how long did it take you to get your energy levels back after a "breakdown"?

[909090Gertrude]

I have had three incidences of anxiety and depression in the last 4years, each has lasted between 3 and 6 months probably, ie roughly the time it takes me to realise I need help and then for medication and other strategies to start working. I am now well in terms of the anxiety and depression and have been for about 3 months, ADs are working well. However, I cannot do anywhere near what I used to be able to do in a day/week, as I get tired and can feel myself getting stressed.

Do you think I just need to be patient and things might still improve or is this my new level of functioning? I am not currently working, I have 2 primary school age DC and a supportive husband/family. I feel like I am functioning well and getting done everything I need to get done (eg I do some volunteering and although my husband is supportive he works long hours so I do pretty much all the domestic stuff) but equally I need to factor in "rest days" and "downtime" like I never had to do before...

Thoughts and experiences welcome.

Yep, took me a good eighteen months-two years to feel anything like back to my old energy levels. This is common, I've been told. You will find that you go on a curve of recovery (probably a bit of a wavy one!) but one day you will feel suddenly ok. Bear in mind too that it's been winter - the extra daylight certainly helps once spring comes.

Does help to factor in some different things as well, I find. I have more energy now I have a car - going out for coffee or to do something I really want to do just for me like get a massage or visit an art gallery seems to have an energising effect on the not so fun stuff. Do you have time for you?

I had a nervous breakdown November 2006. I would say I felt like "me" and was functioning at a normal level again, with medication and therapy, by March/April 2008 so that's about 18 months. I don't think I was fully recovered until about 2010ish though, although that could have been down to personal circumstances and the breakdown was pretty severe.

Thank you for the replies. Yes I do have time for myself but I need to be selective about how I use it. I guess I will just ride it out a a bit longer. I'm glad to not be depressed and anxious but it would be nice to be able to feel I could achieve more and cope with more without feeling like it could send me over the edge again.

Can I ask how work factored into your recoveries? Eg time off/capability to do the same role?

Not an issue for me but with those I know who are working outside tge home, it can be variable and it helps to have a good relationship with HR, and maybe someone to advise you such as a MH professional, employment lawyer or union rep if things get tricky.