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motdakasha · 07-03-2003, 05:22 AM

It sounds to me like you're describing lethargy more than depression. You sound like you feel you lack self-confidence, which you think stems from the lethargy.
Lethargy can sometimes be an indicator of things that don't involve counselling, but medicine. My mother acted the way you describe for a few years. She went to a doctor and it turned out she had hypothyroid problems. The slowing down of regularity in her thyroid glands caused her to be lethargic, sleep a lot, feel depressed, etc. She takes medicine for it regularly now, but that isn't the only part of her recovery. She is required to exercise X amount of hours/times a week. She's much more active now and seems to be more cheery.
As for me, I have a sleeping disorder which causes me to feel lethargic. I am also supposed exercise X amount of hours/times a week. When I do exercise, I feel a huge positive change in my self-confidence and energy.

See a regular doctor. If it's nothing medical, and you haven't experienced it for more than a year (two years or more is usually defined as chronic), then the doctor will probably make similar recommendations as these:
a) Try to eat healthier. This doesn't mean some strict bland nazi diet. You're supposed to change your diet slowly, and it's supposed to be permanent. Take small steps one at a time, not all at once. Try eating less junk food and more fruits and vegetables instead. Cook your own food instead of eating out. Cut back on caffeine and/or avoid carbonated drinks and coffee. Try drinking water or fruit juices instead.
b) Regular exercise. Try exercise that raises your heart rate to a faster than normal, but consistent beat for more than 10 minutes. If you have a hard time committing to something on your own, try to get a friend involved. Take a class, so you feel you've invested in something and can't back down. Do your best to commit to regular (fun) exercise. Try hiking early in the morning or late at night. If you hike where it's hilly, you don't have to jog or anything to raise your heartbeat, just a fast walk. Aim for 2 or more times a week.
3) Get regular sleep. Regular exercise and regular diet help you achieve this. Some doctors have recommended slightly warmed milk (microwaved) 30-45 mins. before bed. Don't exercise too close to your desired bedtime because the adrenaline can keep you awake. Try to get about 8 hours of sleep. Oversleeping can make you feel more tired than not getting enough sleep. Try not to let your schedule fluctuate too much.

Hope this helps.

07-03-2003, 05:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
motdakasha Hiya Puddin'! Miss me? Location: Silicon Valley, CA	It sounds to me like you're describing lethargy more than depression. You sound like you feel you lack self-confidence, which you think stems from the lethargy. Lethargy can sometimes be an indicator of things that don't involve counselling, but medicine. My mother acted the way you describe for a few years. She went to a doctor and it turned out she had hypothyroid problems. The slowing down of regularity in her thyroid glands caused her to be lethargic, sleep a lot, feel depressed, etc. She takes medicine for it regularly now, but that isn't the only part of her recovery. She is required to exercise X amount of hours/times a week. She's much more active now and seems to be more cheery. As for me, I have a sleeping disorder which causes me to feel lethargic. I am also supposed exercise X amount of hours/times a week. When I do exercise, I feel a huge positive change in my self-confidence and energy. See a regular doctor. If it's nothing medical, and you haven't experienced it for more than a year (two years or more is usually defined as chronic), then the doctor will probably make similar recommendations as these: a) Try to eat healthier. This doesn't mean some strict bland nazi diet. You're supposed to change your diet slowly, and it's supposed to be permanent. Take small steps one at a time, not all at once. Try eating less junk food and more fruits and vegetables instead. Cook your own food instead of eating out. Cut back on caffeine and/or avoid carbonated drinks and coffee. Try drinking water or fruit juices instead. b) Regular exercise. Try exercise that raises your heart rate to a faster than normal, but consistent beat for more than 10 minutes. If you have a hard time committing to something on your own, try to get a friend involved. Take a class, so you feel you've invested in something and can't back down. Do your best to commit to regular (fun) exercise. Try hiking early in the morning or late at night. If you hike where it's hilly, you don't have to jog or anything to raise your heartbeat, just a fast walk. Aim for 2 or more times a week. 3) Get regular sleep. Regular exercise and regular diet help you achieve this. Some doctors have recommended slightly warmed milk (microwaved) 30-45 mins. before bed. Don't exercise too close to your desired bedtime because the adrenaline can keep you awake. Try to get about 8 hours of sleep. Oversleeping can make you feel more tired than not getting enough sleep. Try not to let your schedule fluctuate too much. Hope this helps. __________________ =^-^= motdakasha =^-^= Just Google It. BA Psychology & Photography (I'm not going psychoanalyze you nor will I let you cry on my shoulder. Have a nice day.) Last edited by motdakasha; 07-03-2003 at 05:26 AM..