Keeping busy to ward off depression?

[Keen]

Yeah. Sometimes I feel like there is just too much to deal with. I'll never have time to do it all. I'll probably still be pretty messed up even if I make it to 100 years old. But hopefully I can become more functional sooner than that. Otherwise, I might as well just end it quickly.

 

[Deadman]

from my experience it catches up with you eventually.

I can definitely second that.

 

[whiteraven]

I think its kind of both.
Not being busy, even for like 30 minutes, I start getting depressed. Its like...

This all sounds very familiar to me. I thought I would be perpetual student because it felt like that was all I was good at doing. It was also the only time I was functional, or at least relatively so. I got an AD, a BS, and an MA. And still, I don't have a job in any of the fields for which I studied. Oh, and none of the fields were anything I actually wanted to do in the first place (long story).

I've dealt with that "purpose" question for a long time. Thing is, I've really known what it was all my life, I just didn't realize it. i think I was looking too hard. It sounds like you actually did pursue what you wanted in school and you have a future goal to pursue a Masters? Is that accurate? Is it possible to work on some of the stuff that is creating stress for you now and set goals for your dreams? It sounds like the job will come, and working on the trauma and depression is important, and both of those things should help your depression. Having goals and something to look forward to will also help with the development of that sense of purpose.

Best.

 

[Keen]

This all sounds very familiar to me. I thought I would be perpetual student because it felt like th...

Thanks for your response, it feels really good for someone else to understand just what its like to only feel functional at school and not much else in life.
You know, I'm not really sure what kind of career I want to pursue. I want my Masters because you can't do much with a BS in psychology and because the options you can do just don't seem for me.
I definitely think you're right, I need to get this trauma and depression taken care of so that they are not interfering so much with my life. I just wish I also were able to do other fulfilling things in the meantime, that the anxiety and PTSD didn't stop me from doing something meaningful like volunteering or at least making money so I can do meaningful stuff with my friends. I feel trapped in my apartment most of the time, only able to leave for therapy or with my roommate somewhere when she isn't working.

 

[whiteraven]

Thanks for your response, it feels really good for someone else to understand just what its like to only...

Oh, I'm sure there are all kinds of volunteer opportunities out there for you. There are likely ones you can use your knowledge and skills with a BS in psychology with, too! Have you started looking anywhere?

 

[Keen]

Oh, I'm sure there are all kinds of volunteer opportunities out there for you. There are likely ones...

There are opportunities, I just havent been in a place to take advantage of them because of severe crippling anxiety.

 

[anthony]

Does anyone get really depressed when they're not keeping themselves really busy?

Yes, to a point. I don't have to keep myself super busy -- just occupied and doing something. I don't need to be in some hyper state though of constant movement. If I sit around for too long, being a day of lazy lounge time, then depression will start kicking my arse. I have to exercise each morning, which usually does the trick for the remainder of each day, as I keep occupied doing different tasks -- going to shops, tidy up, online stuff to do, maybe some server work, so forth.

I have to balance my daily routine. Too much, or too little, can put me into a depressive funk.

 

[Keen]

Yes, to a point. I don't have to keep myself super busy -- just occupied and doing something. I don't need...

Thanks for your response!I'm glad its not just me.

 

[anthony]

I'm glad its not just me.

Trauma is unique. Diagnoses are the same symptoms, same issues, same impact.

 

[Lori0122]

I have a similar issue. I keep myself busy because if I sit down, I have a hard time getting back up. I have a few things I do: I got into cycling a few years ago and it gives me a much needed break in my depression. I was feeling awful yesterday and pushed myself to get on my bike and I felt better before I even got to the end of my street. Walking and running help me too. And I think clearly and have new ideas when I ride. I also listen to podcasts...they're free and there are endless topics. I get a lot done and time flys by while I listen. Afterward, I feel like I've been productive and I got a break, both of which help me get through some stuff spots. These work for me so it's just a matter of finding what helps you. Don't stop looking and be open to trying new things. I know that first step can be hard but it's worth it.

 

[Keen]

I have a similar issue. I keep myself busy because if I sit down, I have a hard time getting back up....

Thanks! Yes, when I can get myself to do active things, it really helps. Those are great thoughts.