[snowflake36]

Hi! I’m in high school (going into 11th grade this year) and I also suffer from depression. Every school year since 7th grade has been extremely stressful because I have such horrible attendance due to my depression. Even with antidepressants, my depression makes it feel almost impossible to get out of bed in the morning and spend like 7 long hours in public. But this year, I’m determined not to be truant anymore. So does anyone have any tips for forcing yourself to wake up and get to school on time? Thanks.

[*Laurie*]

First of all, a HUGE congratulations for making it this far! Wow, I remember all the years I was in school (I'm 52 now), all those years battling depression/anxiety/ and the physical symptoms that came along with the disorders that made every day, especially mornings, so hard.

I'll be thinking about your question, but the first thought that came into my mind is 'Get a good night's sleep'. Meaning, go to bed at a reasonable time and get a good, solid night of sleep. Is that doable for you?

What helps me is a Wake Up-Light alarm clock. That way I wake up thinking "oh no, it's morning" instead of "It's the middle of the night (because it's dark), why is my alarm blaring?"

[snowflake36]

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

First of all, a HUGE congratulations for making it this far! Wow, I remember all the years I was in school (I'm 52 now), all those years battling depression/anxiety/ and the physical symptoms that came along with the disorders that made every day, especially mornings, so hard.

I'll be thinking about your question, but the first thought that came into my mind is 'Get a good night's sleep'. Meaning, go to bed at a reasonable time and get a good, solid night of sleep. Is that doable for you?

Thank you! And about sleep, that has been a big problem for me for years because I have insomnia. I've tried Melatonin, but it always makes me tired the next day. I've also tried Klonopin for sleep but it puts me in a DEEP sleep where even my alarm on full volume doesn't wake me up.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by snowflake36

Thank you! And about sleep, that has been a big problem for me for years because I have insomnia. I've tried Melatonin, but it always makes me tired the next day. I've also tried Klonopin for sleep but it puts me in a DEEP sleep where even my alarm on full volume doesn't wake me up.

You might try ZZZQuil. It's over-the-counter (gentle) med to help sleep, supposedly without that hangover effect.

How are you doing, snowflake?

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by snowflake36

Hi! I’m in high school (going into 11th grade this year) and I also suffer from depression. Every school year since 7th grade has been extremely stressful because I have such horrible attendance due to my depression. Even with antidepressants, my depression makes it feel almost impossible to get out of bed in the morning and spend like 7 long hours in public. But this year, I’m determined not to be truant anymore. So does anyone have any tips for forcing yourself to wake up and get to school on time? Thanks.

Hello. I am also going to grade 11 and when I had a MDD episode, I didn't want to get out of bed at all and I have never gotten enough sleep. I usually get 6-7 hours of sleep, but I am trying to change that. I'm sorry you deal with this everyday.

I have read by getting up immediately. You don't want to lay in bed for 30 minutes or so, you need to get up as soon as you are up. Try having a shower in the morning also. A cold shower is probably better. Also, try to eat food that has high energy in it like fruit, yogurt.

Hope this helps .

[OliverRaw]

Originally Posted by snowflake36

Thank you! And about sleep, that has been a big problem for me for years because I have insomnia. I've tried Melatonin, but it always makes me tired the next day. I've also tried Klonopin for sleep but it puts me in a DEEP sleep where even my alarm on full volume doesn't wake me up.

Try to physically exhaust yourself before You go to sleep. Start going to gym or running every evening. It will not only help You sleep better, but also it may help You with your depression. It helps me with my anger issues. Haven't had a single breakdown since started lifting weights