struggling....

[starryfish]

I dont know if this is the "funk" that a lot of people are in right now due to the holidays or more...

But lately I have really been struggling mentally with:
-going to work out (usually this is never a big struggle for me, I might skip 1x a week but turn that into the planned rest day. Now i have been skipping 3-4 times a week.)
-Being productive with my free time (normally I love being productive at my house or running errands, but lately I am struggling with doing it and being happy about it).
-I am dating (been divorced almost 4 years), and am struggling with that too (been on 5 dates with the same guy but we arent exclusive).

I just feel like all the above are abnormal for me, especially for me to experience all 3 at the same time. My family has a history of depression, so I am wondering if I am depressed or if its just the pre-holiday blues? I used to see a therapist earlier this year (when I started seriously dating again just to talk thru the dating stuff) and am going to make an appt with her for this week hopefully.

Any tips/thoughts/ideas? This has been going on for a couple of weeks now....

[Deleted]

Maybe holiday blues?

[Deleted]

It could just be the holiday blues. But I'd say if it lasts longer than a month, it *could * be depression. Sounds like you know what to do by seeing your therapist. And since your family has a history, meds could be helpful. I have anxiety, along with a family history of it. If I didn't take something to help me, I think I'd have flipped out by now!!

[doriswe]

Sorry you're feeling this way! I think going back to your therapist is a great idea and can help you figure out what exactly it is.

((hugs))

[prettyinpearls]

Maybe not the holiday blues, per say, but what about seasonal depression? I know with the time change and starting to get dark at 4:00 it can really mess with people. I can't remember what part of the country you're from, so if this doesn't apply to you forget I even said anything

((hugs))

[starryfish]

Dec 10, 2012 10:13:46 GMT -5 @redvelvet29 said:

Where do you live? I have had a hard time adjusting to the darkness and cold weather. I was not going to as many workout classes as I had planned for a few weeks but it has passed and now I am back on track

Dating sucks and it's hard to be single this time of year but I try to focus on all the good people I have in my life and appreciate that I get to decorate how I want, don't have to hang out with horrible inlaws and don't have to buy lots of presents.

Running errands is boring and I am not really ever happy doing that so I can't help you there

I am in Texas, so its dark when I go workout in the mornings and then gets dark by 530pm.

I worked out this morning but it was TOUGH TOUGH getting up and going, and to be honest, if my sister didnt get up too and go, I probably wouldnt have.

Yeah I think its hard with this time of year and me not being at the place in life I thought I was even though I really do LOVE my current life. AND no crappy in-laws to deal with.

I normally LOVE LOVE running errands and crossing things off my to do list, but not so much lately.

I did just call my therapist and left a message with her to schedule an appt. but I think i know what one of my larger problems is. I am SCARED to be rejected by this new guy after It was so HOT and HEAVY with the last guy (seemed PERFECT) and then he decided he couldnt be with me long term and that rejection was aweful. So now I am at a similar point (but taking this one at normal dating speed) with the new guy and am scared of being rejected or dropped again for no reason. Definitely something to talk about with my therapist.

[dakotadangerdog]

I think loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy is a big indicator of depression. Good thing you are making an appt with your therapist! How's your knee feeling?

[bullygirl979]

Hugs, starryfish! I think seeing your therapist is a great idea. And honestly, it could be either. When I get into funks I don't want to go out either and have a really hard time getting stuff done at home. I usually snap out of them in a few weeks so I would continue to monitor how you are feeling.

[starryfish]

Dec 10, 2012 10:23:20 GMT -5 dakotadangerdog said:

I think loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy is a big indicator of depression. Good thing you are making an appt with your therapist! How's your knee feeling?

Appt scheduled with therapist for THursday.

Knee Doctor Appt is this afternoon. Its doing much better but I have been resting it a lot (see the above skipping of workout). I am hoping he will order an MRI to see if I tore anything

[starryfish]

Dec 10, 2012 10:29:46 GMT -5 bullygirl979 said:

Hugs, starryfish! I think seeing your therapist is a great idea. And honestly, it could be either. When I get into funks I don't want to go out either and have a really hard time getting stuff done at home. I usually snap out of them in a few weeks so I would continue to monitor how you are feeling.

Appt is scheduled. I thought I was just in a funk too....but I remember I emailed you and RP about it before Thanksgiving and it has gotten worse...but good news is, talking about it this morning has really helped the anxiety associated with it go away, i feel calmer already so thats good.

[jade28]

Hugs. I get like this too. Actually, lately I cry pretty regularly for no reason. I think mine though is my BC pill b/c I have other side effects too.

Either way it's normal to experience high and lows and just let yourself feel what you need to feel. Keep exercising and getting cardio - sometimes this alone can combat mild depression. Try journaling and meditating too.

[achase123]

I'm working on a 21 day happiness challenge. I think the holidays are a difficult time. I wouldn't say anything you're going through is abnormal at all.

Here's the link to the TED conference where he talks about the happiness challenge, if you're interested.

www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html

[bostonterrier]

((Starry)) No major advice--glad you're so open to chatting with your therapist. You aren't alone on the gym thing. I'm usually there 4-5x/week, and it's been a massive struggle getting there 1-2x/week. I've been chalking it up to seasonal funk (brother's deployed, so it just isn't going to be much of a holiday for my family).

I hope you're feeling stronger soon.

[missbetty1]

I've been in a funk as well and I hope you feel better soon starryfish.

[spindle92]

Add me to the funk train too.
I think it is good though that you acknowledge it and are doing something about it. Good luck with both appts this week.

[Deleted]

I feel ya! I can't bring myself to work out, or eat healthy or really do anything except park it on my couch.

[starryfish]

Dec 10, 2012 13:34:32 GMT -5 @pdx18 said:

I feel ya! I can't bring myself to work out, or eat healthy or really do anything except park it on my couch.

Oh yes, my eating habits are bad bad bad lately too.....but its weird, i have actually lost a little bit of weight, so i have ZERO motivation to eat healthier... ^o)