When you slide into a funk

The slippery slope of sliding into a mental funk is dangerous for someone like me with a previous history of depression. More than one bout in my lifetime. I feel it coming on and then slip right into it. But it can be all too easy to slip further down the abyss and into the depths of depression. Once that happens it is far more difficult to get back out.

Things I have had trouble with lately are:

• Insane insomnia
• Feeling excessively tired
• Problems with motivation
• Difficulties with resolving problems/ making decisions
• Lack of appetite

Now all of those are actually symptoms of depression. Straight up. And they are key indicators to me that my brain is sliding that way but just not quite yet. I have no real feelings of low worth or hopelessness. I still take pleasure in my activities just have immensely low energy and motivation at the moment.

This is why I have been writing about functionality, routines and motivation lately. Because I am trying to establish routines through this lack of motivation with lower functionality. I want routines that are consistent with improving my overall well-being and mental health. Going for walks was my number one top goal there. In order to go for said walks though I have to get up, get going and get out the door. Apparently, this requires substantially effort on my part.

The insomnia is quite on another level on its own as well. I am leveling at around 3-5 hours a night. Which with chronic pain and chronic migraines is not where you want to be. This is assuming I am actually in a state of restful sleep, which in general, I am not.

What to do

Slipping into depression is not what I want to happen. This insane tiredness, lack of motivation and lack of sleep takes a massive toll during the day. Some of this is compounded by actual symptoms and even my actual fatigue levels themselves. This doesn’t help at all. Not even a little bit.

So I want to slow this slippery slope and then halt it altogether.

1. The walks. The reason I chose to go for walks was partly to get out of the house. Partly to help me get motivated. And partly to get fresh air. And last, but far from least, to get a little exercise. All of which are important. So it remains fundamental on my list.
2. Focusing on interests. Allotting specific time during the day to focus on hobbies and interests. Whether that be my blog, writing or reading. As long as it is something that interests me a great deal that can hone my focus and concentration.
3. Paying attention to routines. Making sure I am consistent with healthy established routines. Paying attention to things that can and do slide with depression, for one. But also making sure I take my vitamins. Do various self-care. Take a shower every day. Brush my teeth. All normal routines that can slide with depression if I am excessively tired.
4. Maintain good sleep hygiene. I always keep this one in mind. Set a regular bedtime and downtime before bed. Don’t have a TV in the bedroom or use the phone in the bedroom. Keep it cool in the bedroom. Things like that. In an effort to try to either establish a sleep routine or at the very least ensure it doesn’t get more out of whack.

I am hoping not only will these keep me from sliding down the slope but also kick my motivation in gear as well as combat some of the concentration and fatigue issues. So far the walks have not been consistent but are beneficial. My routines have been vastly improved. Focusing on my interests has greatly helped so far. So progress. It will take a bit of effort. It always does. A mental funk is a emotional slump, for me, ongoing for months. It doesn’t just bounce out. But nor is it consistent or intense. It takes some effort but I can work through it slowly.

It comes in waves