What's The Difference Between Ptsd And Depression?

[Notsowild]

These last few weeks have been really rough for me. I had more suicidal thoughts and I've been more emotional. I know all about anxiety and panic attacks. I've had them for years even though there more frequent and intense. I've never had depression ( that I know of). I also feel more lethargic and tired. Is this a sign of depression or just PTSD ? Thanks

 

[arfie]

In my mind, depression is only one element of my PTSD. Some of those emotional responses, anxiety and panic attacks tax my physical systems enough that I exhaust myself. I have often felt lethargy that I think is nothing more than a need for rest, though depression can also make me lethargic. Can. What I call depression can also cause me to run around carrying my doomsday soap box...

I think my suicidal thoughts are definitely depression. I think... I can't even be certain inside my own skin, much less somebody else's. The mind is a mysterious place.

Hope you get yours sorted, Notso.

 

[Notsowild]

Thanks @arfie... So you always thought you had them at the same time? I know I've been seeing a trauma therapist maybe it's just bringing out some stuff. I know I cry now. He said I showed no emotion at our first session. This just gets to be too much for me.

 

[Rizen]

I've noticed when I'm depressed the would seems to look less colorful. I mean that literally; it's weird.

My PTSD feels more like stress or anger than sadness so I'm not sure how it works for other people.

I hope you feel better.

 

[Notsowild]

Thanks @Rizen... How do you deal with this everyday?

 

[Rizen]

Thanks @Rizen... How do you deal with this everyday?

PTSD and depression can be hard to live with. An important thing I learned is not to wallow in either; if I'm able to go for a walk or do something to cheer myself up (but not destructive stuff like drinking or eating) it's good to do those things. Feeling sad or mad doesn't help any but sometimes it's unavoidable. We need to be good to ourselves too.

Edit, I meant to say "the world seems to look less colorful" in post 4. That's the kind of mistake I make when I'm stressed :/

 

[laurelheorot]

I've noticed when I'm depressed the would seems to look less colorful. I mean that literally; it's weird.

This happens to me, too! The world literally looks duller, like someone has put a strange grey-ish tint over all the colours.

An important thing I learned is not to wallow in either; if I'm able to go for a walk or do something to cheer myself up (but not destructive stuff like drinking or eating) it's good to do those things.

I agree with this too. I have a list of "happy things" on my wall and in my wallet that I pull out when I feel especially depressed, so that I don't have to spend precious energy thinking of things I can do to help me feel better. The activities can be anything from "go for a walk" to "watch one of your favourite funny YouTube clips" to "read something" or "go on an outing to the museum/park/pool/cafe". It helps to have a wide range of activities: indoor/outdoor; active/inactive; alone/with people, etc, to cater to my various moods and abilities. Sometimes I just can't deal with the idea of going for a walk, so I'll read my book or cook something yummy; other times cooking (i.e. using knives/flames) is too dangerous for my mood (i.e. I might self harm), so I'll call a friend. This helps me negotiate my depression - which, for the record, I personally see as part of my PTSD and not separate from it) which can get pretty crippling if I don't do something about it quickly.

Hope that all makes sense!

 

[shimmerz]

@laurelheorot it seems to me that there are feelings compounded over other feelings that lay on top of other feelings. It sounds to me like you are getting past one set of emotions and digging a bit deeper - getting to the emotions that underlie the ones you have learned to live with. Although it may be uncomfortable as they seem foreign to you, I would encourage you to accept them and ask your therapist about them and maybe they can help direct you how to let it go. It sounds like you are getting somewhere! This process is not for the faint of heart!

 

[laurelheorot]

it seems to me that there are feelings compounded over other feelings that lay on top of other feelings

Yes, this is exactly it! It's as though I feel like I can't see very far ahead. I'm quite good at dealing moment-to-moment, but when I try and think of what emotions lay more broadly or persistently under the surface, things get quite foggy. It's as though my brain starts shutting down and says "Nope. You're not allowed to go to the feelings-under-feelings bit yet. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200".

Now that you mention it @shimmerz, it's definitely something to bring up with my therapist. Thanks for the encouragement :)

 

[shimmerz]

No problem @laurelheorot ! You deserve it! I like this

"Nope. You're not allowed to go to the feelings-under-feelings bit yet. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200".

I see it a little bit differently now though. It is uncomfortable because you are learning a new language. The language of your body, mind, heart and soul all trying to communicate together for once. Some parts have protected you from experiences that other parts are insisting that you know about. Learn the language and it will sound more like a song than nails on a chalkboard!

 

[laurelheorot]

Oh, wow @shimmerz. That is really enlightening and makes a lot of sense - thank you! I look forward to learning the language so I can understand the song!

 

[Notsowild]

@laurelheorot ... I love your ideas:p. I think I'll write down a list of things to do when I'm feeling low. Because when I'm in that zone I can't think at all. Thanks

PS. I'm a cook so I'm always near knives and flames:eek: