How do you know if you're getting depressed again...

[TheGrumpalo]

Or if you're just a bit low like everyone gets now and again?

I feel like i'm sinking, I feel flat a lot of the time, notice myself to be short tempered, less caring, don't care about the state of the house, less time for the kids and my partner, feel anxious at the thought of going out with friends or to any events and am getting weepy a lot. On the other hand I have times when i'm upbeat and relatively content, times when I get things done, though these are not happening as often as they should. I'm even being weepy at work and just seem to be worrying about every little thing and take every little thing to heart.

I know that could probably describe most mums on a bad day but I don't know as I've had really bad depression before (been treated for it and am off the medication and have been for over a year) and the warning signs are there. I don't have anyone to talk to as DP gets upset at the thought of me not being happy with him and my life. Which couldn't be further from the truth, I love him and my children but just don't feel like I should. I just feel a bit flat, a bit not me again and I don't know what to do. I don't want medication. Don't want to go back down that road. What can I do to get rid of this before it gets me again? Don't live near family and don't want to talk to them about it as there's nothing they can do.

Is it only depression if it doesn't go away? The fact that i'm ok sometimes, that's a good thing? Maybe i'm just over analysing?

I'm not sure that I can fully answer your question, but I think it might be important to think about how well you feel you are able to manage the difficult times? Do your coping stratergies work, or not?

hi, I don't have any answers I'm afraid, but just wanted to say that I feel very similar. I could have written your 1st paragraph. I had a miscarriage recently, so I link that to my current state, a reactive 'low'. Which I think makes it easier to 'contain' in my head.

I would agree with concerned, think about your coping strategies. Mine are to do some exercise every day (I walk to work), not to do too much stressful stuff, calling old friends, arranging to see sympathetic friends. I've also arranged to get away for the weekend about once a month visiting friends. What are yours?

I think it sounds like you are getting depressed again, thats how I feel atm and I know Im slipping back into it.
I know with mine that its things around me that cause it.

ie i suffer from pretty bad anemia which makes me tired
When the housework suddenly spirals out of control
When I lose sleep and dont catch up on it
When Im not eating properly
Stress
When I just generally have too much to cope with.

If you can recognise the symptoms then I think you can do constructive things to rectify the situation. I think you should tell your dp, but only so that he knows you are struggling a bit, you dont have to word it as depression, just say your finding things a bit tough atm. You need him on side. Can he take some of the burdon from you? do the housework so that you could take time out for yourself?
I think the fact that you are ok sometimes is a good thing :) i find talking about it massively helps, I have no one in rl I can really speak to so coming on here is my outlet. Plus I know people on here have/are going through what I am and wont judge me. Hope that made some sense. Im a bit wooly headed atm.

You never came back Grumpalo, how are you?

Hello, Grumpalo. I'm in tears reading your post. I know it's no consolation but I could have written it, too. Let us know how you're getting on.