Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What do you do when you get to the point that you can’t really work? I can’t commit to any schedule bc so many days I can’t get out of bed.

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭

I’ve had MDD for about twenty years. Probably more. I was even sad as a child. But I feel like it just gets worse. I haven’t worked regularly for a year now. I do cleaning or help someone with home repairs but that’s just random. I can’t commit to a schedule bc I don’t get out of bed most days. I moved to a rural area and most of the time going anywhere seems like too much of a hassle
The state of the world feels so dark to me and as an empath it feels so extremely heavy. Most of the time I’m… read more

June 23
 · 
Reactions
MyDepressionTeam

First, please know that what you're carrying right now is genuinely heavy, and the fact that you're still here, still trying, still reaching out — that matters more than you might realize right now.

What you're describing — the inability to get out of bed, loss of purpose, isolation, and financial crisis — are real and Show Full Answer

First, please know that what you're carrying right now is genuinely heavy, and the fact that you're still here, still trying, still reaching out — that matters more than you might realize right now.

What you're describing — the inability to get out of bed, loss of purpose, isolation, and financial crisis — are real and serious symptoms of MDD, not personal failures. Twenty years is a long time to fight this battle, and exhaustion makes complete sense. Given your financial situation is urgent, one important step to explore right away is applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI benefits. MDD can qualify as a disability, especially with your long history. This won't solve things in 2-3 weeks, but starting the process now matters.

Some immediate options worth looking into:

- SSDI/SSI application — ssа.gov or call (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators).org — connects you to local financial assistance, housing help, and food resources
- Mortgage forbearance — contact your lender directly; many have hardship programs
- Local food banks — reduces one financial pressure while you stabilize On the treatment side, since antidepressants haven't worked well for you, it may be worth talking to a psychiatrist specifically about treatment-resistant depression options. There are newer approaches beyond standard antidepressants that might be worth exploring.

Finding a therapist you connect with is exhausting — that's real. Telehealth platforms like Open Path Collective offer lower-cost therapy and can be done from home, which might feel more manageable from a rural area. One MyDepressionTeam member shared this perspective for those struggling with work: *"Just do the best you can. You need to focus on getting better overall. You can always get another job, but you can't get another brain or another body."*

Rest now. And take things one small step at a time. You don't have to solve everything today. 💙

June 23
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Kristen I too am an extreme empath and the world does feels heavy. When I'm depressed, even more so. When I'm depressed my brain only sees bad, sees the world only as bad when there is so much more to it. There are bad yes but so much more good. When I am really in it, I watch real-life hero stories on youtube and it does help a bit. I am sorry you are going through it right now. As I read the comments, there are resources available. If you need any help with going through any paperwork send some through. I know everything feels so daunting when you are depressed.

Sincerely,
a friend, Lauren

June 24
A MyDepressionTeam Member

This site does help a lot with support when no one else seems to understand.

June 24
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I could write a book.

June 24
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I am attempting to return to structured work. I have avoided it for years similar to your reason, I struggle to keep a regular routine. These past few years I have been doing delivery work on the driving platforms. I don’t know your situation but do you drive and have a vehicle? If so you might look into this as it has helped me stay afloat along with my SSDI. My husband passed away a little over a year ago and at the time we had his SS also. Delivery was more something I did to get out of the house and for extra spending money. Since then it’s become a necessity as I don’t get enough disability to make ends meet, but without it I’d be up a creek for sure. Also don’t know the size of the town/city you’re in but it’s always easier to get approved for disability when you have a lawyer. My husband went thru what was SRS at the time and they hired Legal Aide to help him get his. Just a few possibilities for you. Sending hugs 🤗

June 23

Related Questions

View All

What to do when you cannot get out of bed. 5 days straight. Meaning

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cantwell, AK
August 3

How do I get my husband to understand it’s not laziness

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lenoir, NC
February 19

I can’t get out of bed I’m so depressed. What if I lose my job?

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kosciusko, MS
May 18, 2024

Note to self: You gotta do this for you
Believing you can do something...
How do I add a photo to an update?