<p>Agree with other posters who commented after reading the OP’s home is overseas and the parents have just separated. I don’t know an adult kid out there who wouldn’t be stressed and possibly depressed and anxious by the fact that the parents have separated, even if it’s a good thing, and long in coming. </p>
<p>This situation happens to many, so don’t despair, and I am glad you are reaching out for help.</p>
<p>I have to agree with everyone. If the OP has a medical issue, like low Vitamin D or hypothyroid, it could also look like depression, so that should definitely be ruled out. If those are fine (full blood panel, with TSH for thyroid and Vit. PC at a minimum) then medical help may be needed to adjust for depression. I also agree to exercise, preferably outside, and preferably with a friend to talk to if you are running or walking, and also getting high quality sleep each night is important to reset your hormones and have a fresh start each day with any stresses that come your way, if that is possible to do right now.</p>
<p>OP - have you applied for unemployment? It may help with your rent. Do you have health insurance? I would find a therapist and go to a doctor to get some blood work done. Your first priority should be your health. What’s the point of getting another job if you are not going to be able to hold it down (if you can’t write a cover letter, how could you write emails?). </p>
<p>I have been a hiring manager for a long time. I am accustom to see young people with employment gaps or changing their career. One of my kid’s good friend was working at Goldman. He left the job last year and went to Colorado to be a ski instructor for 6 months. Now he is looking a job and potential employers are not having any issue with him taking some time off.</p>
<p>Take care of your health first, then everything else will follow.</p>
<p>Sorry for another sort of terse reply, I’m exhausted, just answering a few questions.</p>
<p>I had bloodwork done in the spring and the only thing out of the ordinary was very low cholesterol (<5th percentile), which I’ve seen a few studies linking to anxiety and depression in women, so possibly I should eat more red meat. I’ve never been anemic or had any other deficiencies. I take a multivitamin, vitamin D, and fish oil. I have a healthy diet, eat fruits and vegetables, don’t like junk food. I don’t think I’m hypothyroid because I’m very slim, but is that a misconception? I do eat enough, no eating disorder.</p>
<p>I’ve had insomnia on and off since all these changes started in early summer, and it’s been “on” for at least the last six weeks. I go to bed at 10 or 11 most nights and wake up between 3:30 and 5:30 most mornings. I fall back asleep sometimes but not usually. I can sleep through the night if I take clonazepam, which I do when I’m desperate but don’t like to.</p>
<p>I walk quite a bit, 5 to 10 miles most days, so I’m not totally inactive. I ran every other day while unemployed but have felt too drained to since I started working; should start again. I did yoga before moving down here but haven’t felt like I could afford it, but that may have been shortsighted. I’ll see if there are any studios in my neighborhood.</p>
<p>I talk to friends online every day, talk on the phone occasionally, and see them in person at least once or twice weekly. I went to a house party last weekend, met some new people, got on an email list for a regular art night thing near where I live. I’ve gone to a few meetups and on a few dates (I have two more this weekend, actually). I’ve gone to museums on my own, worked from coffee shops, taken my Kindle to the park just to get out. I haven’t felt confident enough to do much professional networking, that’s the one thing I need to get better at.</p>
<p>I haven’t had health insurance for a few months (and thanks to that have a $2,000 emergency room bill hanging over my head along with everything else) but will have it again starting 11/1. I have a counseling appointment at a sliding-scale clinic next Wednesday, wasn’t able to get in sooner, and will be able to get a referral to a psychiatrist from there.</p>
<p>I’m sorry not to be able to reply to everyone individually, but I’ve read and reread every word; I’m taking your ideas to heart. Thank you again a thousand times.</p>
<p>One reason Taproot Foundation is cool it that you can “network” in a formalized situation (volunteer project using your professional skills). BTW, it sounds like you’re on you way to feeling better. Just keep doing what you’re doing and add in therapy and any appropriate drug treatment. </p>
<p>I wanted to add that coming from an expat family, settling into the USA in adult life is not as smooth as those with parents on the ground here. Add the separation, the employment stress, the cost of housing in DC, and it is not an easy time. </p>
<p>You are impressively doing many of the right things to combat depression, staying active and socially engaged. Keep doing those things. Know that moods cycle up and down and the ability to concentrate along with it. Glad you have an appointment coming up. Yes, you sleep patterns show classic depression, which should be addressed by your providers. Keep us informed as to how things are progressing. </p>
<p>Wishing you a good evening tonight and a good day tomorrow.</p>
<p>You sound like you are taking control of your health, that is excellent. Do try to eat enough protein including red meat.
The insomnia is what is probably what is kicking your butt right now. Good luck with the appointment.
Also, this might be an odd suggestion, but (if you are not allergic), is there any way you could spend some time with a puppy or a kitten or a dog? Maybe volunteer at a pet shelter or even just visit with someone with a friendly cuddly pet? Or there might be a pet therapy group near you. There are studies that show that being with pets can help a lot.</p>
<p>Great idea about the animals, scholarme. Working with horses has been a real blessing for my son, who is not even an “animal person.”</p>
<p>OP, I second everyone’s great advice. Your life is not a race! You have LOTS of time to accomplish what you want - you just need to pace yourself. That is SO important to remember. It’s going to take my son probably six years to get a BS, and that’s OK! Your health is THE most important thing right now. I am so glad you have an appointment at a clinic. Please keep us posted, because we really do care about you. Hugs!</p>
<p>Hi BB, thinking of you. I hope the slow process of appts and referrals is starting to get you the help you richly deserve.</p>