Anyone on antidepressants?!

[Proudtrout]

Posting here as I'm particularly interested in trying to reconcile my mind with what's normal single parent exhaustion and what actually might be depression?

Had a serious bout of depression yonks ago for an obvious reason and responded really well to medication after trying everything else I could think of.

This time around I'm really confused though- I'm definitely not suicidal or harbouring those types of thoughts but I'm not right. Have tried all the things I tried last time to no avail.

I'm functioning, I'm physically and emotionally responsive to my child but I just feel completely used up and like I'm faking. I find all the little things so overwhelming. Lots of bigger stuff going on too and I just don't have the energy to cope with it all. I feel like my head is full of fluff, can't concentrate on anything. I spend a lot of time crying and am usually in bed by 8. Living on comfort food, can't trust myself to drink alcohol as I've lost the ability to drink in moderation. Don't ever want to socialise (not that I can afford it but used to enjoy an odd night out- now I actively avoid them). I know all the CBT keep moving through it, make yourself see people stuff but it feels so insincere as I end up playing the joker to hide how low I feel.

In short I'm a flipping mess. But I'm a single mum to a toddler with no family locally and struggling for money so am I actually just normal?! Is this just a case of waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel? Are others drowning too?!

Bumping this for you x
How are you feeling now?
I'm suffering with antenatal depression and just started antidepressants a few days ago, so it's too early for me to give you any advice or reassurance as to how they'll help. I'm on dosulepin, which so far has started to help me sleep already, as I was suffering terrible insomnia. No awful side effects thankfully. A bit of a dry mouth and drowsy upon waking. Today I have felt very groggy and slightly drunk all day though :/ but nothing unbearable. Just hoping they kick in properly soon as I'm tired of living in a cloud of misery, having no interest or pleasure in anything. I feel similar to how you've described you feel. So for both of us I think it is depression. Please speak to your GP, and accept antidepressants if they're offered. I wish I accepted them earlier rather than trying to cope alone! Let me know how you get on :) best wishes x

Hi proudtrout recently became single parent of 2 ds after stbxw went off with another man. I am taking antidepressants to try and get back to normal after all the pain and stress she put me through.

Tbh I would say see your gp as a lot of what you’re describing is what I was feeling. It will take at least a month for the pills to make a difference though so don’t be alarmed if you don’t feel any differently straight away. Also, do not drink while on them as it will amplify the negative feelings.

It’s great that you are still functioning in all your parental stuff though, that’s a good sign, my kids helped me at my worst as forced me to get out of bed in the morning to cook, dress them etc.

Feel free to pm me if you want a chat

Well done for posting you sound normal to me and sometimes normal in my eyes may include slight depression especially with a toddler and no family. I have 4 dcs and no family and it’s only now I’m separated and feeling better I have realised I was super depressed. It’s ok though it doesn’t make you a bad Mum!exhaustion won’t help neither will loneliness. You are normal to me!
I would start with sleep, rest and maybe trying to get out of the house a little. I contacted well-being recently and they can offer counselling and a mentor) they find someone impartial to get in touch who has been in your situation and come out the other side. Again pm if you need a chat

Came