do you think it is possible to stop depression if you recognise it early enough?

[ditavonteesed]

I have realised today that I have been grumpy, down, crying a lot and generally having no energy and motivation for a week or so, in the past I have never noticed depression creeping up on me but I am wondering since i think I have caught this while I am still in a place that I can force myself to do the stuff that makes me feel bettter whether there is a chance I can stop it.

It's got to be worth a go hasn't it? Also, if you have noticed you can be abit kinder to yourself and feel more in control, rather than pushing yourself and feeling worse. I feel rubbish at the moment, I think the darker weather is really making a difference. Hope you feel better soon.

Yes I know it's possible as I do it myself. As soon as I realise I'm starting down that road I write down how I'm feeling and what I can do to make myself feel better, then I go and do those things. I usually find I come out of it within a few days. Good luck.

I think yes and no. I recognise when I'm on a downward spiral but I can't always pull out of it, possibly because I don't always have the motivation to do it by myself.

It's worth trying tho

Yes definitely. The fact you have noticed the early warning signs means you can do something positive to try turn it around. CBT is what i use, i read a book on it so didn't spend a fortune on therapists but seriously it can work for some people. For me i would say 9 times out of 10 i can turn things around to avoid going into the dark pit!

good luck

I think there are some things you can do to help (though generally the things I least feel like doing when I am on a downward spiral) such as eat a healthier diet, lots of water, fresh fruit etc, cut down on sugar/caffeine etc, long walks in the fresh air, making lists of all the things you have to be thankful for, pray/meditate (if that's your thing).

However, don't beat yourself up if you find you are unable to keep your spirits buoyed up. That's the nature of depression - you can't just 'snap out of it'

thanks for the replies, its silly things really like I sat here bored all day yesterday but there is loads I could do and the house is a tip. Today I have got up and walked the kids to school (been taking the car even though it is only ten mins away), come home and tidied up. It took me until 5pm yesterday to get the motivation to emty the dishwasher. I normally just get up and do things but I noticed I am having to take hours to persuade myself that i can do them, even things like wlakinng the dogs which I love.

Look at what you've achieved already today! Forget about yesterday, that's gone. You've done brilliantly today and it's still morning. Keep going, you can do it.