Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category
You Don’t Know What You’ve Got
Saturday, October 25th, 2008by Susan
Taking people for granted is one of the easiest things to do and one of the hardest things to undo. The same can be said for taking things for granted, whether it be material things or even our own physical or mental health. The bottom line is that we don't know what we've got until we lose it.
We don't fully appreciate the good things in our lives until we no longer have them. Loss of a loved one or a broken relationship can cause us a great deal of pain. Dealing with severe depression or other mental health problems can totally upset our world as we once knew it. Suffering through difficult physical problems can also be extremely stressful. When faced with all of these dilemmas we often wonder what happened to the good times. We often miss them terribly.
We can learn to cherish our good relationships and other things, knowing we will dearly miss them when they are gone. Reach out to those you love now rather than later. You never know when it might be too late. We'll also miss our 'feelin good' days, so let's be sure to take full advantage of all the ones we get.
I loved the music of the 60's and there was a song of the 60's that came to mind the other day after I visited with a dear friend. The song is called "You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)" I've posted the lyrics below in case some of you might remember it too. I really liked this song when it was popular and I guess I still do. Thanks for reading this blog.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT (UNTIL YOU LOSE IT)
(George Burton / Paul Hampton)
Ral Donner - 1961
Big Jim Sullivan - 1961
You don't know what you've got until you lose it
You gave me you-your love but I abused it
And now I'm sorry for the things I didn't say
`cause I know now I acted in a foolish way
(oh yeah) uh-huh-huh (oh yeah) oh-oh-yeah
You don't know what you've got until you lose it
You gave me you-your love but I misused it
I never knew how lonely loneliness could be
And now I need you, dear, as you once needed me
(oh yeah) uh-huh-huh (oh yeah) oh-oh-yeah
So now if you'd come to this lonely heart you own
I'd give you all my lovin' like you've never known
(bung, bung, bung, bung)
You don't know what you've got until you lose it
You gave me you-your love but I misused it
And now I'm sorry for the things I didn't say
`cause I know now I acted in a foolish way
(oh yeah) uh-huh-huh (oh yeah) oh-oh-yeah
(oh yeah) uh-huh-huh (oh yeah) oh-oh-yeah
FADE
(oh yeah) uh-huh-huh (oh yeah)
Is Apprehension the Same as Anxiety?
Sunday, October 19th, 2008by Susan
Is apprehension the same thing as anxiety? According to one definition of apprehension in the Encarta Dictionary, apprehension is dread...... a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. That sounds pretty much like what most of us feel when we suffer from anxiety. Frequently we feel this sense of dread when faced with decisions both small and large.
There is another definition in the Encarta Dictionary which says apprehension can also mean the power or ability to grasp the importance, significance, or meaning of something. I'm paying special attention to the words "ability to grasp". I believe our ability to grasp a things importance, whether it be an event, an object, a person, or an idea, is vital to our happiness and peace of mind. Sometimes we must research or study certain subjects at length in order to inform ourselves, so that we have the "ability to grasp".
So often when we are not informed or have not yet grasped a situation, we are unsure of ourselves and others. We find it difficult to make decisions and we suffer from anxiety(apprehension) for fear we will make the wrong decision. At times we may spend all our time trying to convince family members and others that we know what is correct. Are we really trying to convince ourselves when we engage in this behavior?
There is a huge weight lifted from our shoulders when we finally do grasp and understand what we are dealing with....and when we finally do make our decision. I believe apprehension, the ability to grasp a situation, is the best way to relieve our apprehension(anxiety) when it comes to making decisions, whether that decision involves where to make a major purchase, who to vote for, what church to attend, or decisions about daily events in our lives. The "ability to grasp" is something most of us can achieve with a little time and effort, thus engaging in a bit of self help. The time and effort spent might just go a long way in relieving our anxiety.
Baby Boomers and Depression
Sunday, October 12th, 2008by Susan
I was interviewed by phone not long ago by Darlene Dunn of Newsnet5.com out of Ohio for an article she wrote about Baby Boomers and their life changes that can trigger depression. Before I give you the link to that interview I'd like to let you know that I am a Baby Boomer who has suffered with depression since my early 30's. I sought professional help, tried a number of anti-depressants and each one worked for me for a period of time. Psychotherapy was the most effective for me.
My brother, David, has received a great deal of help from both anti-depressants and Psychotherapy. In my opinion, senior citizens and people in all age groups need to seek professional help when they suffer from depression for more than a few weeks. The professional will help you decide what will be of most help for you.
I do believe that life changes during Baby Boomer years or anytime in our lives can trigger depression. Problems in your relationships can trigger depression as easily as major changes such as loss of a loved one or loss of a job.
On a personal note, my husband and I have been married for 42 years and we've shared a lot of good times as well as some problems. My children are all gone from home now and all are loving and successful adults. It was difficult for me to be a stay at home mom and even though I wasn't always the best mom, I did a good job. The loss of each of my parents was devastating to me and caused me a great deal of depression. I think a lot of Baby Boomers find themselves dealing with this same kind of loss.
My husband retired in 2005, at which time we needed to cut our expenses and I stopped seeing my psychologist on a regular basis and took up blogging. Blogging is definitely cheaper although it isn't nearly as effective as seeing a professional on a regular basis. I prefaced the interview with this article because I am a firm believer in seeking professional help if you suffer from depression and I don't think that point is made in the article. You can read the interview by Darlene Dunn at Newsnet5.com. It is titled, Boomer's Life Changes Can Start Depression.
Success Goes a Long Way
Thursday, October 9th, 2008by Susan
I recently had some success in achieving a goal with my Avon sales and realize now that a little success goes a long way in relieving depression. Success also helps promote a good sense self esteem which is something most of us can use on a regular basis.
Although tackling new projects and taking new risks can cause us a good deal of stress, it can also eventually give us a lot of rewards. Success can greatly improve our general mental health and make us more pleasant to be around. Don't get me wrong........I'm usually a very pleasant person, although I suffer from depression.
Yesterday I attended my Avon District Sales Meeting and felt reassured about my future with Avon. I received recognition for my accomplishments and all of us received the assurance that Avon will not be laying off representatives. In this troubled economy that was a good thing to hear.
I'm very pleased that I was able to make myself get out there and start selling Avon two years ago. It was a risk that paid off in many ways......especially because it got me out of the house and interacting with people again. If we can make ourselves try new things, the success we achieve will go a long way in helping us cope with depression.
Protect Loved Ones From Resentment
Friday, September 26th, 2008by David
Sometimes we have to protect our loved ones from their own resentment. Imagine you are having a good day and all of a sudden something very unnatural happens. A loved one says something or does something that hurts you or makes you angry. You react and now there are two of you acting in an unnatural way. What if you were able to not react?
Some might call not reacting, turning the other cheek. A lot of people have trouble doing this. Well, this isn't a religion lesson where you feel you must become like a monk to get along in the world by not reacting to your loved ones resentment and/or cruelty. However, if you can stop reacting, you might help them to see what is going on. It takes two to fight. If you remain neutral it doesn't have to mean you are turning the other cheek. It means you're not going to be drawn into a disease I call resentment.
Your loved ones don't know how to cope with neutrality. You may not know either. but looking at it the right way may change your mind about it. The world is full of people who think their way is the right way and at the snap of a finger can become resentful, angry or even violent towards someone.
If someone takes their resentment out on you, neutralize the situation or take a break. After all, you may be wrong. If we harbor resentment we can't see that we are sometimes wrong because we can't see anything clearly. Take care of your little corner of the world, your friends, your loved ones............and you.
Lost in Depression
Sunday, September 14th, 2008by David
It's hard when you don't feel like doing anything to fill up a day's hours with things to do. It's hard trying to sleep when you can't, or trying to go walking when your self esteem is so low that you feel very self conscious around people. Sometimes you feel so self conscious that any traffic makes walking a real burden. It makes you want to stay home where you feel safe.
Depression can take your breath away as well as your friends and your self. It can isolate you from loved ones when they don't understand at times that you don't feel like being around anyone, including them. That is the most heart breaking thing when you have children and you can't be your best for them....... missing out on things or events that are so special to them.
You try to show your children that you love them. You hope they understand or will someday understand that depression is a disability just as sure as if you were in a wheel chair for life. Depression is a prison at times, keeping you from being out in the world enjoying things other people are enjoying. At times I cry. Sometimes I hide my head under the covers. There's no escape and sometimes no relief. Deep inside I know life is beautiful. I have two daughters.
I Wish I Looked Different
Friday, September 12th, 2008
by Susan
Sometimes I really wish I looked different. We go through life with this one body and even though we try to keep it healthy and looking it's best we may be dissatisfied with how we look. I am. Women like myself, who are senior citizens, probably understand very well how this dissatisfaction with our appearance can worsen with age.
I keep hoping I will get to the point where I'm comfortable wearing red and purple, and don't care too much anymore about how I look, but I'm not there yet. My self esteem has always been connected to how I feel about my appearance. Lately, I haven't had good self esteem.
My hair is thinning and my waistline is thickening. I know both of these things often happen to senior citizens in spite of exercise and eating right. I know aging is a normal process but by golly......we don't have to like it. I want to age gracefully and happily and I know acceptance is the key to achieving that wish. I'm just not ready. I wish I looked different.........younger, thinner and happier.
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. According to one article I found, many people are actually Obsessing On Body Image. I'm not obsessing yet, but just having a rant tonight. Thanks for reading.
Sometimes I really wish I looked different. We go through life with this one body and even though we try to keep it healthy and looking it's best we may be dissatisfied with how we look. I am. Women like myself, who are senior citizens, probably understand very well how this dissatisfaction with our appearance can worsen with age.
I keep hoping I will get to the point where I'm comfortable wearing red and purple, and don't care too much anymore about how I look, but I'm not there yet. My self esteem has always been connected to how I feel about my appearance. Lately, I haven't had good self esteem.
My hair is thinning and my waistline is thickening. I know both of these things often happen to senior citizens in spite of exercise and eating right. I know aging is a normal process but by golly......we don't have to like it. I want to age gracefully and happily and I know acceptance is the key to achieving that wish. I'm just not ready. I wish I looked different.........younger, thinner and happier.
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. According to one article I found, many people are actually Obsessing On Body Image. I'm not obsessing yet, but just having a rant tonight. Thanks for reading.
You’ve Gotta Have Hope
Thursday, August 21st, 2008
by Susan
There's an old song titled, "You've Gotta Have Heart" but I've often heard the word Hope substituted for heart including in the title of an old episode of The Golden Girls. In my opinion ya gotta have both....but hope is what I want to talk about in this article.
Those of us with depression often feel hopeless but we can learn to have hope through cognitive behavior therapy. We can learn to set goals and make plans to achieve those goals thus giving us hope....hope for a better life. With hope we can begin to overcome our depression. I believe that hopeful people who encourage us to have hope, are exactly the kind of people we need in our lives.
Let's say we have a goal and a plan. Now we need the motivation to execute that plan. In my opinion, mustering up the motivation is the hard part but we can do it with the help of those who offer us encouragement. Sometimes that can be a professional, a family member or friends. I'd like to say that my brother, David, has given me a lot of the encouragement I needed to carry out my goals with this blog.
There's an interesting article in the Ohio State University Research News on "Hope Therapy". Check it out to learn more about this very interesting idea for controlling the monster.......depression.
Visit: Ozzie Reviews Avon
There's an old song titled, "You've Gotta Have Heart" but I've often heard the word Hope substituted for heart including in the title of an old episode of The Golden Girls. In my opinion ya gotta have both....but hope is what I want to talk about in this article.
Those of us with depression often feel hopeless but we can learn to have hope through cognitive behavior therapy. We can learn to set goals and make plans to achieve those goals thus giving us hope....hope for a better life. With hope we can begin to overcome our depression. I believe that hopeful people who encourage us to have hope, are exactly the kind of people we need in our lives.
Let's say we have a goal and a plan. Now we need the motivation to execute that plan. In my opinion, mustering up the motivation is the hard part but we can do it with the help of those who offer us encouragement. Sometimes that can be a professional, a family member or friends. I'd like to say that my brother, David, has given me a lot of the encouragement I needed to carry out my goals with this blog.
There's an interesting article in the Ohio State University Research News on "Hope Therapy". Check it out to learn more about this very interesting idea for controlling the monster.......depression.
Visit: Ozzie Reviews Avon
Senior Citizens and Depression
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
by Susan
As a senior citizen I can tell you that depression isn't any easier to deal with as you get older. I'm sure that must also be true for most mental health problems. The mere fact of advancing age sometimes causes me a great deal of sadness. This past week I also felt a lot of anger due to my having to let go of some of the things I love to do.
For many years I have been an avid gardener. I loved growing roses, perennials, annuals and even some vegetables now and then. We have a big yard and I had many large flower beds. During the growing season you usually found me outside digging in the dirt planting flowers or pulling weeds. I dug the flower beds, hauled rocks to build the borders for the beds and hauled the bags of mulch. It has been one of my favorite hobbies through the years.
However, the past few years it has been more and more difficult for me to do all of the necessary work to keep my gardens looking nice. This year because of all the rain, the weeds in some areas were soon taller than I am. Last week one of my neighbors complained. So, my husband and I worked all weekend and we totally eliminated two large flower beds. My feet are still sore from digging! I plan to do the same with some of the remaining flower beds. My gardening hobby will have to be limited, but I will still enjoy it.
Senior citizens have to deal with a lot of acceptance when it comes to their continually decreasing physical abilities. Even with regular exercise and good health habits we all get older and dealing with it can be depressing at times. It's a good thing there are some perks to being a senior too. Watching my grandson grow five inches in one year can be even more fascinating than growing plants. Hearing my one year old granddaughter call me Nana cheers me up in no time.
One of my prized flower beds just a few years ago.
As a senior citizen I can tell you that depression isn't any easier to deal with as you get older. I'm sure that must also be true for most mental health problems. The mere fact of advancing age sometimes causes me a great deal of sadness. This past week I also felt a lot of anger due to my having to let go of some of the things I love to do.
For many years I have been an avid gardener. I loved growing roses, perennials, annuals and even some vegetables now and then. We have a big yard and I had many large flower beds. During the growing season you usually found me outside digging in the dirt planting flowers or pulling weeds. I dug the flower beds, hauled rocks to build the borders for the beds and hauled the bags of mulch. It has been one of my favorite hobbies through the years.
However, the past few years it has been more and more difficult for me to do all of the necessary work to keep my gardens looking nice. This year because of all the rain, the weeds in some areas were soon taller than I am. Last week one of my neighbors complained. So, my husband and I worked all weekend and we totally eliminated two large flower beds. My feet are still sore from digging! I plan to do the same with some of the remaining flower beds. My gardening hobby will have to be limited, but I will still enjoy it.
Senior citizens have to deal with a lot of acceptance when it comes to their continually decreasing physical abilities. Even with regular exercise and good health habits we all get older and dealing with it can be depressing at times. It's a good thing there are some perks to being a senior too. Watching my grandson grow five inches in one year can be even more fascinating than growing plants. Hearing my one year old granddaughter call me Nana cheers me up in no time.
One of my prized flower beds just a few years ago.
Dummies Books for Depression or Bipolar
Thursday, August 14th, 2008
by Susan
I've found more helpful resources for those who suffer from depression and those who are bipolar. First I'll tell you what I've found for those who are bipolar.
There is a fairly new site called Bipolar Beat. The blog is authored by Candida Fink, M.D. and Joe Kraynak. At Bipolar Beat you can learn more about Bipolar, ask a question of Dr. Fink or Joe Kraynak, or take a Bipolar Quiz. They also authored the book Bipolar Disorder for Dummies.
Depression for Dummies looks like a good read by By Laura L. Smith, PhD, Charles H. Elliott, PhD. I haven't yet read these Dummies books but can highly recommend many of the other Dummies books on the market. I like the simplicity as well as the humor that is injected into the Dummies books.
Give these resources a try if you feel you need a little help. You might also want to send them to a friend who could benefit from the blog or the Dummies books.
I've found more helpful resources for those who suffer from depression and those who are bipolar. First I'll tell you what I've found for those who are bipolar.
There is a fairly new site called Bipolar Beat. The blog is authored by Candida Fink, M.D. and Joe Kraynak. At Bipolar Beat you can learn more about Bipolar, ask a question of Dr. Fink or Joe Kraynak, or take a Bipolar Quiz. They also authored the book Bipolar Disorder for Dummies.
Depression for Dummies looks like a good read by By Laura L. Smith, PhD, Charles H. Elliott, PhD. I haven't yet read these Dummies books but can highly recommend many of the other Dummies books on the market. I like the simplicity as well as the humor that is injected into the Dummies books.
Give these resources a try if you feel you need a little help. You might also want to send them to a friend who could benefit from the blog or the Dummies books.