Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Etta1]

Hi, I'm new here, honestly don't know where else to turn. I spiralled into depression a year ago. Nothing seriously wrong with my life, I have a supportive husband, grown up children, friends, yet am struggling to cope .. tried antidepressants & counselling. Each day is getting a little harder. I feel as if my brain & memory have stopped functioning. Even simple daily tasks seem impossible..

[tyme]

Hey @Etta1 ,

Welcome to the forums.

I'm so sorry to hear how hard things are for you.

Do you have any particular interests?

I'm sure there are many others who can related to how you are feeling at the moment.

Please know you are not alone.

[Etta1]

I used to be full of life, enjoyed the outdoors, bike riding, bushwalking etc, however knee problems/ replacement left me with pretty much swimming and water activities only. Also loved reading and a whole lot of other things, which I'm unable to enjoy and therefore make myself do anymore. How is it possible to lose interest in life so badly? Am struggling to eat. I would love to hear from anyone who managed to recover and any possible tips.. I, myself managed to pull myself out in the past, but this time it is so much worse. I am struggling to find that light in the tunnel 😔

[SBE]

@Etta1 @I’m sorry to hear you are struggling. It is a good step that you reached out in here. Having a willingness to find help is a great first step. 

I was once given an activity to find the smallest joy in every day. This was even a cup of tea or patting my dog, I had to write this down every day for a few weeks. I think about this activity to this day as it made me realise the smallest things that have an impact. 

sometimes if you are having negative thoughts it can be good to have a people bringing you different perspectives or ideas. There are some brilliant self help books and podcasts. Such as On Purpose with Jay Shetty. It may not always work but sometimes even doing basic chores or driving and listening to people with new ideas or potential tools (yoga, meditation, gratitude journaling etc) could be helpful. You can always try and if it’s not for you, try something else.

Wishing you all the best.