Feeling numb and not sure what to do

Firstly, welcome to the forums @paigikins I hear that these up and down emotions have been pretty confusing and difficult to manage, especially while you're studying.

Have you ever spoken to anyone about this, like your friends or family, or your GP?

There are lots of different factors that can cause dips in our moods, like hormonal changes, stressful life events or experiencing change, not getting enough sleep, various vitamin deficiencies...the list could go on, so sometimes it can be really hard to work our why we're feeling the way we are. I do note that you've mentioned that you've experienced this your whole life so it's reasonable to wonder if it might be related to your family's history of depression.

A good first step to figuring out what's going on for you may be a visit to your GP if you haven't already, to talk to them about your changing moods. They can help you to start narrowing down what may be behind these low periods and how to treat them.

Hi,

I'm sorry to here you are experiencing this too, I follow the same journey often.

What I find helps is trying to set yourself up a routine.

Keep it simple and allow for change.

For example ...

wake @ x time each day,

Have a shower @ x time.

Get dressed,

Call a friend ( connection)

Then add in 1 task plus 1 self care ( any hobby TV time, favourite food)

At the end of the day reflect positively, challenging any negitive thoughts.

So example I got up, I brushed my hair, I ate , I opened a curtain, I sat in the sun,

List all the achievements, when you look at it in simple terms you have done something and that something could be breathing, and that's a win.

As for feeling numb/ disconnected, you could try something grounding or distracting.

I frequently feel this way, sometimes I just notice, and except it. Other I tip and mix beads up and sit there and sort them out back into colour, size ect.

I hear you, your not alone and brave for sharing

Hi @paigikins, my depression can go up and down as well. Which I kind of see as normal, but it feels like an out of control boat ride. I ride the waves but I have no control over how long each wave lasts, and that's the bit that makes it so hard. The tiniest things can trigger a downward trip!

I think if you're concerned something isn't right, then it's a pretty good indicator that it's true. The anxiety and lack of motivation would back that up as well I think, as I have the same issues when I'm really struggling.

As @Ru-bee suggested talking to someone... friend, family, or your GP to talk about what's going on is a great first step to getting a better understanding of what is going on inside your head. One thing I've learned is that trying to figure it out ourselves just adds more and more to the issue until it gets too much. Even just writing it out here I find helps me a lot as do some fresh perspectives.

Ive heard a lot of people from quite a few different places recommend a daily structure to me as @Mlw suggested. I'm not sure it's for me, but so many people have said it helps them a lot. As I write this I realise that maybe I should stop being so stubborn and try it. I wish you all the best in getting on top of this soon, because it's definitely not a fun space to be in.

Welcome to the forums @paigikins and I hope you feel very welcome here.

I agree that setting a schedule can be helpful but have you thought of talking to a counsellor at Uni? I spoke to one recently and found her very helpful to my situation. I'm now on a Uni break for 2 weeks and I have set some short term achievable goals to keep me on track and out of bed.

All the best and take care.