Do you ever feel like some has covered you with a thick heavy blanket, pressing you down from standing up tall to slouching down?

[MadreInglese]

Put this in mental health as I can't find the old feeling depressed topic (has that gone?)

I feel like I've been deflated and just want to lie on the floor even my face feels as heavy as lead. Not physically tired, I could happily go and sweat at the gym, but smiling feels like a massive effort.

I get like this sometimes and almost get beside myself worrying or feeling sad about something, then it lifts and I feel normal again and I forget. Then it happens again. Sometimes it lasts minutes, sometimes days. Sometimes I can recognise that it's happening and just ride it through because I know it's temporary, IYSWIM.

I wouldn't say I have massive mood swings but I definitely feel more sensitive to things on different occasions. It doesn't seem to be PMT related either.

Yesterday was my birthday and I had a lovely day and was really spoilt by my lovely family and friends, I know I'm really lucky to have them all in my life. I feel ungrateful in a way that I can't keep the happiness going and I don't want people to think it's just post-birthday blues.

It's not all-consuming, the feeling is more like a chipped tooth (for want of a better analogy), it doesn't really hurt and sometimes I forget it's there, but it always is there and sometimes I'm aware of it and sometimes not.

Am I hormonal (maybe)? Depressed (don't think I am)? Or just normal and over-thinking things (more likely)? Sorry this is a bit rambly, does this make any sense at all?

Hi Madre -

No advice really but just wanted to say sorry you are feeling so low.

I have felt something similar to you - Usually it's when I'm under alot of stress and I get the feeling that I am "outside of myself looking in" and that everything I do is a lot of effort : like walking through treacle. It can be when I'm sleep deprived or when I'm feeling worried about something.
I think it could be a sign of depression.

Do you have any other symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, difficulty making decisions, not getting any enjoyment from things you normally like doing?

Hopefully, others better qualified than me will be along to advise ...

Hope you feel stronger soon though - what you are experiencing sounds really awful x

Thanks CTGH

That is almost exactly how am I feeling, that "outside myself looking in". I was at an aerobics class last night that we do in front of a massive mirror and I was watching my arms and legs moving and thinking how I couldn't actually really feel them moving. It's like I 'watched' myself enjoy my birthday yesterday. Just bizarre.

I'm sleeping ok and functioning almost perfectly, but I do feel under stress with work and other commitments and Christmas coming up, etc.

It's just odd and a bit unnerving.

Yes, it's definitely a stressful time of year, I'm feeling it too!!

But at least you are out there exercising!! (That's what I should be doing ....) Hat's off to you ...

I think it could be a sub-conscious coping mechanism, ie a way of distancing ourselves from the stress ... dunno, could be talking through my hat

The point is, what to do aobut it ...if it having a significant negative impact on your daily life then it might be an idea to go to your gp?

Or could you take other measures such as some time out for yourself - go away for a couple of days - visit a friend - step up the exercise - better food/sleep regimes -whatever is practicable.

I think it's always a good idea to take heed when our bodies send us "warnings" in the form of symptoms like these .... I wish I could take my own advice btw

Also, if you search the threads, I think there are references to certain on-line "tests" you can take which identify whether you are suffering from depression or not ..

off out now, back later

Yes I think need to listen to my body but you're right, it's sooo hard to take your own advice.

I probably need to slow down a bit, say no to a few things.

I don't know what a gp visit would do tbh, I can't see myself ever taking ADs or anything like that. No stigma about it, I just personally don't like the idea of them.

I think this is waht you mean www.thelindenmethod.co.uk/depersonalisation-derealisation/

It's awful, really unpleasant and classic symptom of anxiety/depression.

I always say I feel like a ghost when I have it...sort of drifting away

Fizzbuzz that link is spooky!

I will have a proper read of it later, thanks.

Bizarrely I feel quite lifted today, maybe it's all the snow....