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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Snowie on April 3, 2004, at 11:20:09
I've never thought of myself as a depressed person (although I have had situational depression occasionally), but for a while now I've had acute depression on the weekends to where I've started having anticipatory worry about the weekends. During the week I have my job which keeps me fairly busy, there are interesting TV shows I like to watch, and I feel like I almost have a life. On the weekends, I feel I'm missing out on life - I have nothing to do and nobody to do it with. I have some social anxiety obviously but I don't take anything for it because I don't like the drugs out there for social phobia. I'm single and live by myself. I take Neurontin and 1 15 mg. pill every morning of Tranxene, but it doesn't help on the weekends. Dr. Bob, if this post doesn't belong here, feel free to move it.
It's the weekend (again) and I'm down in the dumps (again). Maybe I should talk to my pdoc about this, but I don't want to be on SSRIs. Oh, I also had liposuction in February, and I'm looking great, but I can't remember if the weekend depression started before. I believe it did, but I got all kinds of attention from my family while I was recuperating, and now that's gone.
Snowie
Posted by KathrynLex on April 3, 2004, at 22:33:39
In reply to Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by Snowie on April 3, 2004, at 11:20:09
Hi Snowie,
Weekends can definately be rough. Can I ask why you've ruled our SSRIs as a possible solution? They can be very beneficial for depression.
If you're opposed to meds the next best thing would be to find a psychiatrist who can help you explore your social anxiety and suggest alternative treatments for your anxiety/depression.
Also, it's cliche but I've found that exercise is really helpful for me on the weekends. If I force myself to get out of bed and go for a run, I'll feel more productive for the rest of the day.
I hope you have a good weekend. At least you can tell yourself that weekends are short. :)
K.
Posted by shadows721 on April 4, 2004, at 16:00:16
In reply to Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by Snowie on April 3, 2004, at 11:20:09
Yes, it is common for people to get more depressed on the weekends, because they slow down.
You can redefine your idea of the weekends. You can view it as a time you get to cook or clean for the up coming week. You can view it as a time to get more rest. You can take time to read a book, try a receipe, rearrange a room, and try a new hobbie - (i.e., painting). Why not during the week plan what you are going to do on the those "special" two days. You have the power to redefine your weekends to be something special to you instead of a dreaded time.
shadows721
Posted by T_R_D on April 5, 2004, at 12:46:32
In reply to Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by Snowie on April 3, 2004, at 11:20:09
Hi Snowie? Are you seeing a therapist at all? How deep does your pdoc go into your issues of the social anxiety etc... Maybe you need to talk to someone with a bit more insight to your specific problems in order to help you get you out there and meeting people.
Do you have any hobbies that you like to pursue that others might enjoy as well? Sometimes if you join a group that is "doing" something it takes the pressure off of sitting and talking about ourselves and focusing so strongly on each other.
What about the internet? Have you thought of trying to meet people that way? Sometimes you can develop a bit of a relationship and rapport prior to meeting and that takes the pressure off as well.
I know how it can be to feel lonely and isolated. It really sucks.
Do you like animals? How about getting a pet? The love you unconditionally and are such fantastic company. I would be lost without my two baby kitties!
Hang in there...you'll make it!
Karen
Posted by Snowie on April 5, 2004, at 19:56:35
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by T_R_D on April 5, 2004, at 12:46:32
Hi, Karen.
No, I'm not seeing a therapist, although I did in the past for a short time. My pdoc doesn't do anything except pass out meds. I'm not anti-meds by any means, but I hate to feel dependent on drugs, even though I take 1 Tranxene every morning. I also take Neurontin which helps with anxiety but not with social anxiety.
I've just started an exercise program! I just had a long walk and I'm exhausted but it feels great. Exercise is a natural seratonin rush, right?
I'm thinking seriously about joining a singles group, but it's difficult for me to go to those places alone if I don't know anyone, although I can if I can get over the idea (fear) that I'm going alone.
As for the Internet, I have met people through the Internet but not too many. I don't think I ever had an addition to the Internet (some family members might disagree), but at one time I was online way too much. I liked the idea of chatting with people but not having to actually meet them. I eventually started limiting myself as to how much time I could spend online, and now I go online occasionally, but it's not an obsession.
I have 3 kitties and I love my babies!!! They are my family.
Thanks for the ideas. Of course, it's Monday and I'm feeling okay now. It's strange, but I didn't use to feel this way about weekends. I'm single and getting older and feeling like there should be more to life than this. I guess I'm just lonely on the weekends when everyone else has a companion to do things with, and I panicked about it a while back, and then started dreading the weekends.
Snowie
> Hi Snowie? Are you seeing a therapist at all? How deep does your pdoc go into your issues of the social anxiety etc... Maybe you need to talk to someone with a bit more insight to your specific problems in order to help you get you out there and meeting people.
>
> Do you have any hobbies that you like to pursue that others might enjoy as well? Sometimes if you join a group that is "doing" something it takes the pressure off of sitting and talking about ourselves and focusing so strongly on each other.
>
> What about the internet? Have you thought of trying to meet people that way? Sometimes you can develop a bit of a relationship and rapport prior to meeting and that takes the pressure off as well.
>
> I know how it can be to feel lonely and isolated. It really sucks.
>
> Do you like animals? How about getting a pet? The love you unconditionally and are such fantastic company. I would be lost without my two baby kitties!
>
> Hang in there...you'll make it!
> Karen
Posted by Snowie on April 5, 2004, at 20:13:14
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by KathrynLex on April 3, 2004, at 22:33:39
Hi Kathryn.
I've taken a lot of SSRI's for short periods of time in the past. Prozac made me feel like a zombie and I had no libido at all. I tried other ones and had different reactions, so I was hoping to avoid an SSRI for social anxiety. I haven't told my pdoc about my social anxiety because he has never mentioned it so I guess he doesn't think I have a problem. When I see him on a week day, I must seem fine in that respect.
I did see a cognitive behavioral (?) therapist briefly for socialy anxiety but I just couldn't get into it - the tapes and the workbook turned me off.
Thanks for the suggestion about exercise, and I totally agree. I have been looking into joining a gym but I've been doing nothing about it. Today I started a home exercise program and I'll see if I want to continue that or join a gym. I had a long walk and I feel like a got a great seratonin boost. It also acts as an appetite suppressant, which is great.
In the past I loved weekends until one day maybe I had a panic attack, and after that I started dreading them. It's strange that I now dread something that I should and always have looked forward to.
I will do something about this. Thanks for the motivation.
Snowie
> Hi Snowie,
>
> Weekends can definately be rough. Can I ask why you've ruled our SSRIs as a possible solution? They can be very beneficial for depression.
>
> If you're opposed to meds the next best thing would be to find a psychiatrist who can help you explore your social anxiety and suggest alternative treatments for your anxiety/depression.
>
> Also, it's cliche but I've found that exercise is really helpful for me on the weekends. If I force myself to get out of bed and go for a run, I'll feel more productive for the rest of the day.
>
> I hope you have a good weekend. At least you can tell yourself that weekends are short. :)
>
> K.
Posted by jerrympls on April 5, 2004, at 20:18:50
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends? » KathrynLex, posted by Snowie on April 5, 2004, at 20:13:14
Weekends always slow me down. I'm all excited when Friday night rolls around - I usually "reward" myself for getting through the work week with DVD's and a Pizza. Then I stay up late and when the morning comes I can't bare to go out or do anything. I just want to sleep and escape the world. It doesn't help that the only two friends I used to hang out with stopped calling me because of my depression. So I think "Why clean my apt. or do dishes? For what? For whom?"
I'm introverted and feel like a complete shutin on the weekends. I've been working with my therapist to get out of this cycle. It's hard...very hard...
Jerry
Posted by Snowie on April 5, 2004, at 20:23:19
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by shadows721 on April 4, 2004, at 16:00:16
Shadows (love your name),
I like your ideas! I can plan the two days in advance (starting today) and that will take the pressure off of what to do for those 2 days and feeling lonely because I have nothing planned to do! Even cleaning is something to do, and my house needs a good cleaning from time to time - maybe I'll even hire someone to help me clean on some Saturdays to make it easier and faster. Also I could plan social events in advance and actually attend them, as well as shopping excursions. I don't have a problem shopping alone - in fact I prefer it. Maybe I can take a class on something and start a hobby.
Thanks - you've got me thinking about the possibilities that I forgot about!
Snowie
> Yes, it is common for people to get more depressed on the weekends, because they slow down.
>
> You can redefine your idea of the weekends. You can view it as a time you get to cook or clean for the up coming week. You can view it as a time to get more rest. You can take time to read a book, try a receipe, rearrange a room, and try a new hobbie - (i.e., painting). Why not during the week plan what you are going to do on the those "special" two days. You have the power to redefine your weekends to be something special to you instead of a dreaded time.
>
> shadows721
Posted by Snowie on April 5, 2004, at 20:39:04
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by jerrympls on April 5, 2004, at 20:18:50
Jerry,
I totally agree. It's so hard for me to get into the weekends now. I've had many weekends where I slept, watched TV, slept some more, and never left my house. I understand where you're coming from. I like the exercise suggestions and planning your weekends. That way, it's not a let down as much when the weekend arrives. You have a purpose.
Best of luck. I hope we both can overcome this.
Snowie
> Weekends always slow me down. I'm all excited when Friday night rolls around - I usually "reward" myself for getting through the work week with DVD's and a Pizza. Then I stay up late and when the morning comes I can't bare to go out or do anything. I just want to sleep and escape the world. It doesn't help that the only two friends I used to hang out with stopped calling me because of my depression. So I think "Why clean my apt. or do dishes? For what? For whom?"
>
> I'm introverted and feel like a complete shutin on the weekends. I've been working with my therapist to get out of this cycle. It's hard...very hard...
>
> Jerry
Posted by jdgjdg on April 5, 2004, at 22:36:49
In reply to Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by Snowie on April 3, 2004, at 11:20:09
This sounds weird, but do you drink at all(alcohol)? Some people including myself are sensitive to the depressive effects of alcohol. If I drink even a glass of wine, I am depressed all weekend. This might be something to think about especially if you drink on Friday nights. Jenn
Posted by jerrympls on April 5, 2004, at 22:39:50
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by jdgjdg on April 5, 2004, at 22:36:49
> This sounds weird, but do you drink at all(alcohol)? Some people including myself are sensitive to the depressive effects of alcohol. If I drink even a glass of wine, I am depressed all weekend. This might be something to think about especially if you drink on Friday nights. Jenn
I don't drink at all.....
Jerry
Posted by noa on April 6, 2004, at 8:36:25
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by jerrympls on April 5, 2004, at 20:18:50
Jerry,
I have a similar pattern. The work week is stressful, so I look forward to the weekend, but then the lack of routine on the weekend is bad for me. I have a hard time getting motivated to do anything. Once in a while, I've made plans ahead of time and that helps.
Posted by SLS on April 6, 2004, at 10:45:14
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends? » jerrympls, posted by noa on April 6, 2004, at 8:36:25
> I have a similar pattern. The work week is stressful, so I look forward to the weekend, but then the lack of routine on the weekend is bad for me. I have a hard time getting motivated to do anything. Once in a while, I've made plans ahead of time and that helps.I thought I had posted along this thread already. I guess not. This might apply to some people:
A simple trick to prevent the "jet lag" state that can come from "over-sleeping" is to set your alarm clock and wake up at the same time every day, regardless of what time you go to bed the night before. For example, if you go to bed at 3:00am, make sure to wake up at, let's say 6:30am, and get out of bed to become fully alert. Maybe get a drink of orange juice and expose your eyes to some light. Then, go back to bed and sleep as long as you like. You have effectively reset your internal clock (circadian rhythm) and synchronized your system for the day. It should work.
- Scott
Posted by T_R_D on April 6, 2004, at 14:37:47
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends? » T_R_D, posted by Snowie on April 5, 2004, at 19:56:35
Congratulations on your exercise! Yes, exercise can be very good for our mental maladies. If nothing more, it keeps you in touch with the world when you do feel like hibernating and being a recluse.
I'm not sure if you're male or female but sometimes going to a singles group and finding someone of the same gender to pal around with at the events is fun too. My girlfriend did that with another woman and now they are very close friends. Sometimes that's a bit easier than trying to mingle with others that you have your eye on for dating etc...
Hang in there...it sounds like you are still making progress and as long as you're doing that--you're doing just fine.
K.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 6, 2004, at 19:44:32
In reply to Re: Anybody get depressed just on the weekends?, posted by T_R_D on April 6, 2004, at 14:37:47
> Congratulations on your exercise! Yes, exercise can be very good for our mental maladies...
I'd like to redirect follow-ups not about medication to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040406/msgs/333476.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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