Gransnet forums

Chat

Feeling sad all the time

(59 Posts)
Biscuitmuncher Mon 16-Sept-24 09:59:47

It's just that really. I'm always on the edge of tears. I don't think I'm depressed. My 19 year old daughter is away working, she's told me she's going away at Christmas which has upset me. Her pet rabbit which she had years ago because she was bullied at school is dying. I've hurt my knee. I'm struggling to get in the bath. All these things are not huge in the great scheme of things I know but I can't seem to find any joy in anything. I'm not sleeping well. Ugh sorry for the moan

Grandmabatty Mon 16-Sept-24 10:03:19

Biscuit muncher 💐 sometimes it's a collection of little things which, put together, make you unhappy. Maybe it's a feeling of powerlessness too. Some things you just can't change. Not sleeping well will be making it more difficult to cope. You don't say how old you are, but could be menopausal too. A wee trip to the doctor's if it continues. All the best

vintage1950 Mon 16-Sept-24 10:05:44

flowers A lot of small things all add up. All best wishes.

Witzend Mon 16-Sept-24 10:10:05

💐, I do hope things brighten up a bit for you soon. X

MissAdventure Mon 16-Sept-24 10:11:30

You could probably do with seeing your gp.

A lot of people slide slowly into a state of depression, and don't even know that's what it is.

Cossy Mon 16-Sept-24 10:17:31

I do think you might be depressed or anxious, believe me, it creeps up on you very suddenly and them boom!

Please do Google signs of both online, there’s some great resources there and if nothing helps please do go and see your GP.

flowers

Tuaim Mon 16-Sept-24 10:18:12

Also, please take into account that the days are shortening. Can you set yourself little treats each day, be it reading a fav book, a fav TV programme, some chocolate, flowers, whatever? and enjoy the moment you are experiencing them. I had a train of nasty incidences with rude people this summer where I was completely innocent and it set me spinning into a kind of sadness that questioned was no one nice anymore? i.e. a bad tempered hairdresser who virtually rammed a comb through my hair and hurt me, a supposed friend who spent months asking me out for lunch only to cancel on the day for a better offer. Any of these small incidences can add to the ever increasing pile. I am through it now but do treat myself to a lovely walk in the sun or some new plants for the garden etc. I do hope you feel better soon.

Cossy Mon 16-Sept-24 10:18:14

*then not them!

(Edit button please grin)

Babs03 Mon 16-Sept-24 10:21:11

I have suffered with depression. Crying, feeling like nothing makes you happy, and having trouble sleeping are all red flags. Of course it may not be this at all but it wouldn’t hurt for you to see your GP and describe how you have been feeling.
Wishing you well. X

Biscuitmuncher Mon 16-Sept-24 10:40:53

You are all so kind

Aldom Mon 16-Sept-24 10:55:22

There are a few things that are causing you to feel low, but as I see it, I think your daughter going away for Christmas is the crux of your sadness.
Your daughter will have no idea of how her Christmas holiday plan is affecting her mum. Perhaps you feel rejected? She feels anticipation, excitement. She has inadvertently caused you a deep hurt. I think when we were young we've probably all hurt our parents without intending to. When I look back in life there are things I would have done or said differently. Age has made me see things from my mother's perspective.
Try not to let Christmas plans get you down. Your daughter doesn't want to hurt you, she's just being a young woman. Hoping you feel the clouds lifting before long. flowers

RosiesMaw2 Mon 16-Sept-24 11:09:29

I think there is a difference between sadness/depression when you are experiencing sad events in your life (and “troubles come not single spies but in battalions”) and feeling depressed (maybe capital D) when there is no apparent reason.
The second definitely warrants medical intervention but the first will still drag you down.
You need to be fully rested to cope with all the sh*t life is throwing at you so aim for a good nights sleep(with help if herbal OTC remedies aren’t enough) and stating the obvious, you need something to brighten your life and help you keep things in perspective.
Supportive friends, , a visit to somewhere nice, a walk in the Autumn sunshine, treat yourself -all of these can help to strengthen you . I actually swore by Kalms in the dark days after DH died but good friends taking me out to lunch or coffee or just coming round for a chat made a huge difference too.
By all means see a doctor or counsellor- you can’t make the problems you quite go away, but you can help yourself to deal with them.
Also, don’t forget you don’t need to be suicidal to ring Samaritans when you really need to let it all out.

M0nica Mon 16-Sept-24 11:10:08

Yes, I am with others in thinking that you are sliding into depression without realising it. Do go and see your GP, you may not need medication but you can also be referred for talking therapy, where you can talk through all the problems that beset you and have drained you of joy.

LucyAnna2 Mon 16-Sept-24 11:12:13

Sorry you feel low. Re your daughter / Christmas - could you suggest the two of you doing something together just before or just after Christmas - going to a show, or for a meal?
Not sleeping well is not good for your health or your mood - try herbal tablets, sleep apps, refresh your bedroom (new pillows, scented candle), etc - or go to your GP?
Do you have pals or family you can talk to?
I’ve never tried it, but people say thinking of 3 good things that have happened at the end of each day helps one be more positive
Hope things feel better soon 🤞

pascal30 Mon 16-Sept-24 11:15:00

I would talk about this with your GP.. and I would start making plans for Christmas, if you can, to see if you can spend it with friends or other family.. if that is not possible then maybe make plans to make it special for yourself.. lots of treats, books, films etc.. You could also plan to have a New Year celebration with your daughter where she can tell you about her holiday.. try to turn this situation around.. and maybe get another bunny..

BladeAnnie Mon 16-Sept-24 11:22:48

Can I just reiterate how easy it is is to slide into a depressive state without realising it. As a retired mental health nurse, I've seen it all too often and I would suggest you make an appointment to see your GP. Also I'm here if you need a chat - just send me a pm flowers

AGAA4 Mon 16-Sept-24 11:32:51

So sorry you are feeling sad. Lots of good advice above and a very kind offer from BladeAnnie. I know that not sleeping can drag you down so hopefully you can get that sorted.
Sending a big (((hug))).

Biscuitmuncher Mon 16-Sept-24 11:39:39

Aldom it is her not coming back that's really upset me. She's 19 so I feel Christmas, which I really enjoy is going to be a mix of missing her and worrying about her

Harris27 Mon 16-Sept-24 11:49:43

Excellent advice Tuiam.

Coronation Mon 16-Sept-24 12:11:19

I'm not surprised you're feeling sad. Your daughter working away is empty nest syndrome and you were probably looking forward to spending time with her at Christmas, so it's painful when she's doing her own thing. You're dealing with loss.

Normally a hot bath would be a nice distraction, but when it's awkward to get in , its sad too.

Granmarderby10 Mon 16-Sept-24 12:39:00

Definitely a sign of depression. When you shed tears easily even watching a soppy tv commercial especially * those* perishing Christmas ones 🦁
GP appointment asap!

icanhandthemback Wed 18-Sept-24 11:21:22

I understand your pain about Christmas, Biscuitmuncher. I have a feeling that this year will be the first year without one of my children at home. Although all have left home, the youngest has always come home for Christmas but this year, I am getting hints that it might not be happening. I know I will survive but it feels like the end of an era which I will find hard.

I think it is well worth you having a talk with your GP or one of the nurses at your surgery. Depression is a funny thing and creeps up on you, especially when everything is going awry. It is better to try to get things sorted early or at least get it ruled out.

Davisuz Wed 18-Sept-24 11:31:26

So sorry you are feeling low but there may be a physical cause so get that checked out first. Also make a plan for Christmas so you won't be alone. Arrange to go to a special meal, Christmas concert or panto with friends. And why not invite others you know will be alone to celebrate the day with you?

Applegran Wed 18-Sept-24 11:40:11

Years ago I had many really painful things happening in my life and I was sad and tearful. One day I read about depression and realised that I was depressed. There were things making me sad but I ALSO had depression. This recognition was the beginning of change. I cried less, I changed my inner sad thoughts and I did leave depression behind. With hindsight, it would have been good if I'd looked for some kind of therapy, or read a good book on depression. I'd have recovered much sooner than I did. I wish the OP and anyone else who is feeling low and sad that you find a way ahead to a much happier place. There are people ready to care about you as you see from this thread. I wish in the past I had sooner stepped out - among other things gone out into nature, and also found someone to talk to about my sad thoughts. We really can change our thoughts and when we combine that with new behaviour it makes a real difference. With loving thoughts to you.

rowyn Wed 18-Sept-24 11:40:48

I can identify with your feelings for a variety of reasons, and what you didn't mention is the state of the world. Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hammas , in particular.