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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mmcasey on May 8, 2003, at 19:43:10
I have realized that one major facet of my depression is this extreme boredom that I seem to always have. Someone posted about this a few weeks ago. But when I look back over the past few years, I can just remember a lot of times of just feeling really bored. It's like I think over my options of what to do and nothing seems appealing. But sitting there and doing nothing is obviously very dull as well. At times, I feel horribly depressed in addition to the boredom, but other times I don't even really feel that depressed, just bored (like right now for instance). Part of it is that I do not have the concentration to do many things that I would like to do like read or even watch tv. I am unable to become engaged in practically everything. I always feel kind of restless.
Does anyone else feel like this? It kind of sucks!!
Posted by noa on May 8, 2003, at 19:57:49
In reply to EXTREME BOREDOM, posted by mmcasey on May 8, 2003, at 19:43:10
>>It kind of sucks!!
More than kind of!
That is definitely depression--another symptom. I used to feel that a lot--apathy, lack of interest. No concentration reading, etc. Now, since my depression is better, I don't have it much. But sometimes, a milder version of it resurfaces.
I found videos helped. Just load up on light movies.
And, I know this is going to sound like too much, but doing some kind of volunteering-nothing too hard.
For me, being around people helped. It was worst when I was alone, with total inertia, lack of drive to get out and do anything--nothing seemed interesting enough. But if I was out and around people I did feel better.
Sounds trite, I know, and way easier said than done.
Posted by Dinah on May 8, 2003, at 20:29:20
In reply to EXTREME BOREDOM, posted by mmcasey on May 8, 2003, at 19:43:10
I rarely feel bored. But then I find plenty of amusement in just sitting there doing nothing. Seriously. I can just sit and blank out, think nothing in particular, and be perfectly happy and content.
I actually think that's a bit odd of me.
Posted by fallsfall on May 8, 2003, at 23:15:30
In reply to Re: EXTREME BOREDOM » mmcasey, posted by Dinah on May 8, 2003, at 20:29:20
Posted by whiterabbit on May 8, 2003, at 23:26:37
In reply to Re: EXTREME BOREDOM » mmcasey, posted by Dinah on May 8, 2003, at 20:29:20
Boredom is one of the major curses of depression;
you're bored because nothing interests you and it's difficult to concentrate or focus on anything. When I was seriously depressed, nothing but trash TV would hold my interest - the really grungy stuff like Jenny Jones and Jerry Springer.
My husband thought this was appalling and I guess it was, but I couldn't follow much else.You're taking medication, yes? I know it takes an eternity to kick in but until it does, do what you have to do to get by and try to remember that you're going through a difficult but temporary phase. And hold on, hold on.
If you're a reader, I'll tell you some books that managed to hold my interest even when I was so depressed that I probably wouldn't have gotten out of my chair to look out the window at a 10-car-pileup in front of my house. I don't often read fiction; I find real life to be much more incredible. And while people are capable of great cruelty and ignorance, I never fail to marvel at the strength and bravery of the human spirit, and reading the story of others who have endured despite incredible pain and misfortune is always a lesson for me. Here are my favorites, some new and some classic:
"Darkness Visible" by William Styron. This is a short book, easy to get through, by a talented author who lived through a huge wave of crushing depression and came out on the other side.
"Terry" by George McGovern. This is a touching memoir of a beloved daughter who constantly rallied and failed against an unimaginably severe addiction to alcohol, despite an intelligent and loving spirit.
"The Tennis Partner" by Abraham Verghese. Dr. Verghese became the mentor and friend of a talented but drug-addicted young intern; this is another memoir of an intelligent but tortured soul, told with compassion and grace.
"Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt. Preserverance in the face of grinding poverty and alcoholism, this is another incredible memoir of sheer endurance, a hellish upbringing remembered with humor and honor.
"The Kiss"" by Kathryn Harrison. An extremely talented writer, she manages to describe her mother's neglect and an incestuous relationship with her father in poetic terms - no small feat.
Excellent reading.Okay, I have more, but that should get you started. You don't even have to leave your house -order a good used copy from amazon for cheap.
-Gracie
Posted by justyourlaugh on May 9, 2003, at 0:29:59
In reply to Re: EXTREME BOREDOM, posted by whiterabbit on May 8, 2003, at 23:26:37
gracie,,,
i disagree,,for me...
i am not without "excitement" around me..
depression for me is a total shut down of all mental and physical systems..i dont care if "montel williams" is still on the air...nor do i care if aliens are dancing on my lawn...
i havent been able to focus enough for years to be able to read....i was so passionate about my books:(
Posted by Dinah on May 9, 2003, at 2:44:35
In reply to Then I'm odd, too (nm) » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on May 8, 2003, at 23:15:30
Posted by whiterabbit on May 9, 2003, at 3:12:52
In reply to Re: EXTREME ... » whiterabbit, posted by justyourlaugh on May 9, 2003, at 0:29:59
My heart goes out to you...I didn't mean to imply that trash TV or even good books are a cure-all for depression, because there isn't one. What I meant to say is that even though I normally occupy my thoughts with rather, umm, different and more complex subjects, for quite some time I was so bottomed-out that I couldn't focus long enough to concentrate on anything but the most juvenile type of entertainment. I was almost down to the drooling cartoon-level, especially when I was severely over-medicated on Depakote. Once again I will say that Depakote is a proven and effective mood-stabalizer for many folks, but it
had a decidedly adverse effect on me. This was nobody's "fault", just a result of how my particular chemistry reacted to this specific drug. At the same time, I've continued to improve above and beyond all expectations on enough Seroquel daily to knock out a buffalo. That's what works for me.I can only point out the things, like certain books, that helped me cope in a desperate situation. I sure as hell wish I knew something that would help everybody all the time without fail, because I would make things right for all of us. If I could.
-Gracie
Posted by WorryGirl on May 12, 2003, at 19:29:51
In reply to EXTREME BOREDOM, posted by mmcasey on May 8, 2003, at 19:43:10
> I have realized that one major facet of my depression is this extreme boredom that I seem to always have. Someone posted about this a few weeks ago. But when I look back over the past few years, I can just remember a lot of times of just feeling really bored. It's like I think over my options of what to do and nothing seems appealing. But sitting there and doing nothing is obviously very dull as well. At times, I feel horribly depressed in addition to the boredom, but other times I don't even really feel that depressed, just bored (like right now for instance). Part of it is that I do not have the concentration to do many things that I would like to do like read or even watch tv. I am unable to become engaged in practically everything. I always feel kind of restless.
>
> Does anyone else feel like this? It kind of sucks!!
>
>Hi there,
Yes, I've often felt like you and what has helped me tremendously is taking up knitting. Yes, knitting! It's not just for senior citizens anymore. I was in the yarn store the other day and I was the oldest one in there (I'm in my mid 30s!).
Anyway, why it helps me is that I am creating something even if I'm just sitting there. My mind tends to race, even when I'm not in an overly anxious state, and the knitting somehow calms me and allows me to focus. It's great to do while watching TV. I believe that I actually absorb more info while knitting. I could just see the look on people's faces if I brought my knitting to church. I doubt my ability to absorb the sermon that way would be smiled upon!
And as boring as "knitting" might sound, it is anything but for me. I realize it's not for everyone, but maybe you could give it a try.
If you can learn just the simple basic garter stitch (there are tons of websites that can teach you or you might know someone who can show you in person), you can create a scarf in no time, and there are wonderful, colorful textured yarns (as well as pretty inexpensive yarns) out there these days that knit into some gorgeous designer-looking stuff. Great for gifts, too.
And men are taking up knitting these days, too - gay and straight, teens and older. It seems that hats and scarves are the most popular with them.
It is considered therapeutic by some pdocs and more people than ever are taking up this hobby.I'll admit that there are times, when I'm really down, that I can't even get motivated to knit, and I'll drudge around the house all day, bored out of my mind. But if I can manage to pick up the needles or turn on my computer it sometimes helps get me tuned into life a little better.
Even if you live in Florida, you can knit a sleeveless tank or a scarf.
Just an idea; I realize that it might not appeal to everyone, but it's worked pretty well for me :)
Posted by mmcasey on May 12, 2003, at 20:36:56
In reply to Re: EXTREME BOREDOM » mmcasey, posted by WorryGirl on May 12, 2003, at 19:29:51
Actually, I did learn to crochet last summer. I have sort of gone in phases with it, like getting really into it for a while, and then it fizzles out and I don't do any crocheting for a long time. I haven't done any since about Feb. I do like it, but it does help to have something interesting on tv too. I kind of get into a groove with it or something. One problem is that I don't know how to do a lot of stuff, so all I have made is scarves and I made one blanket. Maybe I'll do another blanket. It took months and months to finish but very satisfying.
Posted by noa on May 14, 2003, at 2:50:57
In reply to Re: EXTREME BOREDOM » WorryGirl, posted by mmcasey on May 12, 2003, at 20:36:56
Hey, as it happens, there was an article I read about how popular knitting is becoming on college campuses.
I have thought about going to a "Knitting Circle". A friend of mine taught me some basics, but I never kept up with it. She learned by going to a knitting circle, and highly recommends it. I think aobut going, but haven't. I think most communities have them. The one she goes to meets in a library. The one near me meets at a cafe. I am sure there are some that meet in yarn stores.
This is the end of the thread.
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