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.
Archive for the ‘ozzieblackcat’ Category
Dummies Books for Depression or Bipolar
Thursday, August 14th, 2008Self Help For Depression
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
by Susan
We all need help at times, even when professional help is not available to us. It's a good idea to have some self help skills when it comes to managing our depression or anxiety. Most of us don't have the time or the money to see a professional everyday or every time we have a problem, so we need to learn good methods of coping that can be used on a daily basis. Good coping skills can also help you to reduce your medication and your visits to professionals.
I used to see an excellent psychologist, off and on, for about 20 years. He taught me many things I can do on my own to deal with my ongoing anxiety and depression problems. The self help skills he taught me have been the most valuable skills I've ever learned and I still use them on a daily basis. Simple things like deep breathing, journaling (or blogging now), exercise and eating well. There are many, many more.
Recently I came across a self help book online that I thought some of our readers might like to explore. It's called Psychological Self-Help by Dr. Clayton E. Tucker-Ladd. This is a free download and might give you some good ideas on how to help you feel better.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
We all need help at times, even when professional help is not available to us. It's a good idea to have some self help skills when it comes to managing our depression or anxiety. Most of us don't have the time or the money to see a professional everyday or every time we have a problem, so we need to learn good methods of coping that can be used on a daily basis. Good coping skills can also help you to reduce your medication and your visits to professionals.
I used to see an excellent psychologist, off and on, for about 20 years. He taught me many things I can do on my own to deal with my ongoing anxiety and depression problems. The self help skills he taught me have been the most valuable skills I've ever learned and I still use them on a daily basis. Simple things like deep breathing, journaling (or blogging now), exercise and eating well. There are many, many more.
Recently I came across a self help book online that I thought some of our readers might like to explore. It's called Psychological Self-Help by Dr. Clayton E. Tucker-Ladd. This is a free download and might give you some good ideas on how to help you feel better.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
Depression During a Heat Wave: His and Hers
Sunday, August 3rd, 2008
by Susan
Depression can become almost as overwhelming as the soaring temperatures when a heat wave lasts more than a few days in your part of the world. Here in Missouri we are having temperatures in the mid to upper 90's with very high humidity which causes the heat index to be over 100 degrees.
When heat keeps us indoors we can begin to suffer from cabin fever which is usually associated with being snowed in during the winter months. We can get just as bored and feel just as cut off from friends and neighbors in August as we can in February. Senior citizens are especially affected by long hot summer days.
If you find yourself feeling down from staying indoors during a heat wave, try doing something new such as trying a new hobby or rent some new movies. One of my favorite things t do is to learn something new on the computer. Learning new things can hold our interest for long periods of time.
If you feel you must get out of the house be sure to use good sense and stay hydrated. I found an excellent source of information on dealing with the heat during extended periods of hot weather. http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/heat.html This site has a lot of tips on coping with the physical problems related to heat waves. If you have mental health problems as well, try something new to keep your mind off your troubles and the heat. Maybe there is a new book you've been dying to read.
Please visit:
Ozzie's Place
Depression can become almost as overwhelming as the soaring temperatures when a heat wave lasts more than a few days in your part of the world. Here in Missouri we are having temperatures in the mid to upper 90's with very high humidity which causes the heat index to be over 100 degrees.
When heat keeps us indoors we can begin to suffer from cabin fever which is usually associated with being snowed in during the winter months. We can get just as bored and feel just as cut off from friends and neighbors in August as we can in February. Senior citizens are especially affected by long hot summer days.
If you find yourself feeling down from staying indoors during a heat wave, try doing something new such as trying a new hobby or rent some new movies. One of my favorite things t do is to learn something new on the computer. Learning new things can hold our interest for long periods of time.
If you feel you must get out of the house be sure to use good sense and stay hydrated. I found an excellent source of information on dealing with the heat during extended periods of hot weather. http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/heat.html This site has a lot of tips on coping with the physical problems related to heat waves. If you have mental health problems as well, try something new to keep your mind off your troubles and the heat. Maybe there is a new book you've been dying to read.
Please visit:
Ozzie's Place
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.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
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.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
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!
Stress Hits Unexpectedly: His and Hers
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008by Susan
In 2003 I was going through a difficult time and wrote a poem about how stress grabs us when we least expect it. Stress has been a big part of my depression and anxiety disease. It's something I frequently feel even though I'm past the worst of it. Maybe some of you can relate to my poem if you also have mental health issues that you are dealing with on a daily basis.
Stress
Stress can hit you in the middle of the day
It can wake you when you're dreaming and take your breath away
It can grab you somewhere like the grocery store
It can sneak right up behind you and make you feel unsure.
Stress can wring from you every ounce of mental strength
It can squeeze your very will away, It goes to any length
Stress can twist your thoughts into an awful mess
It ropes you in against your will and steals your very best
It hits you, grabs you, wrings and twists you till you can't go on
It leaves you when you least expect it, then you're glad it's gone.
Being Too Good: His and Hers
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
by David
At first, the phrase "being too good" sounds cruel to me because being too good to others is so very special. People who are good to others sometimes can't control how good they are. It's very disappointing but half the world gives and half the world takes. If you only give all of the time and haven't learned to expect something in return by accepting goodness from others, you will be taken advantage of by most people. It is a rare person who sees the special light that shines in you and doesn't take the mile when you give so much already.
Being too good, or not looking out for yourself can lead to manipulation as well as mental or physical abuse by others. Look out for yourself in your relationships and don't allow these negative things to happen to you. We all need to show love but all of us also need to receive love in return.
Please visit: Ozzie's Place
At first, the phrase "being too good" sounds cruel to me because being too good to others is so very special. People who are good to others sometimes can't control how good they are. It's very disappointing but half the world gives and half the world takes. If you only give all of the time and haven't learned to expect something in return by accepting goodness from others, you will be taken advantage of by most people. It is a rare person who sees the special light that shines in you and doesn't take the mile when you give so much already.
Being too good, or not looking out for yourself can lead to manipulation as well as mental or physical abuse by others. Look out for yourself in your relationships and don't allow these negative things to happen to you. We all need to show love but all of us also need to receive love in return.
Please visit: Ozzie's Place
Not a Chemical Imbalance: His and Hers
Saturday, July 12th, 2008
I didn't get the memo when it was discovered that depression isn't caused by a chemical imbalance. The current theory is that depression is caused by a problem in the brain neuronal network. This is going to be even more difficult for some of us to understand and accept.
I read an article by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. called "Another Brain Fad For Depression?"and I wonder how long this new theory will hold up. Supposedly, according to scientists, anti-depressants have little to do with the amount of serotonin in the brain. The drugs work because they help heal our neurons, which have been shrinking and dying.
I really don't like the sound of this new theory because it sounds just a wee bit like what happens to the brain when you develop Alzheimer's. As some of you know, both of my parents had Alzheimer's. Both of them also had depression. I'm getting more depressed just thinking about this!
I certainly hope John M. Grohol, Psy.D was right when he said, "Neuroscience will one day provide us the “keys to the kingdom†of understanding our brains." I hope it happens soon!
Please Visit
Ozzie Reviews Avon
I read an article by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. called "Another Brain Fad For Depression?"and I wonder how long this new theory will hold up. Supposedly, according to scientists, anti-depressants have little to do with the amount of serotonin in the brain. The drugs work because they help heal our neurons, which have been shrinking and dying.
I really don't like the sound of this new theory because it sounds just a wee bit like what happens to the brain when you develop Alzheimer's. As some of you know, both of my parents had Alzheimer's. Both of them also had depression. I'm getting more depressed just thinking about this!
I certainly hope John M. Grohol, Psy.D was right when he said, "Neuroscience will one day provide us the “keys to the kingdom†of understanding our brains." I hope it happens soon!
Please Visit
Ozzie Reviews Avon
Blogging as Therapy: His and Hers
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
Recently, Jessica Bennett, a reporter from Newsweek, contacted me by email. She said she was writing an article for Newsweek about blogging as therapy. She also told me that she came across my blog and wanted to mention it in the piece. She wanted to know if I agreed that blogging can be therapeutic and how. We corresponded back and forth several times and I enjoyed her interest in the His and Hers Depression Blog.
As it turns out, Jessica didn't mention me or this blog in her article because she said, "the article got cut down a ton so it was so short.....sad....it got cut out in editing." I told her I was disappointed but I understood that these things happen.
When I read her article, "My Shrink Says........Blog!" I have to agree that it is way too short. I would love to have read more detail about why she sees blogging as an exercise in exhibitionism. It would also have been great to read some statistics on how many Psychiatrists are touting the therapeutic power of blogging. I'd like to give Jessica's article a plug here because I think this reporter is a good writer. Since she contacted me, I've read a number of her Newsweek articles. You might enjoy some of the articles too!
I definitely agree with the following quote in Jessica's article by psychologist, John Suler. "Revealing too much can cause shame or guilt." Most of us really don't want to post our deepest thoughts and secrets. We understand the value of keeping some things to ourselves in order to feel "safe".
A Safe and Peaceful Place at my home
As it turns out, Jessica didn't mention me or this blog in her article because she said, "the article got cut down a ton so it was so short.....sad....it got cut out in editing." I told her I was disappointed but I understood that these things happen.
When I read her article, "My Shrink Says........Blog!" I have to agree that it is way too short. I would love to have read more detail about why she sees blogging as an exercise in exhibitionism. It would also have been great to read some statistics on how many Psychiatrists are touting the therapeutic power of blogging. I'd like to give Jessica's article a plug here because I think this reporter is a good writer. Since she contacted me, I've read a number of her Newsweek articles. You might enjoy some of the articles too!
I definitely agree with the following quote in Jessica's article by psychologist, John Suler. "Revealing too much can cause shame or guilt." Most of us really don't want to post our deepest thoughts and secrets. We understand the value of keeping some things to ourselves in order to feel "safe".
A Safe and Peaceful Place at my home
Why Ozzieblackcat and Depression? :His and Hers
Tuesday, July 8th, 2008
I'm feeling much better and hope to be doing a lot more blogging in the weeks to come. I'm betting some of you have wondered why I chose the domain name, ozzieblackcat for a site about depression. Well, I'm going to tell you all about it in this post.
Several years ago when I decided I wanted my own domain, I tried to think of something unique as well as something that wasn't already taken. At that time I had no idea what I was going to use the domain for. I know....not good planning. Anyway, I wanted the domain name of Ozzie because I have a blackcat named......Ozzie. Well, Ozzie was already taken, of course.
I decided to run Ozzie's description together with his name..... thus, ozzieblackcat. I use the name ozzieblackcat as an online identity sometimes. I also use the name Ozzie as an online identity. (my preferred identity)
I built my first website using Microsoft Publisher. It is no longer online but I still have it on my computer and it is still my favorite website. I have a small website called Ozzie's Place where you can see a few pictures of my family members and learn more about both me and my blackcat. I hope to expand that site someday soon.
A couple of years ago I decided to start blogging about depression and chose to use the domain name I already owned.....because I like it so much. So, there you have it. This is how a depression blog and the domain name, ozzieblackcat, came about.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
Several years ago when I decided I wanted my own domain, I tried to think of something unique as well as something that wasn't already taken. At that time I had no idea what I was going to use the domain for. I know....not good planning. Anyway, I wanted the domain name of Ozzie because I have a blackcat named......Ozzie. Well, Ozzie was already taken, of course.
I decided to run Ozzie's description together with his name..... thus, ozzieblackcat. I use the name ozzieblackcat as an online identity sometimes. I also use the name Ozzie as an online identity. (my preferred identity)
I built my first website using Microsoft Publisher. It is no longer online but I still have it on my computer and it is still my favorite website. I have a small website called Ozzie's Place where you can see a few pictures of my family members and learn more about both me and my blackcat. I hope to expand that site someday soon.
A couple of years ago I decided to start blogging about depression and chose to use the domain name I already owned.....because I like it so much. So, there you have it. This is how a depression blog and the domain name, ozzieblackcat, came about.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon