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Post by judejude on Oct 29, 2008 11:19:42 GMT -5
 Well, I have had depression most of my life and although I take meds there is still left over issues. The biggest, and most noticeable issue I have is low energy!!!!! This affects everything. Wanting to do stuff with my daughter - just any kind of thing that takes energy. I really just end up doing the bare minimum, but I do try to stay positive and remember that I could be doing nothing at all. I've done fairly well at not shaming myself. I used to but I've gotten better. My husband deals with depression too and has the same low energy problems. This is both good and bad since he never says anything about how we live, but then again he doesn't help matters either. I do a lot of cleaning one thing at a time or one area at a time (when I do it) and the house is never clean all at once...and only people who live here, or are here all the time notice when some space is cleaned up - it's hard to see it when there's still so much mess everywhere else. We say we're white trash and some of our family makes fun of us because we have stuff all in the driveway most of the time, etc. Everyone thinks we are either white trash and/or living like this is part of who we are..... I guess it is part of who we are, but only because it's been this way so long - not because we don't care. I guess people without depression, or without this issue, assume that if you didn't like living like that you would clean up your dang house. I wish it were so simple. I hope this board helps some, but at the very least I could use the support.
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Post by messymimi on Oct 29, 2008 13:11:01 GMT -5
Welcome, judejude !
Yes, people without this issue just don't understand. In the same way that people who have never been depressed wonder why you can't just snap out of it, or people who are naturally good at math don't get why you find calculus difficult.
Here you will find people who understand why you have stuff on the front porch that needs to be picked up, and you just can't bring yourself to do it right now.
For the low energy, check your thyroid. If it seems okay, you might have what is called subclinical low thyroid. That means you fall within the range of what most doctors consider normal for thyroid hormone, but it really is too low for you. It is often difficult to get a doctor to treat that.
Do you try to up your energy with sugar or soft drinks? That can lead to rebound low energy.
Since you are able to clean one area at a time, why not try cleaning an area and practicing maintaining it for a while. Then expand the area outward from there. Some people find that works.
This is a great place to find support, suggestions, and many creative ways to tackle the issues that plague us all.
I'm glad you are here.
messymimi
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Post by messymimi on Oct 29, 2008 14:34:06 GMT -5
Well, a funny thing just happened, so I am posting this reply separately instead of editing my previous reply. If you've already read that reply, you might miss this, and it might help a bit.
I was listening to the radio and heard the following. A University of Georgia study of people who are persistently fatigued found that when they exercised for 20 minutes, 3 times a week, they cut feelings of fatigue in half. They also boosted their energy by 20%.
If it is okay with your doctor, and you don't already, you might try taking a walk 3 - 4 times a week for 20 or 30 minutes. It can't hurt.
Also, if my suggestions are things you are already trying, and they don't help, just ignore me. 
messymimi
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Post by judejude on Oct 29, 2008 17:27:46 GMT -5
I have a friend who had her thyroid checked and it was fine but she took thyroid meds anyway and she said she thought she saw some improvement. I have had mine checked and it is also normal. I have wondered about this but am not sure it would help. I realize there are a ton of things I could be doing to increase my energy level and feel better, but you first have to get yourself to do those things - thus the problem. When I take a walk or do something real active I do feel better sometimes... however, my old therapist used to say that if you make yourself take a walk and then you're glad you did then you are on the right path, but if, like in my case, you take a walk and the whole time you are hating it and wish you hadn't gone then it's probably depression. It varies. Sometimes if I do one thing it helps me get going, but not all the time. Good idea about the keeping one area clean for a period of time. I don't do that now, but when I do clean it is usually spontaneous and it is just one area or one room. I could probably do that - it doesn't seem too daunting. thanks for the welcome and advice oh ya, and I don't do the caffeine or sugar thing....well, not regularly anyway  |
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Post by notsomessyshell on Oct 29, 2008 18:18:05 GMT -5
Welcome!! This is the place for understanding, encouragement and wonderful suggestions that really work. I understand the fatigue. I just went through a few days of not wanting to leave my bed. I am taking new vitamins and acai juice. It is finally helping. Do you sleep well at night? I had big sleeping issues and that made me tired all the time. I was not getting to the deep sleep so my body was not really resting during the night. Now I am sleeping all night. Depression is so misunderstood. My mother doesn't get it! My meds are "just a placebo". Yeah right, mom. Thanks for the support. I get the "just get up and do something" from her, too. Well if I could get up I would do something!!! I have found that even when I am feeling very fatigued the WIT thread on Listzilla is a big encouragement. Just picking up 3 scraps of paper is worth posting about! Then you see the feedback and kudos you get from everyone here you will feel like doing just a little bit more. Chat is a good motivator, too. Sorry this is long. I am one of the more longwinded ones here. |
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Blackswan
Banned
Joined: October 2008
Posts: 6,388
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Post by Blackswan on Oct 29, 2008 19:06:32 GMT -5
I have the low energy thing too. I find it has been helpful to accept it and plan for it, instead of constantly wishing I was different. I have depression too, but recently I have been doing very well and having really happy days. Not sure if any of this is what YOU need, but here is what has worked for me: A SAD lightbox - ($50 online, not just for seasonal affective disorder anymore!) This has made a HUGE improvement in my quality of life, and all I have to do is have it on in the background for 30 minutes as I get ready in the morning. Supplements - St. John's wort, 5HTP (Tryptophan to make serotonin) and Omega 3. Exercise Desqualoring my house!  The hard work helped my mood, and brought a sense of accomplishment, and it is great now to see that I really can live in a clean house. I am hoping that as you go on your journey you will be able to take care of the squalor and the depression. This site has been immeasurably helpful to me, and i hope you find the same. 
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Post by Mystic Pegasus on Oct 30, 2008 5:16:18 GMT -5
Hi judejude! Welcome! I'm Crystal Pegasus, from the other forum, who listed this site. Glad you have joined and hope you will find the encouragement and support to achieve what you want. |
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Post by threeg on Oct 30, 2008 19:12:26 GMT -5
Hi Judejude. Welome! I have fought depression most of my life, (from childhood to age 61,) and I also have low energy due to chronic pain from arthritis and a sleep disorder as well. I found the old board, Squalor Survivors, in 2003 or 2004, and it slowly changed my life! This board continues to inspire me and help me continue to fight the messy gene and the blues. 3g |
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Post by crazycatlady on Oct 31, 2008 17:48:59 GMT -5
Hey, JudeJude! (I love the Beatles!) I suggest that you talk to your prescribing MD about the fatigue. Let the doc know how much of a problem it is, and hopefully they can help. Don't add any supplements or herbal remedies to prescription medications without the doctor's approval, because sometimes they can interact badly.
If a 20-30 minute walk is too much for now, maybe a smaller goal would help. I know that I couldnt clean for 15-30 minutes when I started, but did 5 minute challenges a lot. Exercise is the same, start small, and establish the habit. Later on you can add time, as you begin to feel better!
Welcome to SooS!
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