Monday, November 17, 2008

Depression

Lately I have noticed a lot of women I know suffer with depression. The question is how do you handle this when it can such a toll on your life? If you know someone or have depression yourself could you please comment on ways to get through it? What do you do on the days where you just don't want to get out of bed? or.. have feelings of no self worth? This is not meant for anybody to have to admit to having depression, anxiety, etc.. unless you feel you want to. Hopefully it can be a support and help for anyone who reads it.

3 comments:

Melanie said...

I have been depressed lately so its harder for me to think of what would make me feel better. I think it would be a good idea to make a list of those things when your not sad so that you can read it when you are. All that I can think of right now is taking baths or exercising. And no thinking about exercising does not make me happy (in fact it is one of the hardest things to do when I'm depressed); I feel better afterwards!

Melanie said...

Here is some good advice from the National Institute for Mental Health

"If you have depression, you may feel exhausted, helpless and hopeless. It may be extremely difficult to take any action to help yourself. But it is important to realize that these feelings are part of the depression and do not accurately reflect actual circumstances. As you begin to recognize your depression and begin treatment, negative thinking will fade.
To help yourself:

* Engage in mild activity or exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed. Participate in religious, social or other activities.
* Set realistic goals for yourself.
* Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
* Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
* Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
* Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
* Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment. "

The Johnston's said...

Thanks! Those are helpful. We have to really focus on getting ourselves to do those things.