Hello, I'm new here. I was just wondering if anybody can identify with feelings of depression being more prevalent when being out of your normal routine? I have found that although I have enjoyed being off work for the past two weeks I has affected me mentally. Please could you let me know if you feel the same? And what coping mechanisms you use to get over this.
Thanks, Rebecca
Hi Rebecca
I understand where you are coming from. A break from normal routine can affect your state of mind without realising it until it creeps up on you, or suddenly hits you. i try not to take 2 weeks off at anytime because it can be detramental to your mental health as much as it can improve your mind. my experience is the former so i take my holidays in bite size chunks as i think this helps. a break from work is of course good but 2 weeks can seem an eternity for someone with mental health problems. i only found this out through experience but everyone is different. Paul x
Yes, any change or break in routine affects my mental state. Last time I had a week off work I barely got off of the sofa. What I've found helpful is to make plans, to make sure I've got something I have to do everyday. It has to be something simple tho, because if I set myself too hard targets then it has the opposite effect and makes my mood worse as I become anxious about what I've promised to . I have to do something like meeting a friend for coffee, something small but what makes me get dressed and leave the house,
I suffer depression weither i'm in routine or not..it sucks,,and let me tell you...when you have more time on your hand to think...then it sort of gets worse, well does for me 
Even though everyone needs a good break from routine,to relax and such, but for suferers like us, it's just as bad, not think? I think it's better to keep being active, as your always doing something to take your mind of the bad thoughts.When you do have time off work, go outings,sight seeing (even if it's just in town or up the hills lol) do something different from your noraml routine,doesn't have to be heavy busy or anything like that but something to still keep you active, then at night you can unwind with a nice cuppa (if you like tea) or a hot bath,then bed...try out new things 
Being out of a routine definately makes a difference to anyone who has depression. The best way of combating this is to STAY in a set routine, where you HAVE to get up and do something and not just sit and watch the TV all day, which I know is very tempting, When I found myself doing this, the depression just got worse and I have to force myself to do something different. I have also started to write a journal each day of what happened, what I felt like and what I did about it and I find that writing, even just a few lines a day has helped. It seems to get it off your mind and onto paper...I dont use a computer to do it, just a notebook and a pencil, but its better than sitting doing nothing! But try and get out into the little sunshine that we do have ...winter is notorious for making things worse and we do need a little sunlight every day, even though you may not think that its making any difference, it surely does.