Im looking for an insight into depression.
Does depression have a schedule? ie. Depressed Mon-Fri, not depressed Sat-Sun. Every single week without fail
Do sufferers play mind games?
Is there such thing as attention seeking or are they really depressed? How can you tell?
Can you be so depressed, that you can socialise with friends, drink alcohol on weekends "seem" happy, but claim you're not in a good head space to look after your child for a day?
I've looked at symptoms online, but honestly I have had some of these symptoms at times. (I don't have depression, anxiety at times maybe, but not depression)
I guess I'm wanting to hear from someone that either suffers or has lived with a sufferer. Are all these things normal/typical?
Is there a difference between attention seeking and depression?
Is there a difference between attention seeking and depression?
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression
4 Replies
I have been depressed, severely on a number of occasions. The thing you describe sound a lot more of a lack of responsibility to me, versus depression. For me I definitely don't want to socialise when I'm depressed (sometimes I will go out and fake it, but it's exhausting), but I have always managed some how to look after my child (even if it wasn't my usual standard). Depression does not have a schedule. Yes I might happen to have a better day one day, and difficult tasks may seem even more difficult than usual.
Most people have symptoms of depression or anxiety at some point in there lives but for it to be clinical it is much more pervasive and be consistent for a long period of time.
No I didn't play mind games, I had no energy to play mind games when depressed, But I don't play mind games when not depressed.
Also if I'm being serious about my recovery from depression I am not drinking alcohol as that is a depressant!
You can be a shitty partner and not be depressed and then get depression and still be a shitty partner.
Personally I would not be leaving my child with this person as they sound disinterested, but I'd be weighing up if I wanted to hang around. I probably wouldn't stick it out. Nobody should be playing mind games EVER.
There are people who are depressed that are attention seekers if that's what you're asking? I had depression for years it was because of the shitty situation I was in. I never wanted anyone's attention and kept it all to myself. I never told anyone about it. I never wanted anyone's sympathy. I have friends who are depressed. They're always posting status' on Facebook about how crappy they are feeling, how alone they are feeling, how the world would be better off without them etc. I know I'm going to get blasted for this but I hate it. I hate seeing their shit on Facey so I hide there status updates from my feed. I hate seeing I'm so depressed someone come and cheer me up etc. I know it's there way of reaching out to the world but I wish they would go and help themselves. See a counsellor, do some exercise (create some happy endorphins) , change your situation, get some help, find a sitter etc. you can also hide your depression if you choose to. I managed to hide it really well. From friends and family. I could hang out with people and that was my happy time where my depression was at the back of my mind. But if I was that depressed I couldn't bear to look after my kids then I wouldn't be going out to party or anything like that. I would stay home in my cocooned state and not socialise with anyone. I did that quite a lot. I'm not out of my overly shitty situation and am loving life. I feel sorry for people who have depression because I suffered myself, but I don't feel sorry for those who won't help themselves. Those people shit me off.
I used to be depressed and still go out on weekends. I was depressed enough to not be able to deal with day to day tasks and going out and drinking allowed me to escape reality. I think different people deal with depression differently. Some can get up and complete daily tasks without fail and still be depressed inside while others can't get out of bed and everything in between
Depression isnt normal or typical therefore each persons response is neither normal or typical. Personally i prefer to support people then judge their coping abilities. Sounds like they are really trying to improve their mood by not isolating themselves but genuinely dont feel safe in themselves being responsible for another person, especially a child. Voicing your needs around your mental health condition isnt "attention seeking". If someone had diabetes and said "sorry, im not well enough today" you wouldnt label them attention seekers. Depression, like diabetes, isnt the same every single day. Like blood sugars, serotonin, melatonin and dopamine levels adjust constantly. Someone may be fine one day but shit the next or fine in the morning and incapable by nightfall or vice versa. Maybe talk eith your gp about supporting those with depression? First lesson: leave the judgement and expecations at the damn door