Posts by restlesshound48

Joseph Bailey41 said:For my part, I don't believe antidepressants are a total cure for depression either, no matter what the tabloids claim or how many "flimsy studies" suggest otherwise. So, where does that leave us? Are we going to debate faith now? I’m happy to chat, but I feel like those conversations belong in different subforums.☕

I agree. I don't believe it either.

It’s not about conspiracy theories. It’s just my view. I know it's on me, but...

Robert Reyes4 said:I don't get the sense that the author is dealing with severe clinical depression involving major chemical shifts in the brain. It feels more like depression triggered by the rough hand life has dealt him.
Plus, he specifically asked what he could do on his own, which is why I offered that suggestion—though, obviously, the standard advice is to go see a professional.
From a psychological standpoint, depression stems from losing faith in two things: that life can actually be good, and that we have any say in how it turns out.
The way out is to rebuild that trust, find some semblance of purpose or joy, and remember that we actually have the power to make moves.

👍

Well put.

I've been through this. There was a glimmer of hope about two years ago. A bit more than that, actually. But after a little optimism—justified, in my eyes—everything collapsed. Things went downhill fast. I spiraled. Everything fell apart.🙄

feralranger said:I have no doubt that Robert Reyes4 suggested this with the best of intentions, and by all means, feel free to give it a shot—it’s certainly not going to cost you anything... however, I find myself rather skeptical given your admission that "overthinking" is your primary struggle. Running is essentially a repetitive motor task that leaves the mind entirely unaccounted for, providing far too much empty space for those intrusive thoughts to wander; therefore, I suspect you might find more success with an activity that actually engages the brain while remaining pleasant and stimulating...

Regardless of my skepticism, we must acknowledge that for certain individuals, the physiological chemical shift triggered by running can be quite beneficial. For some people, that is the case. Personally, I suspect that nothing but the raw act of running would deplete my mood rather than elevate it. But then again, humans are diverse creatures, and what provides solace for one person may offer no relief to another...

In any case, go ahead and try it; there is no harm in testing the theory, and you will soon discover exactly how it affects your own psyche. There are plenty of sports out there that provide that necessary physical outlet while simultaneously keeping the mind occupied...

I think if I were doing something more technical, I'd be more focused on the task at hand.

It would be great to get the brain working. I used to be able to focus for long stretches when I first started, but the real struggle is just getting off the couch. That part keeps getting harder.

Jesse Barnes5 said:Same here. Don't give up—try to find some courage and just take it one day at a time. I know that’s not a perfect fix, but just don't quit. Listen to some music, honey. Just don't overthink things too much or it'll break you. If things get really heavy, hit me up in the DMs.

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Like you said... there isn't really a solution. Every day just feels harder, and "surviving" like this is getting worse. It's not like I'm hitting massive peaks or deep valleys of crisis either. Every day is just more of the same.

Robert Reyes4 said:Honestly, I don't think overthinking is the only issue here. There's a pretty big side of passivity and just not taking action going on too.

The issue is, maybe for the better, that no matter what I try, I've done the right things, but I just don't have the will or the strength. I want to make progress quickly, but time just slips away every single day while I feel myself sliding backward.

Running isn't a bad idea. If I can get the circumstances right, I'll try it within a month.

Andrew Barrett4 said:I guess if you just run or walk until you basically hit a wall, you can actually shut off that constant overthinking. Eventually, you just get too exhausted to care, and once you finally stop, you pretty much pass out immediately.

See, I don't know, but when I'm physically drained, I still need a decent amount of time to actually fall asleep.

I had a pretty demanding job recently that really wore me down, and even then, it took a while before I could finally drift off.
But once I do, I sleep fast and recharge.

And how would that be a long-term solution?

That job wasn't bad in that sense. I'm used to grinding through things, and if it had paid better—like a typical college student gig—I would have stuck with it longer. I can handle hardship. It wasn't related to my field or my education level, though. Nothing like that.

Jesse Barnes5 said:Feels like my life is headed down this path too. Hate bullying. I don't get how anyone can let that happen...

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Keeping my fingers crossed that things turn around for you. 👍

Robert Reyes4 said:Whatever happened, happened.
When you're stuck in a rut like this, you have to look for ways to spark even a tiny bit of positive change. If you look at it from that angle, you might actually spot a way out.
And that first step needs to be something concrete and visible. You kind of have to force yourself to do it.

I know I need to push myself. Even now. Do you really think I didn't want to?

It isn't that simple... I'm hoping to wrap this up within a month. That's the deadline I set for myself, and I intend to meet it.

Robert Reyes4 said:Give it a shot!
I tried imagining what I’d do if I were in your shoes. You’ve got to take some kind of step toward changing things.

Were you dealing with depression even when you were a kid? If not, what used to make you happy?

I know I need to, but you probably haven't read everything on here. I just don't have the energy left for it. I know I should, but I don't have the will for anything anymore.

For the last year, I've basically been a vegetable.

I don't think so. This whole "fading away" process started maybe back in early high school. It was somewhat okay then, really—mostly just anxiety at that stage.

Later on, college, certain failures, family issues, that bullying from high school, life's setbacks... naturally, the comparisons start with people who've already made something of themselves. And now... I just keep dwelling on it.

Robert Reyes4 said:Walking is nice, but it’s pretty slow. That’s why I suggested running.
It helps both mentally and physically, plus you get that sense of accomplishment and it builds willpower.
It's free, you don't need a crew, and you pick your own schedule.

Forget about "everything going on" for a second—is there just one thing that makes you feel genuinely good? Try remembering what you used to enjoy back when you were younger.

You really think running fixes all of that?

I haven't done anything that actually feels fulfilling. I don't even know what that means. 🙄Maybe certain things, peace, family... but that feels out of reach.

Andrew Barrett4 said:There’s another way people describe that feeling when your brain just won't shut up: racing thoughts.

As for the whole Vitamin D situation:
I’ve always found it easiest to remember that you should probably be taking it during every month that has an "R" in its name—you know, from SeptembeR through ApRil.

Whatever you call it, it isn't exactly relaxing. 👎

Jesse Barnes5 said:Overthinking is the absolute worst. Sometimes I spiral so deep into my own head it gets pretty dark.

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So you get what I'm saying. 🙂

But that’s just how I've always been. Since forever.

Ever wonder if there’s actually anything good left in me? 🙄

Jesse Barnes5 said:Keep walking, don't stop. Just fill the day with small stuff, nothing crazy. Not sure if you're working or in school.

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I haven't stopped. And even when I'm fully occupied, I still overthink... always have, always will. Can't seem to relax.

Not working. Scared of anything new at this point, and honestly, I've lost interest in everything else too.

Jesse Barnes5 said:I haven't fully transitioned to the pills yet, but I wouldn't even want to. I feel like they'd finish me off, given how unstable I am and how little self-discipline I actually have.
Don't you have family support now?

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I'm not on a tablet either.

Back then, I couldn't get any sleep. I was popping sleeping pills that didn't do a damn thing. Honestly? It feels like it was all in my head.

Nah, nobody stepped up to help. Not that I really need it anymore, though.

Robert Reyes4 said:Try finding one hobby—something solo, where you don't have to deal with other people—that actually brings you a little joy.
Can you think of anything?
Also, try some physical activity. Maybe just attempt to jog a couple of miles every day?

With everything going on, finding any kind of satisfaction felt like an impossible task.

I stay somewhat active. Every day, really—especially during the summer. I’ll go for long walks, sometimes more than once, but it doesn't feel like it's actually getting me anywhere.

Jesse Barnes5 said:Exactly. Scared I'll just keep telling myself things will improve while wasting my life doing nothing for myself. Hard to open up to anyone, especially a therapist.

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And even if I did open up, I don't think he could actually do anything about it.

There was a stretch a while back where insomnia was killing me. I was leaning on sleeping pills—which isn't like me at all, they were a total exception—but in the end, it felt like nothing. Like staring at daylight. No effect. It's all in the head, this messed up head of mine.

I'm done trying to convince myself. I'm fully aware things aren't getting better, I just don't have the strength to move.
Maybe two years ago, if I'd had some support from the people closest to me, things might have actually turned around. But since then? I've just been sinking.

Jesse Barnes5 said:The worst part is that you can't pull yourself out alone, but at the same time, nobody else can do it for you either.
Have you thought about seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist?

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Never went.

That's why I started this thread. Just wanted to see if there was anything out there—maybe help someone else dealing with something similar.

Still, I feel like everything is internal. No amount of professional help changes that. Hard to trust a stranger with it, and even if I did, would it actually change anything? Doubtful.

Too much gets oversimplified. I just want to live a normal life, but apparently, that's not happening.

Jesse Barnes5 said:Don't quit yet. I know it sucks, but try to find some grit. You can't be that old. Worst part is, I totally get where you're coming from, and I can't offer much help since I'm stuck in the same mess. Only difference is my depression isn't constant—it kind of waves in and out...

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See, for me, it's constant. Even if there's a brief moment of light, it's never enough to actually do anything...

I've tried. It's not like I haven't. I'm fighting... but every single day is just a struggle, and I feel like things are getting worse. Not eating, just crying. Everything is killing me.

Jesse Barnes5 said:I feel that. So many calls I've ignored, so many new faces, opportunities, and experiences I missed just because I was stuck in my own head or feeling anxious. My biggest fear is getting old and suddenly realizing I wasted my best years being stuck in this dark headspace, knowing I can't get that time back.

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Unfortunately, I haven't even had much opportunity to begin with. And what little I did have? I blew that, too. Nobody wants a psychologist for a friend, right? I get it.

I don't even know how I wasted my years. It wasn't anything smart, and it wasn't even anything wild. Just... nothing.

If even one part of it had been worth it, maybe I would've had the drive to change. But no luck there.

Hope you make it happen. I've already thrown in the towel.

Jesse Barnes5 said:I get all that, really. Instagram used to be my whole life, just spent hours scrolling every day. Now? It just burns me out. Seeing everyone else's lives... the stuff I'd want to be doing if my mental health wasn't such a wreck.

Lately, even this forum has started feeling like a chore. It’s getting exhausting.

Facebook? Instagram? Honestly, I don't really bother. Haven't checked them in ages. If I did, people would probably say I’m constantly comparing myself to everyone else... which is a bit of a paradox, considering I barely know half the people on there anyway. Actually, it's probably better that way.

Walking around town sometimes, you catch a glimpse of them—that young, happy couple, all smiles and embraces, looking like they’ve already made it. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, there isn't much of a choice if you actually want to live life to the fullest—but that’s hard when you just don't have the drive for anything.
What a waste of breath.

Jesse Barnes5 said:Same story.

Don't say that. We gotta move.

Ever feel like one part of you is desperate to actually try, while the other side is just leaning hard into self-destruction and sinking deeper?

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Yeah. Unfortunately.

On one hand, I know it’s a step-by-step process and recovery could take years—if it happens at all. On the other, years are passing by without any real improvement.

I don't think there's any "moving forward" left in me. 🙄

I'm exhausted. Like I said, when even browsing the web feels like too much work, you know how bad things really are.🙄 🙄

Jesse Barnes5 said:Man, I feel everything you just said. Total introvert here, never been social, just passive. Not moving forward and feeling unmotivated basically every other day. Life just feels stuck. Don't know how long I can keep this up.

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I get it.

I’m an introvert myself, but I still crave connection. Back in elementary school, I had a small circle of friends. Things were fine then.

Then high school happened, and everything went south. Loss, bullying, being the outsider in a new environment... plus having zero desire or money to actually go out. I never learned how to enjoy partying or anything else. Fast forward over a decade later, and I've just become a worse version of my already mediocre self.

Honestly? I don't know. It feels like I'm reaching the end of the line... but maybe that's for the best.🙂

Ethan Kim4 said:Well, that makes sense when you're dealing with depression.
Start small by adding some vitamins and fish oil to your routine; it's a low-risk first step. It might also be worth reaching out to a professional therapist.

I know I am... 🙄

rapidtinker3 said:Honestly, if you ask me, psychotherapy is just the most natural and effective way to handle things, so I really don't see why anyone would try to navigate all that mental clutter without some professional guidance to steer them in the right direction.

Honestly, you could just throw anything at it at this point, really, because when things get this messy and unpredictable, there isn't exactly a perfect playbook to follow, so I guess we might as well just see what happens if we try something completely different, right? What do you think we should even bother doing about it in the meantime?

I don't buy it. The idea that someone can just "instill" a sense of willpower into me? I’ve been searching for that drive for ages. It’s not happening. It just isn't happening.

Ethan Kim4 said:Right, nobody really touched on that specific point. I think in today's pop culture, they call that being an 'incel.' Here’s a video that covers the topic:

I’m not sure if I’d actually go through with it. I’ve thought about it, though. Maybe it would help to have someone to lean on—someone I actually trust, someone intimate... just someone there. But let's be real: since I'm far from being a model, finding someone willing to be all that for me? Probably not. Especially not for a guy like me. 🙄

Nicole Booth25 said:Do you actually have a psychiatric diagnosis confirming that it’s clinical depression?

No.

Ethan Kim4 said:Vitamin D and depression:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/b...and-depression

https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/are-...ency-pandemic/

Vitamins, fish oil, hitting the gym, or cranking up some high-energy music...

I'm a dead blower. 🙄

Karen Morgan6 said:Diet, exercise, daily walks, religious principles, hitting the sauna, socializing, weekend trips, hiking, working in the orchard, a massive library of psychology books, online forums, video games, alcohol (definitely wouldn't recommend), cigarettes, coffee (also a no). I’ve been microdosing nicotine—still experimenting, but I’m leaning toward the conclusion that alcohol was the bigger issue.
Dietary supplements like fish oil, magnesium, and zinc. Reading, browsing the web, TV, resting, learning how to unwind, and knowing when to unplug.
Looking back at everything, I honestly think what helped me most was simply time and having my family's support. I refused to take antidepressants, and I actually walked out on my psychiatrist after just one session. In hindsight, that was probably a mistake; I could have saved myself two years of struggle if I had stayed.

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Time isn't helping me. If anything, it's doing the opposite. Family isn't exactly a source of positivity either.

Maybe spending some time around people wouldn't be the worst thing. But I've always been boring, withdrawn, just... nothing. No social circle. I even thought maybe meeting a girl might jumpstart something, but given everything else—including my looks—it’s probably not happening. 👎

restlesstiger49 said:When you're dealing with depression, you're ultimately fighting that battle on your own. Every method people suggest—whether it’s therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication—is technically "natural" in its own way (though I suppose one could argue about what counts as unnatural), but the real question is how effective and sustainable those methods actually are in the long run. Having support and understanding from the people around you certainly provides a much-needed tailwind, but even with all that encouragement, the individual still has to be the one to find their own path. At the end of the day, you have to be the one to find the internal motivation to actually get moving.
You have to avoid standing still, isolating yourself from everyone, or just sitting around spiraling about the meaning of life. It’s vital to set small, realistic goals every single day. That creates a steady stream of momentum that keeps you from just lying in bed and letting the day slip through your fingers. Basically, less overthinking, more doing.
Of course, through psychotherapy, a person can reach those genuine breakthroughs and gain a much deeper understanding of their own situation. It helps strip away all that unnecessary guilt—after all, life happens to the best of us. We couldn't control certain things in our past, but we absolutely have control over the work we do on ourselves today.

By "natural," I meant without any professional help. I don't have any kind of support system.
I try to find motivation, but it isn't working. 🙄
I've never really been a people person—never liked new environments—and lately, I've been completely alone with nothing new in my life.

Action used to mean hanging out online, but even that feels exhausting now. You know how it is. 🙄

Joseph Bailey41 said:To get things started...

https://www.webmd.com/depression/fea...l-treatments#1
https://www.everydayhealth.com/colum...ion-naturally/
https://www.healthline.com/health/de...ements#saffron

Thanks.

You have to force yourself through all of it. Looking at that first link, it seems like the same old story, just with an old face. 🙄

Seems like there's only one option worth actually trying. 🙄