Depression, Anxiety

[sneaky]

well after maybe 3 or 4 years off the meds I am back on zoloft again, lets hope general mood improves and I don't have many (major) side effects.

I have had a dodgy start to 2020 - dodgy appendix and complications after surgery meant I was stuck at home for the two months pre covid restrictions.. my return to work was a quick trip to the office to collect everything i needed to work from home and I've only been in to see work mates a few times since.

very little social contact for 5 months has had an effect on me. I did the DASS21 test last week and scored pretty highly for depression (no anxiety signs). I've found it hard to concentrate on work or much of anything for months. Hard to get motivated and interested in life outside of work. I have 50/50 custody of my kids and feel like the week I have them is just a holding pattern until they go 'home' to their mother.

I need to find a hobby that gets me out of the house and socialising - I've been trying to get out and go for walks when weather permits and have also started back at yoga now that restrictions are easing. The local karting place runs a mid week racing league so I'm waiting for it to kick off again so I can have a whirl (covid cancelled the recent series).

apparently some of my symptoms and frustrations can also be attributed to 'mid-life' (I'm 38).... it might be time to find a red convertible sports car..

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by sneaky

well after maybe 3 or 4 years off the meds I am back on zoloft again, lets hope general mood improves and I don't have many (major) side effects.

I have had a dodgy start to 2020 - dodgy appendix and complications after surgery meant I was stuck at home for the two months pre covid restrictions.. my return to work was a quick trip to the office to collect everything i needed to work from home and I've only been in to see work mates a few times since.

very little social contact for 5 months has had an effect on me. I did the DASS21 test last week and scored pretty highly for depression (no anxiety signs). I've found it hard to concentrate on work or much of anything for months. Hard to get motivated and interested in life outside of work. I have 50/50 custody of my kids and feel like the week I have them is just a holding pattern until they go 'home' to their mother.

I need to find a hobby that gets me out of the house and socialising - I've been trying to get out and go for walks when weather permits and have also started back at yoga now that restrictions are easing. The local karting place runs a mid week racing league so I'm waiting for it to kick off again so I can have a whirl (covid cancelled the recent series).

apparently some of my symptoms and frustrations can also be attributed to 'mid-life' (I'm 38).... it might be time to find a red convertible sports car..

hang in there mate.

Looking for activities revolving around interaction is vital for mental health. Cycling has helped me in the regard in the past. Whether its road or MTB riding, it doesnt matter, but riding with like minded people helps and the endorphins from the exercise just adds to better your mood after.

GoKarting is heaps of fun too. Smash that as much as you can.

Keeping the mind active and having plans booked in week after week just keeps your mind off the monotony of life more.

[DFB FGXR6]

Hmmm, well this was my DASS 21 result -

■ Depression Score = 13. This is a Severe level.

■ Anxiety Score = 6. This is a Moderate level.

■ Stress Score = 15. This is a Severe level.