Is anybody else like me and their depression gets worse at night time? Does anybody have any tips to help with it?
I don't know if it is thinking that other people are out having fun or maybe they are out on dates or whatever, but at night my depression gets even worse than during the day.
Go out and do stuff at night, it'll help keep your mind off stuff. I've been basically nocturnal most of my life, so I find it a bit easier anyway. That way you can be busy doing other stuff at night and not worry about it, then just sleep during the day. Helps avoid too much time in the sun too so your skin will thank you
I'm military and a combat veteran (Army) and I struggle at night too. I do my best to eat healthy, and I use my gym membership which is a huge help. Physical fitness can tire you out and at the same time help your mood. For me anti depressants didn't work. For my release and fun, I put on heavy work clothes, steel toed logger boots and dive in the river or lake. Living in the north it gets cold but I still find a way by getting in the shower fully clothed or tub until springtime. Try wearing a hoodie, jeans and boots in a warm shower and just enjoy the heavy weight of the wet clothes its like you are being embraced or hugged
fsgunge said: Is anybody else like me and their depression gets worse at night time? Does anybody have any tips to help with it?
I don't know if it is thinking that other people are out having fun or maybe they are out on dates or whatever, but at night my depression gets even worse than during the day.
Yep...take drugs, go to bed, hope I sleep, wake up, work 12 hours. Rinse, repeat.
Seriously though, it's pretty common. Get off a screen, read a book, get your circadian rhythms in order. If that doesn't work, talk to the doc.
This is a constant problem with a lot of people. I am also ex-military but have been lucky as have always had a relationship until 12 years ago so have been single for a long time now. Yes I get depressed as now it can because of age as I am now not a 20-year-old spring chicken!! Usually, if I start to feel a bit depressed I look around and think of all those who are so much worse off than me such as those without work, no home, etc etc. and I realise that I am certainly lucky. Now when I get that feeling I usually go online and look at a few vids that may contain some of my interests. That sometimes starts up a certain urge as it had this evening. A guy on here has posted a vid of him dressed as a scout and he took a shower..... right up my street despite the fact that I'd love to have someone like that right here!! However, it spurred me to get into one of my old sailor suits (My Royal Yacht Dress Blues) and fill the bath and wallow. WOW do I feel great now.........
fsgunge said: Is anybody else like me and their depression gets worse at night time? Does anybody have any tips to help with it?
I don't know if it is thinking that other people are out having fun or maybe they are out on dates or whatever, but at night my depression gets even worse than during the day.
For me I have nightmares about stuff that comes up and I tend to take a shower with cold or warm water yesterday it was warm water than our myself to sleep with a meditation of sorts
Or I play a film to put me to sleep sometimes make calls or see if I can meet anyone in person
First of all, I want to pay my utmost respect for you people who have served your country in the forces. My 'hat' goes off to you. I have worked with a lot of people in my professional life who suffer with anxiety and depression. Yes, medication can help, but for me it is best used as a 'sticking plaster' to help with feelings while the other stuff that may be at the root of depression is dealt with. Everyone is different and medication isn't for everyone, but one thing that I do see a lot is that eventually everyone will come up with finding ways that will help them through the difficult times, whether that be music, getting wet, chatting on here. If I'm online and anyone wants to chat I'm willing to listen, I most probably won't have any answers or profound statements to say, but sometimes a friendly ear is enough. You're all totally brilliant, unique people. Try, at difficult times, to remember that
Yup, I get a lot of bad thoughts at night. I usually put on an educational podcast and try to go to sleep. If I do fall asleep, that's great! But if I don't right away, at least I learn something and I weirdly feel better about it.
And also radio comedy shows. There is a large back catalogue of my favourite show on Youtube and it's great to listen to in the dark. The moment I notice that I haven't taken notice of it, I flip it off and usually get to sleep.