Weddingbee boards

i try to force myself to be active and do stuff and socialize.  it's tough because when you're down, that's often the last thing you want to do... plus i'm an introvert and don't really like socializing too much anyway.  if you get in the habit of doing "up" things, i think your mood eventually changes.

antidepressants and therapy really helped in a tough period of my life.  and exercise has been instrumental. not sure how bad you're feeling, and if this is a recent thing or a lifelong thing, but i'm happy to share my experiences if you have any questions. 

I have a day or two every month where I'm what I think of as 'emotional.'  Although my husband would probably describe it as depressed or easily upset.  Things that normally wouldn't upset me, or that might normally make me feel a little sentimental or nostalgic, can leave me in tears.  I used to be even more upset by how upset I would get, and try really hard to be more 'up,' but my yoga teacher gave me what I think was the best advice of all - she told me that it's completely normal, just like the seasons of the year, and that if I just stopped feeling like there was something wrong with me and concentrated on being good to myself, I would feel better.  And I find that's really true.  I find a good book, take a long bath, buy some fun new yarn, cuddle up on the couch with my cats - generally do something just for me.

It's hard when you're really, really busy, and especially if you're a bit of a perfectionist, but I think sometimes we just need some down time.  Running at 110% efficiency all the time will wear anyone out, and sometimes that's what we expect of ourselves.  If you're down for weeks at a time, it's likely that you need a significant change, or maybe a little extra help (counseling, etc).  But you are super busy, and you've had a huge life change - maybe you just need to cherish youself a little, and let yourself have a little time to feel whatever you're feeling. 

It is hard if your husband takes it personally, or tries to hard to cheer you up.  I'm lucky I think; mine just gives me a big hug and makes some comfort food and tells me that everybody feels sad sometimes, and that he loves me very much. 

When I get especially busy at work I get very very angry.  I am actually OK in my solitude, but if I talk to my husband on the phone sometimes i just sit there and cry.  It's basically a pity party and it's pretty embarassing.  I know this might not work for everyone but sometimes I just take a deep breath and put on a "fake happy face" for a little while, and act really cheery.  Eventually... my mood actually improves for real... as if I've forgotten that I was so down.  I always remind myself that I have so so much good in my life that far outweighs the bad... and that wasting time being negative is exactly that: wasted time.  I am lucky to have a consistent, supportive, and happy husband.  It's hard to be upset around him when he is always doing his best to be in a calm and happy mood.