What am I experiencing?

[anascrecca]

I'm feeling pretty bad mentally at the moment. I'm sure it's related to the changes in everyday life related to the Covid restrictions. I was feeling great last January to March, full of motivation and ideas for the future, enjoying life and making lots of social plans. This enthusiasm carried on for a couple of months into the first lockdown then my mood has gradually declined. I'm now feeling overwhelmed with even small tasks, like listing items online to sell or give away. I've had to give up one of the voluntary projects that I run as it feels too stressful. Today I've been asked if I want to do a project with someone , It's the kind of work I want to do but It's sent me into a kind of panic attack this afternoon . My head's spinning, feel tearful etc. Can't even think how to approach the situation. Seems like I only have the emotional energy to tackle the simplest mundane things. Is anyone else experiencing this and does anyone have any suggestions? I just want to get back to my normal self where I can actually do things.

Sorry it's all one paragraph, I should have checked the layout before posting.

Sorry you are feeling this way. It sounds like depression to me, perhaps you should visit your GP?

Sounds like understandable burnout/overwhelm, maybe some situational depression? And ability to do things is like physical fitness; if you get out of the habit of having several projects on the go involving lots of organisation and social interaction and stuff, when the opportunity does arise they're going to be harder work and more daunting — a kind of deconditioning.

I think this sounds very much like nervous exhaustion. Nervous exhaustion tends to lead in time to generalised anxiety and depression.

If you have not experienced this before then it is bound to be quite a disarming experience, but i think you owe it to yourself to recognise that you have at least a degree of mental illhealth which is nothing to be ashamed of and very common. It is not surprising that people who normally cope okay are being pushed beyond their limit atm.

There are many antidepressants which also act as effective anti anxiety treatments too. I do think you should see a gp and quite possibly request a sick note as it seems you may be too ill to work just now, your gp should ascertain this.

My strongest advice is to get hold of a copy of a book that can be a life saver "Self help for your nerves" by dr claire weekes covers nervous exhaustion and how to promote recovery. You are not alone and you can and will recover from this.

Howev

You sound impatient and i understand, but returning to normal does take time. I think dr weekes compares it to breaking a leg. You need to rest your mind for the normal healing processes of the body to return equilibrium once again.

Thanks for your posts everyone.lots of food for thought. I've had depression and anxiety and medication before and this feels a bit different. I've been working part time as usual throughout the last year and seem to cope ok with the everyday work, it's just the 'extra' things I can't face.

I have been off medication for 9 years now and felt fine until last Summer. Might have to consider it again to get through this.

Thanks @Linearpark I'll check out the book. @Linearpark your comment makes a lot of sense to me.
All helpful thanks . I guess I need to give it time. Children only been back at school three days.

@CrayonInThreeBits your comment made a lot of sense to me about the deconditioning.

I second @Linearpark, dr Claire weeks is astounding. Saved me from a full breakdown.

Of course it’s hard to say here if it’s 100% going to have the same impact as it has with me and linear. It helps especially with panic attacks.

Have you had those would you say? X

@Hemlock2013

I second *@Linearpark*, dr Claire weeks is astounding. Saved me from a full breakdown.

Of course it’s hard to say here if it’s 100% going to have the same impact as it has with me and linear. It helps especially with panic attacks.

Have you had those would you say? X

I'm not sure, this afternoon felt a bit panicky or maybe an anxiety attack if they are different. I actually went under my duvet to calm down.

You poor thing, sounds like a call to the drs maybe?? X

How are things OP, hope you are okay.

What you're feeling is what you're feeling ... Are you looking for a diagnosis?
It sounds so normal OP in reaction to these times and all the strain you will have been under. I think many of us aren't even aware of the constant tension coming from fears about the virus, constant rule changes, lack of social contact etc, but our bodies know it. What is your body saying No to?

I find meditation and breathing exercises really helpful. I do a five minute breathing practice on you tube several times a day which calms me down.

Hi, I think it's a reaction to lockdown and my brain is rejecting getting involved in too much too soon. I've been at work the last two days and felt lots better. I seem to struggle when I've got a bit more spare time and feel pressured to do some productive. I think if I'm just kind to myself and gradually build up my activities that might work and doesn't feel too daunting. I'm reluctant to go on meds as previously they have made me gain weight which I am struggling with anyway at the moment. I find ASMR YouTube videos are helping, very calming. Thanks for your replies.