I wonder if it's just this time of year that has me fighting the battle of depression again. I know the holidays are famous for people being depressed but my worst time is after they are over. It's probably because the weather gets cold and I have a tendency to get sick. I'm plagued with sinus infections. It also gets lonesome.
Since I booted my older sister from the family site, I've felt really sad that once again our relationship bombed. I don't think it's possible for her to like me. A number of people said, "good" when I told them she was gone. It was obvious how hateful she was being. I'm sure many think otherwise and I still feel like crawling back in my hole but here I am.
I've been studying my Dad's journal. He wrote it in the '80's and I've had it all this time. He passed away in 1990. I have read bits and pieces over the years but never really delved into it much....it was too painful. It's still painful, but now I'm not only reading it but posting it for my brother, remaining two sisters and other relatives to see. This is probably not helping my depression but it feels like something I need to do right now. He sure loved his family!
I feel much love for my family and that is always what gets me through these really bad bouts of depression. Right now knowing my son will be over later today, or knowing I'll see my granddaughter this weekend are great things that motivate me to get up and do something. I've been gaining weight and really hope I will manage to motivate myself to do something about that soon.
I really think motivation is the key to winning the battle against depression. I'm trying hard to muster up my motivation this time.
Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category
Depression, a Battle Again!
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012New Year, Same Old Depression
Friday, January 6th, 2012
Happy New Year everyone!
I haven't written for quite a while because I wasn't feeling depressed. Now that the holidays are over, the same old depression is trying to seep back into my days. I'm resisting the best I can. How are all of you doing fighting off depression?
I feel very fortunate to have this blog and so many faithful followers. I appreciate you! I also need to try and appreciate myself. That sounds strange but...it's something I find difficult to do all the time and even more so when I get the blues.
I have family members who frequently talk about their accomplishments. I don't understand how they are able to do that. After I've heard or read plenty of that, I start wondering what I might say about my accomplishments. I wonder getting out of bed and making it through another day, or managing not to eat all the chocolate at once, would impress anyone.
Recently, I did a good thing for my extended family. I started a family group website so that we could all communicate and share pictures. Several of my sisters wanted a family site but they didn't know how to accomplish it. I was able to set it up and I felt a sense of accomplishment. Even more recently, this good thing that I did has turned into my worst nightmare! My sisters are cruel and their cruelty is usually directed at me. It's causing me a lot of stress and increased depression just dealing with them again.
I guess there was a lot to be said for the "isolationism" I had been practicing for the past several years. I don't really want to return to that but this emotional pain is very difficult. Thank you for reading this. I hope I haven't been too much of a whiner. I would appreciate any feedback you can give me.
I haven't written for quite a while because I wasn't feeling depressed. Now that the holidays are over, the same old depression is trying to seep back into my days. I'm resisting the best I can. How are all of you doing fighting off depression?
I feel very fortunate to have this blog and so many faithful followers. I appreciate you! I also need to try and appreciate myself. That sounds strange but...it's something I find difficult to do all the time and even more so when I get the blues.
I have family members who frequently talk about their accomplishments. I don't understand how they are able to do that. After I've heard or read plenty of that, I start wondering what I might say about my accomplishments. I wonder getting out of bed and making it through another day, or managing not to eat all the chocolate at once, would impress anyone.
Recently, I did a good thing for my extended family. I started a family group website so that we could all communicate and share pictures. Several of my sisters wanted a family site but they didn't know how to accomplish it. I was able to set it up and I felt a sense of accomplishment. Even more recently, this good thing that I did has turned into my worst nightmare! My sisters are cruel and their cruelty is usually directed at me. It's causing me a lot of stress and increased depression just dealing with them again.
I guess there was a lot to be said for the "isolationism" I had been practicing for the past several years. I don't really want to return to that but this emotional pain is very difficult. Thank you for reading this. I hope I haven't been too much of a whiner. I would appreciate any feedback you can give me.
Take Your Own Advice
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
Here I am again.....blogging in an effort to make myself feel better. Have you ever noticed that you have good ideas and advice for depressed friends and relatives but can't seem to help yourself? Well, maybe it's time we take our own advice.
I usually have good suggestions for those who are having a hard time with depression, stress or anxiety. my ideas range from seeking professional help to taking a walk outside to patting yourself on the back. I guess I'm weighing my options right now and am trying to decide what idea would be most helpful to me this time. I've done all of the "advised" things at one time or another in my life. Are we supposed to keep doing them forever?
I have hopes that my spirits will improve dramatically when the weather finally does. This has been one of the longest and dreariest Winters and early Springs that I've ever experienced here in Southwest Missouri. Sunshine has been scarce and we've had way too much rain and snow.
When the weather is decent I will need to figure out where to put the perennials I brought here from our old house. I feel like I don't know where to start, even though this yard is very small compared to what we had. Have I lost my confidence? Yes, I think so. It's easy to do when someone else gripes about your abilities and choices and shows no interest in what you want to do.
I bought two six packs of happy looking pansies the other day and they are waiting for me on the front porch. Maybe soon I can get out there to put them in a pot in the sunshine. Maybe......
I usually have good suggestions for those who are having a hard time with depression, stress or anxiety. my ideas range from seeking professional help to taking a walk outside to patting yourself on the back. I guess I'm weighing my options right now and am trying to decide what idea would be most helpful to me this time. I've done all of the "advised" things at one time or another in my life. Are we supposed to keep doing them forever?
I have hopes that my spirits will improve dramatically when the weather finally does. This has been one of the longest and dreariest Winters and early Springs that I've ever experienced here in Southwest Missouri. Sunshine has been scarce and we've had way too much rain and snow.
When the weather is decent I will need to figure out where to put the perennials I brought here from our old house. I feel like I don't know where to start, even though this yard is very small compared to what we had. Have I lost my confidence? Yes, I think so. It's easy to do when someone else gripes about your abilities and choices and shows no interest in what you want to do.
I bought two six packs of happy looking pansies the other day and they are waiting for me on the front porch. Maybe soon I can get out there to put them in a pot in the sunshine. Maybe......
Depressed Again!
Thursday, March 24th, 2011
I'm really depressed again after a short reprieve from the angry beast. I guess it's time for me to start blogging again because I believe it helps. Please bear with me as I try to work through my problems in public. I hope I can do this, anyway.
We moved in November and we've fought a lot ever since the move.....well, prior to the move and during the move too. It's been a difficult adjustment for both of us. The holidays were hard because holidays are just hard even if you haven't just moved. Our occasional Spring like day has been helpful and I'm hoping for more of that.
Today however, it is chilly and dreary. I didn't want to get out of bed. I know I need help when I have lots of interesting things to do but am not motivated to do any of them. One of my biggest problems is the feeling that I don't know where to start. If I could just make myself start then I know I would become enthused about whatever I undertook.
Maybe writing on this blog again is the start I need. I sure hope so. I appreciate all the comments my readers have made and I hope you will continue reading and commenting.
We moved in November and we've fought a lot ever since the move.....well, prior to the move and during the move too. It's been a difficult adjustment for both of us. The holidays were hard because holidays are just hard even if you haven't just moved. Our occasional Spring like day has been helpful and I'm hoping for more of that.
Today however, it is chilly and dreary. I didn't want to get out of bed. I know I need help when I have lots of interesting things to do but am not motivated to do any of them. One of my biggest problems is the feeling that I don't know where to start. If I could just make myself start then I know I would become enthused about whatever I undertook.
Maybe writing on this blog again is the start I need. I sure hope so. I appreciate all the comments my readers have made and I hope you will continue reading and commenting.
Three Ways Yoga Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Friday, February 18th, 2011Here is a guest post for you to enjoy. It is written by one of my online friends, Maria Rainer. I took yoga classes for approximately two years and can tell you that yoga really does help a lot with one's anxiety level.
Yoga does more than help your balance, core fitness and flexibility - it helps to reduce anxiety and relieve stress. With the hustle and bustle of today’s society, it’s normal for people to stress about life, money, work, family and whatever else causes daily anxiety. Yoga relieves and reduces stress in three ways:
1. Through regulated inhaling and exhaling breaths. As you inhale, you're sending more oxygen to the brain, which stimulates your nervous system. Exhaling helps regulate this process and releases toxins from your bloodstream, helping your body relax. The double leg raise and certain yoga breaths like alternative nostril breathing are great ways to send oxygen to the brain and circulation to your body thus reducing stress levels.
2. Meditation and relaxation helps you find your center and focus, while using your regulated breaths to relax the mind. Once the mind is relaxed, you're able to transfer your relaxation to the rest of your body while meditating and focusing on this process. Meditation helps you focus on quieting the mind and finding your inner strength when stressful situations arise.
3. Through regulated breathing and meditation, you're able to focus and block out outside noises while focusing on your inner self and your inner strength. This aspect of yoga is also vital for focusing on your breathing and meditation. This may be one of the harder aspects of yoga to grasp – being able to focus and not become distracted with inner thoughts and outside noise. Focus and lack thereof is a major contributor to daily stress; with so much going on, we can struggle to focus on accomplishing one task before we can complete another.
Once you've mastered the aspects of breathing, meditation and focusing through yoga, you're able to calm your nervous system, relax your mind and block out outside noises, which are all contributors of stress.
Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching various online degree programs and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
Teen Depression
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
One of the hardest things for me to see are teenagers suffering from depression. I know it must also be very difficult for their parents, friends and other relatives. Sometimes our young people need for us to step in and give them the help they most desperately need. Hopefully parents are watchful enough have the kind of relationship with their children which allows them to see depressive behavior in their teen. Apparently, with so many teen suicides help may not always come in time.
I have found a website that looks to me like it would be helpful to anyone who is coping with a teenager who suffers from depression. The page I'm going to link you to would also be helpful to teenagers themselves. It strongly suggests teens talk to someone which is something I think it vitally important for anyone suffering from depression. There is a good list of the symptoms of depression as well as a small section that distinguishes fact from fiction.
Links on the site will take you to pages that describe other mental health problems teens sometimes have as well as behaviors teens sometimes display when having depression. Misbehavior and poor grades can often be signs of depression. I strongly believe in this statement on the site. "Most people with depression can be helped with psychotherapy, medicine, or both together." Psychotherapy saved my life and my marriage!
I hope you have a chance to check out Teen Depression. There is helpful information on the site for any of us with depression and especially for teens and their parents.
I have found a website that looks to me like it would be helpful to anyone who is coping with a teenager who suffers from depression. The page I'm going to link you to would also be helpful to teenagers themselves. It strongly suggests teens talk to someone which is something I think it vitally important for anyone suffering from depression. There is a good list of the symptoms of depression as well as a small section that distinguishes fact from fiction.
Links on the site will take you to pages that describe other mental health problems teens sometimes have as well as behaviors teens sometimes display when having depression. Misbehavior and poor grades can often be signs of depression. I strongly believe in this statement on the site. "Most people with depression can be helped with psychotherapy, medicine, or both together." Psychotherapy saved my life and my marriage!
I hope you have a chance to check out Teen Depression. There is helpful information on the site for any of us with depression and especially for teens and their parents.
New Depression Site
Friday, October 8th, 2010
I recently came across a fairly new website that I think could be very helpful to those of us who suffer from depression. The site is called Everyday Health and the section of the site that I especially like is Depression Basics. In Depression Basics you can find topics such as "The ABC's of Depression", "Are You at Risk for Depression" and "Questions to Ask Your Doctor". There is also a tool to list your symptoms and it helps you determine whether or not you need to see your doctor.
The Depression part of the website also contains a link to find out about other mental health problems as well as a tool to help you find a therapist in your area. There is also a section that discusses seasonal depression, which many of us have to deal with when coping with cabin fever and in general, the winter blues.
I haven't yet explored the rest of this website but I can highly recommend you investigate what is offered in Depression Basics. From this section you can easily move to other sections dealing with depression including, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, management and caregiving. This site has an orderly collection of material that most of us can find helpful, whether to refresh our memories or to learn something new.
The Depression part of the website also contains a link to find out about other mental health problems as well as a tool to help you find a therapist in your area. There is also a section that discusses seasonal depression, which many of us have to deal with when coping with cabin fever and in general, the winter blues.
I haven't yet explored the rest of this website but I can highly recommend you investigate what is offered in Depression Basics. From this section you can easily move to other sections dealing with depression including, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, management and caregiving. This site has an orderly collection of material that most of us can find helpful, whether to refresh our memories or to learn something new.
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.
