How to get positive without meds

[saffyronron]

I'm on 20mgs citalopram, have been now for nearly 5 months. I don't think I'm depressed, just low and being really negative. I used to do a lot of exercise and have lost the motivation, I'm also over eating and have put on a lot of weight. I'm annoyed with myself for being so negative. I've tried making a start with exercise but I keep losing motivation. I have a lot going on but people have things a lot worse than me. God, I'm a miserable cow! Does anyone have any ideas for improving motivation and being happier without the use of meds? I aim to finish 6 months of meds and do things naturally, the way I always did. Does anyone think that meds can make things worse (in terms of motivation)? I'm not crying anymore but I'm also still really flat, I do wonder if meds just flatten things rather than help make things better. I'd love to hear some views.

You do actually sound depressed! The symptoms you describe and the lack of empathy with yourself are very typical!

Have you been given meds in isolation or were you also offered counselling? If you haven't been offered counselling maybe go to your GP and ask.

Counselling, exercise, spending time with friends, taking time to pamper yourself, spending time in the sunshine, time away from your kiddies, if you have a partner take time to be affectionate/have sex, declutter and clean your house (do one room a week if you have a lack of time).

There is so much you can do without meds. Honestly. I have been depressed and anxious and did not want to use them and I didn't and got past it. Don't let anyone tell you it is the only option. Of course don't rule them out entirely but maybe try some other things too.

Another one here who didn't use medication and suffered from anxiety (still do to some extent and realise that I always have). I also have a very full life (I work freelance, three children) so finding time is really hard but it is worth it. Exercise is great (doesn't have to be regular and it can be just walking, cycling, house work), reading, doing something you really enjoy when you get the chance (for me it is painting / drawing), sunshine, seaside, making mental notes of the lovely things your children do (ignoring the bad stuff!), chocolate, coffee first thing in the morning, cuddles, friends, stroking the cat in the evening while watching TV, even perhaps keeping a notebook by your bed (I did this for a while and for every day I wrote about the good things that had happened that day).

Hi both, thanks so much for your views. I guess I might be a bit low. I always think of people who are depressed as feeling a whole lot worse than me. I go to work and function in that sense, but I've also lost a lot of motivation to do the things I enjoy, so maybe I am depressed and maybe I need to spend a bit more time on AD's, but I'm not sure they're helping too much. Actually they have helped - there was a time I couldn't stop crying (for no real reason at all). I have had counselling and it was really really useful. I feel much more confident about myself than I have for a long time. I'm afraid I don't have a DP or a sex life (God it's been years....). To be honest that may be part of the problem. I'd love to have someone to share my life with, alas it's not meant to be (and I'm still really attractive .

I love the notebook idea, I used to do that and often laugh at some of the things I wrote when I look back on them. Becky, I love the idea of a big family but I simply don't have one, so I'll have to make do with me and my little man. I also think it's a good idea to make the most of loving the small things in life. The chocolate thing not a good idea though. I'm eating myself to oblivion at the moment.

What helps me:

• getting some fresh air/sunlight every day, even a gentle walk
• exercise, and forcing myself to do it
• regular sleeping pattern
• keeping going at work, which gives me a routine
• journalling

I like to use the HALT technique to stop myself going too low:
asking, am I:
H = hungry
A = Angry
L = Lonely
T = thirsty, tired ... if I am any of those I stop, halt, So need to addres whichever one it is.

Making the most of small things sounds a nice idea. Could you do some active things with your little boy, to help you be more motivated?