Dealing with slowness

[hope77]

Hey, everyone. Don't know this one I'm tired all the time feels like I'm going in slow motion. Could it be the meds I'm on or is just that I'm getting old (53) lol? I'm getting enough sleep about eight hours. does depression cause you to be tired all the time? Anyone know how to beat it or do we just push through?

[kattytee]

No! And yes!

No! You're not the only one - in a bad spell I can sleep for 3-4 days straight. I actually don't think I ever have a day in my life (ever!) that I feel energetic.

And yes! I'm sure it's the depression though I'm equally sure meds have something to do with it.

As to how to handle it, I'm not sure! But I can tell you I need a large long black coffee to get me going in the morning!

[kattytee]

Sorry, waaayy too many exclamation marks in that last post *resists temptation to end this sentence with an exclamation mark*.

[utopia]

@hope77. Yes depression can make you tired. Even 8 hours sleep - your brain might still be working overtime, so your sleep may not be fully restful.
Yes, some medication can make you tired. Best to talk to your doctor and see if they suggest a change of medication or dose or other treatment.
Depression makes you unmotivated. Even so, it's important to go for a walk or do some form of exercise every day. I tend to dance when it's wet and cold outside.
Are you seeing a psychologist to help you with breathing and relaxation techniques? I find relaxation or mindfulness exercises in the morning good for getting me more motivated.
The other thing with depression, even when we no longer are in a depressive spiral - is that our brains have learnt new patterns of behavior - sleeping in - not wanting to go out - not learning new things. So we need to retrain our brains to feel more energetic. The more you do - the more your brain regains it's energy and the less tired you will feel. So no, you do not have to just put up with it.
All the best.

[Former-Member]

Hey @utopia what did you do to train your brain to feel more energetic? 

I struggle with the tiredness and not getting out of bed @hope77. Personally I don't think my medication affects this but I know many medications can really have an impact on energy levels. 

[utopia]

@Former-Member. Firstly, my psychiatrist prescribed me sleeping tablets because I wasn't sleeping and my brain was not shutting up. That was necessary for me to then learn coping techniques.
I've had to make myself get out of bed (unless I've fallen into my depression vortex). I try and do the washing in the morning so I can hang it out on the line.
While my son is at school - so I'm alone in the house - I put on some good 80's & 90's rock & I dance. The beat of the music means my body is going to move of it's own accord. The more days I dance - the more I miss it when I'm sick (head cold - runny nose not good for dancing to George Thorougood).
On sunny days I'm in the garden weeding. Doing something physical. 5 months of ignoring the garden and so much rain - I could weed everyday for a month & then have to start again.
So my body is getting used to using it's muscles again. I guess it's a bit like when you were on Summer school holidays and you would sleep in. As soon as school started - you would have to reset your internal alarm clock for getting up early.
I'm just trying to set my internal alarm for more energy. Don't get me wrong though. I still love a pajama day.

[kattytee]

[Former-Member]

I love that @kattytee. Made me smile💜😃

[Former-Member]

Thanks heaps @utopia,

that was really helpful. It's given me some things to think about. Now just have to put some in action🤔😏

[utopia]

@kattytee. I think that pigeon is me today. Have caught a bug so hard to find the energy for anything.
Your picture made me laugh - so then I coughed - & then I peed - sneezed - blew by nose - & laughed again.
I needed a laugh today. Thanks