Intro/ Laziness & lethargy

Hi to all. I'm new to the forum. I was going to post about trying to meet new people. That is a priority of mine, but I realized that my biggest problem is me being lazy, apathetic, and lethargic since becoming depressed. I just don't do anything whenever I have any free time, and I don't pursue the activities and interests I used to care a lot about. I still care about some of the same things, but I just don't have the motivation and energy to pursue them.

I can't say exactly when the depression started, though I've been more or less feeling down for five+ years now, ever since I started having IBS and an array of related health problems like chronic appendicitis. I have ups and downs, as I guess many people do. Right now I seem to be in a "down". I can never say when I'm going to take a turn for the worse, and even in hindsight I can't always see why it happens.

Along with the laziness, I have an issue with sweets as comfort food. At times I defeat the temptation, but mostly I give in to it.

I hope I can somehow get back to being the person I used to be. I was never the life of the party, but I was vivacious in my own way, I loved life, and I was passionate and active in working for causes I cared about. I felt everything deeply and completely. I am still that way somewhat, but I feel like a shadow of myself, not living up to my potential. Despite feeling down, I still believe I have great potential, but it's so very difficult to tap into that potential.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts about my situation/condition.

JB1,

I didn't realize until now that you couldn't afford medication or therapy.  I just wanted to make sure you are aware of moodgym.  It is online help that is free. 

http://moodgym.aun.edu.au/welcome

http://needymeds.org

Here are two sites that might help you some.

I hope you are having a good day.  I too am struggling with weight and motivation.  I take adderall to give me energy and take away the fatigue, but right now, that doesn't seem to work as well.  Then I stop and think "I am getting older too".  That in itself is depressing.  But we all trudge along one day at a time.  That is all we can really do.  Take care...

Hugs, Karen

Just do what you can... I am sure it will help you. Many of us don't want to take medications, but some of us have to. I hope that you don't... Keep taking life one day at a time. You will get there, and couseling is good...

Hugs, Karen