CWD Daily

March 4, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

In a fantastic interview on Ellen comedienne Sarah Silverman cut to the chase, describing depression perfectly.

“I still have lows, you know? I'm like, I'm in a ball on my bathroom floor every once in a while. But I know now that it will pass.”

This is how we cope with depression. Click HERE to watch the segment.

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

March 3, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

We know what to eat, we know to exercise, we know what NOT to eat.

So how can we DO the right things? Especially if we're depressed.

Relatively new science has shown that we actually create new neurons throughout our life and can enhance this production by doing the right things. AND creating new neurons will help combat depression, memory loss and focus issues.

It's all related, folks, and it's all influenced by what we eat and how much we move.

THIS short but fascinating and fabulous TED Talk may convince you to make a real effort, and to keep trying.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

March 2, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

There's a growing body of scientific studies linking probiotics – beneficial live bacteria – to fighting depression.

Always use probiotic supplements from an established and reputable source such as a trusted vitamin company.

To get the maximum benefit, consult your doctor or therapist for recommendations on brands.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

March 1, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Coping with COVID anxiety: tips from the CDC:

Pause. Breathe. Notice how you feel.
Take slow deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Observe how you are feeling and what you are thinking, without judgment. Instead of responding or reacting to those thoughts, note them, and let them go.

Take breaks from upsetting content.
Make time to unwind. Try relaxation techniques and listening to music. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

Take care of your body.
       Exercise regularly.
       Get plenty of sleep.
       Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
       Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Reach out and stay connected.
Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Check in with your loved ones often. It can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely and isolated.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

February 28, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Get help.

There's a stigma against taking medication for depression. Snap out of it!

Check out THIS great article on overcoming the stigma of taking medication for mental health!

Don't be ashamed of what makes you well.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

February 27, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Don't try to stop yourself from feeling sad sometimes. Sad is good. A full range of emotions is healthy. Bereft, melancholy, miserable, grief-stricken – these are all important feelings. Feel them.

Depression is not sadness, it's misery unrelated to your situation, or often a lack of feeling, altogether.

If you feel you're sad all the time, or over a long period of time, or if being sad is interfering with living your life (going to work or school, grocery shopping, paying your bills) – that's when it's time to seek help.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

February 26, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Pandemic stress can cause a lot of disruption in your life, including:

Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

Worsening of chronic health problems.

Worsening of mental health conditions.

Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

CLICK HERE for an in-depth look at coping during the pandemic.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

February 25, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Try not to take ANYTHING personally.

Most of the time – like 99% of the time – it's not about you.

While that itself might seem depressing, instead choose to see it as liberating!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

February 24, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Try not to take everything personally.

When friends, family or co-workers cancel plans with you, you could get upset and take it personally. The truth is things often have nothing to do with you.

People get sick, or need family or alone time, or have to work. Whatever. People have their own full lives and – sorry – you probably aren't the focus of them a lot of the time.

Or they may be suffering from depression, as well, and sometimes need to flake out whether they really want to or not.

You're probably quick to assume that the positive stuff isn't about you. So, figure the negative stuff isn't about you, either.

Rumination

I recently had brain surgery, and afterward for several months I could not stop ruminating. The same thoughts kept going through my mind over and over again. That experience tipped me off that rumination is a biological response, as surgery had triggered it. (Thankfully it has passed. I still ruminate sometimes, but not obsessively and constantly like I did before.)

This VIDEO describes rumination and some behavioral techniques to break through it.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com