If Michelle Obama deals with low-grade depression, considering her successful life, then someone like me, with lifelong severe & mostly untreated-till-recently depression, should be considered a success just getting out of bed at least once a day, let alone holding down a job. And somehow I don't feel like such an abject failure at life, even though the implication may be that maybe I should because even she can get depressed but can also get over it…
I sure didn't have the right "tools" to overcome depression or to live like a normal person most my life. I still can't live like a normal person. At least I am working. And I'm less depressed most of the time on Venlafaxine. Nothing else ever really worked well on me till I tried this. And I'm not 100% out of the woods there either. But most days, I'm better than I was before I started taking an antidepressant.
@Astartiel I am so glad you are finding something working for you. 🤗 this is my trigger time, as the days get shorter, colder... for a combination of reasons. But, knowing this, I force myself beyond all instincts to get out of bed and accomplish thing- little things add up to big relief for me. I think Identifying triggers can be so useful in being proactive in avoiding that downward trickle becoming a free falling spiral. Good sleep too- I use benadryl if really need as it doesn't block dreams
@AlternativeFactsAreLies Yeah, winter coming really tries to pull me back down too, as I'd rather be in warmer climes but can't afford to move, yet. I keep reminding myself that's why I'm working - so eventually I'll be able to afford to go where I'll be happier year round.
@Astartiel all about the goals. When I came out of a depressed time I realized I stopped dreaming, setting goals, I just existed. Good you have a goal!!
As far as fall, im like a walking dichotomy, It's probably my favorite season, cozy sweaters, festivals, upcoming holidays...but it still is a trigger time- my music gets more moody, have a greater sense of longing, emptiness.
@AlternativeFactsAreLies Yeah, depression is a dream killer, to be sure. I've lost so many of mine due to it. I've been using music to help keep my spirits up, specifically Ukrainian music - first Zelenskyy's Kvartal 95 parodies & now a Ukrainian music playlist I've been compiling. https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/favorite-ukrainian-songs/pl.u-leyl0YAsxkEAEo
@Astartiel by the way, curious if Yennefer is your real name? It's the name of a character from one of my fav. video game series (tech. book)
@AlternativeFactsAreLies Well, usually I spell it with a J. The Witcher (books, games, & show) is a favorite of mine as well. So, yeah, I am actually Jennifer, but liking Yennefer better lately. And ironically I work with someone who goes by Raven. 😉
@Astartiel that's awesome, so good, I need to read the books, I played both witcher 2 and 3, witcher 2 is the reason. I still have my old Xbox. Now that I think about it I probably can look into getting it on computer.. been wanting to play again, I'd have to dig out the Xbox lol