Well, it's finally happened.

[Lovemybrood]

I have just been signed off work for 2 weeks (possibly more) with depression after suffering with manic depression for more than 19 years.

Why do I feel so shit, only my doctor and hubby know, I feel so lonely not talking about it etc, very few people know I'm depressed as I hide it so well.

well done for finally getting some help. i think thats the hardest part....

good on you...i hope a few weeks off work will give you the head space to rest, do nice things and be kind to yourself.

do what you want to do, get out and about for some fresh air and exercise, veg about, whatever you feel you want to do.

i hope you're on the up soon. x

Thank you chimchar, I have been having help on and off for 19years, tried different medications etc.

This is the first time anyone has signed me off though. My new doctor seems really concerned about my medication that I have been on etc and is keen to make drastic alterations etc.

She did mention excercise etc so I will be borrowing a dog and going walking.

you don't need a dog to go walking!!

if you are holding it together, can you use this time off as a "holiday" just for yourself?

i suffer on and off with depression and anxiety. i hide it so well that people are really surprised if i tell them.

its sometimes harder that way because you put on your going out face even when you feel like youre dying inside...

If I go out with listening to my ipod I can literally walk for hours and hours and not realise where I end up, I get lost in my own little world.

I am going to take some time for me, but, I am going to do a couple of big jobs in the house that have been waiting to sort for months that do really add to my stress levels.

thats great. i'm glad you have got some time out love.

Thanks, though I KNOW I will be in trouble when I get back to work.

ahhhh, work'll wait.

How do I explain to my children why I am off?

how old are they?

either be truthful and tell them you're feeling really rubbish...you're tired, you're feeling sad for no reason (or for the reason if you have one...work is making me feel upset or whatever)and you really needed a break and a rest,

or tell them that you have taken some much needed time off to do a few chores that have been waiting to be done for ages.

Exercise...horrible word but God it really really works. Have you tried Powerplates? It's only 25 minutes long and I walk out feeling like skipping every time, having walked in feeling like death.

And enjoy the autumn sunshine. Collect some pretty leaves for your kids to do collages with (if they're of that age).

And see/talk to your friends. This is what always gets me out of a super-low moment. It stops you pondering.

And allow yourself....no really...allow yourself to sit down and read a book for a couple of hours. Then doze off. Then go out for a walk....this time is for you.

Try not to even think about work. When it pops into your head, replace it with an image of something else...like a chocolate ice cream.

And post here when you dip low and there's nobody around to talk to....this is such a great board for support.