Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Triggers of Depression
Thursday, August 28th, 2008by Susan
My husband and I spent four days at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital with his mother who is 94 years of age. She is out of the hospital now and will be returning to the hospital soon for a procedure on her back. The many hours we spent in the ICU and adjoining waiting room were very similar to times when I was there for my own mother and for one of my sisters.
Needless to say, I believe the events of the past week have triggered some depressive feelings for me. My mother passed away in 1999. She was in the hospital for 10 days as a result of a fall due to the unsteadiness she suffered with Alzheimer's Disease. All of my sisters, as well as my brother visited and spent time together. We all rallied together again a few years later when one of my sisters spent 10 days in the ICU on life support.
I believe significant events such as loss of a loved one and life threatening illness of a loved one can trigger depression. I also believe similar events can re-trigger those same feelings of depression, fear and anxiety.
There are so many events in our lives that are possible triggers of depression. Job loss, financial problems, arguments with loved ones, death, illness and many many more. Some of us may be depressed due to genetics and chemical imbalance but these triggering events increase our levels of depression, sometimes to the point of immobilizing us for a short period of time. If you find yourself unable to function somewhat normally for you, get professional help as well as help from family members.
Here is an interesting site that lists many of the triggers of depression "Causes of Depression: Possible Triggers of Depression?"
Liverpool Legends: His and Hers
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
by Susan
Last night I saw Liverpool Legends in concert in Branson, Missouri. My husband and I had been feeling a bit depressed the past week or so and decided to take a break from our routine. We drove to Branson where there are many excellent music shows to choose from. On the recommendation of my brother, David, we chose to see Liverpool Legends.
The Liverpool Legends are four very talented musician/actors who were hand chosen by Louise Harrison who is the sister of the late George Harrison, one of the Beatles. Together, Louise and the Liverpool Legends put on a magnificent two hour show of Beatle music. It was wonderful and I felt as though I had gone back in life to my high school days when I swooned with everyone else with Beatlemania.
The show was great entertainment for any family and there were plenty of families in attendance. My husband and I enjoyed interacting with the rest of the audience and along with the Liverpool Legends. We clapped to the music, swayed back and forth and also whooped and hollered. From "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Hey Jude" we were having so much fun! It's no wonder this group was voted Best Band in Branson in 2006 and 2007.
Needless to say, we did not feel any depression during the concert. Today I've also been free of depressed feelings and have talked about the concert to anyone who would listen. I think, taking a break from daily routines is sometimes just what we need to jump start interest and enthusiasm in something outside of ourselves.
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Last night I saw Liverpool Legends in concert in Branson, Missouri. My husband and I had been feeling a bit depressed the past week or so and decided to take a break from our routine. We drove to Branson where there are many excellent music shows to choose from. On the recommendation of my brother, David, we chose to see Liverpool Legends.
The Liverpool Legends are four very talented musician/actors who were hand chosen by Louise Harrison who is the sister of the late George Harrison, one of the Beatles. Together, Louise and the Liverpool Legends put on a magnificent two hour show of Beatle music. It was wonderful and I felt as though I had gone back in life to my high school days when I swooned with everyone else with Beatlemania.
The show was great entertainment for any family and there were plenty of families in attendance. My husband and I enjoyed interacting with the rest of the audience and along with the Liverpool Legends. We clapped to the music, swayed back and forth and also whooped and hollered. From "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Hey Jude" we were having so much fun! It's no wonder this group was voted Best Band in Branson in 2006 and 2007.
Needless to say, we did not feel any depression during the concert. Today I've also been free of depressed feelings and have talked about the concert to anyone who would listen. I think, taking a break from daily routines is sometimes just what we need to jump start interest and enthusiasm in something outside of ourselves.
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Inspired by Randy Pausch
Sunday, July 27th, 2008
by Susan
I have been inspired by Randy Pausch's last lecture as shown on youtube. Randy Pausch was a young professor at Carnegie Mellon who passed away on July 25, 2008. His last lecture was in September of 2007 and it is quite moving.
Randy's last lecture is titled "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams". In the lecture he talks about each of his childhood dreams and how he achieved satisfaction from them. He also discusses how we can enable others to achieve their childhood dreams.
Something I found especially helpful about his lecture were the points he listed on how to get people to help you.
1. You can't get there alone
2. Tell the truth
3. Be earnest
4. Apologize when you screw up
5. Focus on others, not yourself
He also said something profound that gives me hope for the future of the fallen relationships in my life. He said, "People will show you their good side, just keep waiting". I believe hope enables others to achieve their dreams and I appreciate the feeling of hope I received from Professor Randy Pausch.
If you are interested in seeing the inspiring last lecture of Randy Pausch you can find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
I have been inspired by Randy Pausch's last lecture as shown on youtube. Randy Pausch was a young professor at Carnegie Mellon who passed away on July 25, 2008. His last lecture was in September of 2007 and it is quite moving.
Randy's last lecture is titled "Achieving Your Childhood Dreams". In the lecture he talks about each of his childhood dreams and how he achieved satisfaction from them. He also discusses how we can enable others to achieve their childhood dreams.
Something I found especially helpful about his lecture were the points he listed on how to get people to help you.
1. You can't get there alone
2. Tell the truth
3. Be earnest
4. Apologize when you screw up
5. Focus on others, not yourself
He also said something profound that gives me hope for the future of the fallen relationships in my life. He said, "People will show you their good side, just keep waiting". I believe hope enables others to achieve their dreams and I appreciate the feeling of hope I received from Professor Randy Pausch.
If you are interested in seeing the inspiring last lecture of Randy Pausch you can find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
Disappointments and Depression: His and Hers
Saturday, July 26th, 2008by Susan
Disappointments in the every day life of those of us suffering from mental health problems are often triggers of depression. Many people are able to easily let go of the frustration of disappointments but if we're prone to having depression it is more difficult.
Disappointment is the frustration we often feel for failing to attain specific hopes or wishes. Recently I proudly sent pictures of my immediate family to members of my family of origin. I failed to attain the reactions I had hoped for. In fact, they didn't even acknowledge the receipt of my pictures. I have been in a dark hole ever since. I'm writing this post as a step up out of that hole.
Over the years the relationships I've had with members of my family of origin have changed dramatically. I don't like the changes but I do concede the changes have been necessary for my general well being. Letting go of old, hurtful relationships is a hard thing to do. I find myself reaching out every now and then, hoping for a better result and it just doesn't happen. I only end up feeling disappointed, depressed and frustrated.
I have five sisters but it is my brother, David who is my friend and the one I can count on if I need support or encouragement. He's definitely not a disappointment! Thanks for reading. You are helping us to achieve our hope of having a successful blog. I'm half way out of this dark hole as a result of posting this article!
Empty Nest Syndrome and Depression: His and Hers
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008
My youngest child has moved out and is now married. I am feeling depression as a result of this Empty Nest. The wedding was beautiful and it was so good to have all of my family together again. My oldest son left Sunday for his home and I've really felt a lot of sadness since he left. I apologize for not updating this blog for so many days.
I reminded my husband this evening that in the nearly 42 years of our marriage there was only one time when I didn't have a child living at home and that was the first 9 months we were married. His response, "would it help if I started acting like a kid?" ha! No, I don't think it would help. My family has been my life!
I felt the depression that goes along with Empty Nest Syndrome each time one of my four children moved out. It never lasted too long and I'm hoping it won't with the last one either. I have good relationships with my children and see most of them pretty often. It makes me happy to see them happy with their lives. Maybe that is what has cured me of this sadness and depression each time I have experienced the Empty Nest Syndrome.
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I reminded my husband this evening that in the nearly 42 years of our marriage there was only one time when I didn't have a child living at home and that was the first 9 months we were married. His response, "would it help if I started acting like a kid?" ha! No, I don't think it would help. My family has been my life!
I felt the depression that goes along with Empty Nest Syndrome each time one of my four children moved out. It never lasted too long and I'm hoping it won't with the last one either. I have good relationships with my children and see most of them pretty often. It makes me happy to see them happy with their lives. Maybe that is what has cured me of this sadness and depression each time I have experienced the Empty Nest Syndrome.
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I’m Having Anxiety Disorder Symptoms……..by Susan
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
I'm having some anxiety disorder symptoms this week and I know why. This coming Saturday, June 21st, my youngest of three sons is getting married. He will be moving out of our house and I dread the initial empty nest feeling I know I will experience. My oldest son will be coming home for the wedding and I feel a lot of anxiety about that as well. I have no explanation for this other than I am so happy and excited to see him that maybe my feelings are getting all confused inside.
My middle son and my daughter will be coming for the wedding too and this will be the first time all of us have been together for over four years. My husband and I are busy scurrying about getting things ready for the family gathering at our home. Today my husband and I bought, hauled and put away what seemed like tons of groceries. Tomorrow we'll clean house and mow the yard. Not bad for senior citizens.
The anxiety disorder symptoms I'm experiencing are headache, nervousness, sleeplessness and worrying. I'll do much better after the festivities begin......it's the anticipation and preparation that get me all flustered. I just hope I won't be shaking when I have two of my sons walk me down the aisle for the third one's wedding.
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My middle son and my daughter will be coming for the wedding too and this will be the first time all of us have been together for over four years. My husband and I are busy scurrying about getting things ready for the family gathering at our home. Today my husband and I bought, hauled and put away what seemed like tons of groceries. Tomorrow we'll clean house and mow the yard. Not bad for senior citizens.
The anxiety disorder symptoms I'm experiencing are headache, nervousness, sleeplessness and worrying. I'll do much better after the festivities begin......it's the anticipation and preparation that get me all flustered. I just hope I won't be shaking when I have two of my sons walk me down the aisle for the third one's wedding.
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Happy Memorial Day Weekend…..by Susan
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! This holiday is of particular significance to me because my dad was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. My brother, David, who co-authors this blog, served in the military during the Vietnam war. My oldest son served two tours of service on a carrier in the Persian Gulf a few years ago. Military service by our loved ones is something we can all honor.
Loss of life, loss of relationships and loss of good mental health are all things that our current military and our veterans are dealing with on a daily basis. Family problems and problems with depression or suicidal feelings are things our veterans struggle to overcome. I pray for all who have served our country.
I found some interesting reading about the origin of Memorial Day, which originally occurred on May 30th each year. I was surprised that the observance of this holiday goes all the way back to the Civil War. You can read some of the interesting facts surrounding this holiday at wikipedia.org.
Loss of life, loss of relationships and loss of good mental health are all things that our current military and our veterans are dealing with on a daily basis. Family problems and problems with depression or suicidal feelings are things our veterans struggle to overcome. I pray for all who have served our country.
I found some interesting reading about the origin of Memorial Day, which originally occurred on May 30th each year. I was surprised that the observance of this holiday goes all the way back to the Civil War. You can read some of the interesting facts surrounding this holiday at wikipedia.org.
A Free Life……….by Susan
Monday, May 19th, 2008
On Mother's Day my youngest son took me to the movies. It takes us about thirty minutes to drive to the theater and during the ride he played one of his music CD's for me. He told me I would like this CD and he was right. It's called Free Life and is by a solo artist named Dan Wilson who was formerly with the group Semisonic.
As I was listening to the song, Free Life, I was struck by the beautiful simplicity of the lyrics. He says "one life is all we ever get". One Free Life! Just think of what a wondrous gift we each received, free! After hearing the song, I felt as if I had listened to an important sermon or speech. I felt grateful for my free life.
I think along with feeling grateful for my life, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility to make my free life the best life I can by continuing to improve my family relationships and my overall mental health. I plan to keep up my fight against depression and anxiety and encourage others to do the same. It's really true......one life is all we ever get.
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As I was listening to the song, Free Life, I was struck by the beautiful simplicity of the lyrics. He says "one life is all we ever get". One Free Life! Just think of what a wondrous gift we each received, free! After hearing the song, I felt as if I had listened to an important sermon or speech. I felt grateful for my free life.
I think along with feeling grateful for my life, I feel a renewed sense of responsibility to make my free life the best life I can by continuing to improve my family relationships and my overall mental health. I plan to keep up my fight against depression and anxiety and encourage others to do the same. It's really true......one life is all we ever get.
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Bloggers Unite for Human Rights……..by Susan
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
I'm writing today about Domestic Violence for "Bloggers Unite for Human Rights", because it is a human right for all of us to live our lives free of fear and free of abuse. Domestic Violence happens in all kinds of families and relationships. It's devastating to all who are involved. I know this from my own experience in being raised by parents who engaged in some domestic violence. It's very confusing for a child, in addition to being extremely frightening and dangerous.
When my parents started fighting, my sibblings and I would disappear to our rooms or outdoors. Mom and Daddy were oblivious to where we were or what we were doing. Oddly, none of my sisters have ever talked with me about our history of living with domestic violence. I guess for them, it's still our "family secret". I'm happy this topic is now publicly discussed and there is hope and help for the victims of domestic violence.
No one deserves to be abused, be it verbally or physically. Men, women and children can be victims of abuse. Physical violence even among family members is wrong and against the law. It could be happening in the house next door and you may never know it. Too often it is a well kept "family secret".
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Both men and women can be abused though most victims are women. Children in these homes are also likely to be abused. Sometimes the people being abused don't see themselves as victims because they think it only involves hitting, but domestic violence can be psychological, emotional or sexual abuse as well.
According to http://domesticviolence.org , in addition to pushing, hitting, slapping, choking, kicking and biting, the following are other signs of domestic violence:
1. threatening you or your children
2. threatening suicide to get you to do something
3. using or threatening to use a weapon against you
4. keeping or taking your paycheck
5. putting you down
6. forcing you to have sex
7. keeping you from seeing your friends or family
8 keeping you from going to work
These abusive behaviors can happen repeatedly in any kind of relationship and are often followed by a period of making up until the next cycle occurs. If you are being abused please know that you aren't alone, it's not your fault and help is available. It's your human right to be free of domestic violence. You can find a list of helpful groups and their website links at Internet Resources.
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When my parents started fighting, my sibblings and I would disappear to our rooms or outdoors. Mom and Daddy were oblivious to where we were or what we were doing. Oddly, none of my sisters have ever talked with me about our history of living with domestic violence. I guess for them, it's still our "family secret". I'm happy this topic is now publicly discussed and there is hope and help for the victims of domestic violence.
No one deserves to be abused, be it verbally or physically. Men, women and children can be victims of abuse. Physical violence even among family members is wrong and against the law. It could be happening in the house next door and you may never know it. Too often it is a well kept "family secret".
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Both men and women can be abused though most victims are women. Children in these homes are also likely to be abused. Sometimes the people being abused don't see themselves as victims because they think it only involves hitting, but domestic violence can be psychological, emotional or sexual abuse as well.
According to http://domesticviolence.org , in addition to pushing, hitting, slapping, choking, kicking and biting, the following are other signs of domestic violence:
1. threatening you or your children
2. threatening suicide to get you to do something
3. using or threatening to use a weapon against you
4. keeping or taking your paycheck
5. putting you down
6. forcing you to have sex
7. keeping you from seeing your friends or family
8 keeping you from going to work
These abusive behaviors can happen repeatedly in any kind of relationship and are often followed by a period of making up until the next cycle occurs. If you are being abused please know that you aren't alone, it's not your fault and help is available. It's your human right to be free of domestic violence. You can find a list of helpful groups and their website links at Internet Resources.
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Happy Mental Health Month…..by Susan
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
May is Mental Health Month. This is a time for us to work harder at attempting to raise awareness about mental health issues.
According to the Mental Health Association, 95% of us talk to someone about important decisions in our lives. I would imagine this would include family members, other relatives, friends and professionals. It sounds like many of us are getting support and have friends.
I happened upon an article written by Dr. John Grohol which addresses the findings of the Mental Health Association. You can find it in the PsychCentral Newsletter. I think it is interesting. In the article there is a link to the survey and findings of the Mental Health Association. It's really worth reading.
I hope our blog readers have people in their lives who are supportive and lend an ear when you need it. David and I have found that having each others' support, makes a huge difference in our ability to keep on going when things are tough.
Happy Mental Health Month to everyone!
According to the Mental Health Association, 95% of us talk to someone about important decisions in our lives. I would imagine this would include family members, other relatives, friends and professionals. It sounds like many of us are getting support and have friends.
I happened upon an article written by Dr. John Grohol which addresses the findings of the Mental Health Association. You can find it in the PsychCentral Newsletter. I think it is interesting. In the article there is a link to the survey and findings of the Mental Health Association. It's really worth reading.
I hope our blog readers have people in their lives who are supportive and lend an ear when you need it. David and I have found that having each others' support, makes a huge difference in our ability to keep on going when things are tough.
Happy Mental Health Month to everyone!