Depression

[I am Ivo, hear me roar]

I've been going through a bout of depression lately; it's far from clinical, but it's more intense than the usual "blues" I sometimes get. I find it's making it hard to get motivated to do things I need to do. Prayers would be appreciated.

[thewriteranon]

I suffer from clinical depression, so I know what you mean about being unmotivated.

[Cerebrum123]

[Truthseeker]

[Teallaura]

ing

I have battled depression so I do understand how hard it is but one of the first steps to getting better is doing stuff. Get out of the house and find something to do. Walk in the park, volunteer, aggravate the neighbor's dog until they yell at you - anything is better than sitting there, even though you don't feel up to it.

We love you, Kid.

[I am Ivo, hear me roar]

Thanks Teal and everyone.

I really appreciate all the support and I don't won't anyone to worry about me. Like I said, my depression is far from clinical, but it's more intense than I'm used to.

I think it's due to a combination of internal and external factors. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder, so I'm usually mildly depressed until the start of spring weather. I've also struggled with intrusive thoughts my whole life, and I've been dealing with a particularly nasty onslaught these past few months. Finally, I recently graduated from school and won't be going back to work until the end of the month, so right now I feel like my life has stalled.

Basically, I feel like the world outside is dead, my life has been put on hold, and I have nothing to do with my time but dwell on the troublesome thoughts bombarding my internal monologue (intellectually I realize that's not true, but that's how it feels).

[hamster]

Hope you feel better.. have you ever considered audiobooks? Sometimes letting your mind rest and listen to a good story is very therapeutic

[Kind Debater]

I have been there myself, at least with the depression and demotivation.

[Raphael]

Praying for you Ivo.

And always when someone is battling depression, I like to offer this resource which is having a hugely impact in helping people in NZ battling depression
http://www.depression.org.nz/

[Teallaura]

Thanks Teal and everyone.

I really appreciate all the support and I don't won't anyone to worry about me. Like I said, my depression is far from clinical, but it's more intense than I'm used to.

I think it's due to a combination of internal and external factors. I suffer from seasonal affective disorder, so I'm usually mildly depressed until the start of spring weather. I've also struggled with intrusive thoughts my whole life, and I've been dealing with a particularly nasty onslaught these past few months. Finally, I recently graduated from school and won't be going back to work until the end of the month, so right now I feel like my life has stalled.

Basically, I feel like the world outside is dead, my life has been put on hold, and I have nothing to do with my time but dwell on the troublesome thoughts bombarding my internal monologue (intellectually I realize that's not true, but that's how it feels).

[Truthseeker]

Having plenty of blue light indoors where you are may help your seasonal affective disorder. Costco in the USA were selling blue light lamps the last time I was there.

[DLAbaoaqu]

I'm going through it too and I can't explain it.

[One Bad Pig]

Everyone struggles with intrusive thoughts (those who actually try to combat them, at any rate). We wrestle not against flesh and blood...

[Truthseeker]

I just read that gluten may be a big factor in depression. Because of various breeding techniques, the amount of gluten in foods are at record levels today.

You could at least check yourself for gluten intolerance. Try to cut out gluten from your diet completely and see what happens.

[I am Ivo, hear me roar]

Thanks again everyone!

I'm actually feeling somewhat better now. I'd reached a nadir when I posted the OP.

I think the main thing that's bothering me now is the intrusive thoughts. I'm aware of the standard advice not to engage them, to ignore, to just let them "blip" through my mind; however, I find it almost impossible to do that in practice. So if you could pray that I'd have some peace in that regard, I'd be very grateful.