Feeling low and negative

[Samantha1571]

I’ve got a 3 year old and 9 month old and my PND has come back and one minute I’m happy and all of a sudden I feel so sad and low. I am getting therapy which hopefully will help but my issue is, I’m such a negative person and always have been but I’ve been so negative recently and it’s definitely affecting my relationship with my partner and I’m being so negative around my kids. I really need to start being positive but I don’t know how to. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a negative person and I really need to change but how!? It sounds silly I know but if I carry on, it will really affect everyone around me. I really don’t know how my partner has put up with me for nearly 10 years. I really wish I was a positive person. My dad and brother are happy and positive people. My step mum is but she has her moment so where did I get it from!? (My mum died when I was 5) is there anything I can do to help so I can change?

I think you sound like you need some professional medical support. When my depression hits (I now know I have bipolar) it feels like I’m negative and have always been. It’s horrible. Every case is individual, but I certainly can’t think myself out of it. Medication takes time to work but it does sort it out for me. Be careful not to undercomplain whilst thinking you’re over complaining. I did that on and off with GP till I went ping in lockdown in my early 50s. I had no idea how ill I had been. All the best.

Don’t try to be super positive just aim for neutral. Change one negative thought a day into something softer like, “This is hard, but I’m trying.” Speak to yourself like you would to your child.

Empathy op. A lot of us on this bored suffer like this and its consuming. Are you taking any medication?

I agree about getting treatment for your depression but also it can help to think of 5 things you are grateful for each day. It can be really small things if you are struggling, such as seeing a pretty flower or enjoying a nice biscuit. It seems silly but I do find it helps me. Remember to be kind to yourself too as you are ill and you wouldn’t criticise a friend or family member if they were in the same position as you.