Calling any Armchair Psychology Mamas - maybe it's just the middle of the summer blues but I'm in a funk. I'm trying to figure out if I'm depressed or just simply bored?
I'm not crying or sleeping all the time or anything like that but I have been feeding my emotions with food. I'm fatigued alot and living on coffee. I'm also dealing with an as-of-yet unresolved health issue and a new thyroid diagnosis, as well as pressure from the ungodly amount of money we have to spend on therapies for my child with SPD so that makes me wonder if I'm depressed. But when I get the chance to do something fun, I really enjoy it. I seek out friends when I can or when I have the energy. Mostly I find that after I get the kids where they need to be, work PT and keep the house and family running somewhere just above the "chaos" setting, I dont have a lot of emotional or creative energy left over for much else.
What do you think? Depressed or bored - what would you do to feel better?
thanks for your answers everyone. I went to the endocrinologist and my thyroid is way out of whack so I have to give myself a little leeway - I appreciate the reminder that stress is a big factor. It doesnt have to be "bad" to be stress, just too much going on too little fun. I have to say - both my 4th grader and kindergartner are at school ALL day today. There are dishes in the sink and the house is a wreck and they are going to stay that way for most of the day!! Yay freedom!!
I would say "stressed" more than depressed. Also for me I always feel more "down" when I am very tired and not getting enough sleep. Recently I saw a study that backed that up---people who didn't get enough sleep tended to perceive things more negatively. If you are also dealing with thyroid issues and a kid with special needs no wonder it is a struggle.
No not depressed. Just a lot going on right now. Thyroid issues can really
screw things up. Try and get out with girl friends. That always helps
tremendously. Nothing like a few hours with GF to make you feel better.
I find we laugh alot , we rant, we complain and we walk away feeling
wonderful!!
Well, when you say "new thyroid diagnosis," I assume it's hypo, so you might find your mood changes after you go on thyroid replacement.
What's the health issue?
Im waiting on my graves disease diagnosis, and I would have to say thats probably what it is. Im having all kinds of problems. I dont feel right either. Thyroid problems do effect your mood.
Speaking as a counselor myself from what you are describing I would not say you are depressed. I would say more that perhaps you are overly stressed by your health issues and those of your child as well as the financial strain. Try taking some time out of your day and doing something just for you even for a short time like reading your favorite book. Something that brings you pleasure and see if that helps recharge your batteries.
depression and boredom go hand-in-hand - both are lack of fulfillment. boredom is kind of a precursor to depression, imo (you did ask specifically for "armchair" psychologists, not the real thing, right? lol!). and lots of stress for long periods of time can cause that kind of yucky "nothing i do is for me" kind of feeling....find something to do with your time, a hobby or a girls night out every month or a book club - maybe that will help. personally i would also cut out the coffee. there's no need for it - it just causes addictions and messes with your juju :) if you wean yourself off it, replace it with water, you might actually be surprised how much more energy you have. just my experience.
Thyroid issues mess with your energy levels big time. If that is the case it doesn't fall under depression or bored.
Hi C.,
I am not an armchair psychologist but have worked in the industry for 18 years. A lot of peple that are diagnosed with Thyroid problems have depressive symptoms. Have you started medication for your thyroid diagnosis?
