with my partner because i simply have no feeling for him right now. My daughter started school last week and i feel almost nothing.

The only thing I feel is stressed angry and irritable, and those feelings are so out of place in my life right now!

Depression is very common, and numbness/ emptiness is much more common than sadness.

The good news about depression is that it does get better (quicker with treatment than without), the bad news is that you are vulnerable to bouts in the future.

Call Mind for support, speak to your GP, and even if you don't feel like it exercise is proven to be nearly as effective as anti-depressants in mild depression (which does not feel mild at all).

The best treatment is anti-depressants combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (and exercise).

I would not cut ties with a wonderful partner in these circumstances; explain that you feel unwell and reassure your DP that it is not about them. You may feel that they can do better, but that is your partner's decision.

Thinking of you.