I feel down a lot, i ve noticed that over the past 15 years or so, when i experience upset, it feels like i shut down. i can t function, i just sit on my bed for hours and i dont know what happens to me. I feel as though i struggle to cope with every day things. i have to force myself to have a bath or even get out of bed. i wake up feeling anxious and i constantly worry about things. Please can you help me understand what is fgoing on with me?
Hi REMA, Welcome to Chat Doctor, and thanks for your question. Some of the symptoms which you have described such as feeling down and low, lack of interest / initiative, constant worrying and inability to carry out your daily functioning may be indicative of depression. However, you need to clarify how long such symptoms last... i.e. do they last for days or weeks together and come as episodes or whether you feel this way only for very brief time periods and only as a response to stressful / upsetting situations. If you have been experiencing symptoms for many days or weeks together and coming as episodes, then it is more likely that you are having a depressive disorder, for which you need to seek help from a psychiatrist and if your symptoms are quite disabling, then you may need to take medication. If on the other hand, your symptoms are a reaction to stressful situations, and they do not last long, then you may need help regarding stress management. There are various forms of psychological / talking therapies which can help you deal with your stress, help you handle it in a healthier manner and also help you acquire better coping strategies and skills. I feel that since you feel that the symptoms are disabling and causing you distress, you should not hesitate to seek professional help. Wish you all the best.-