June 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

The distorted thinking of depression masks clear thinking. You feel paralyzed, unable to make a decision or pick a direction to go. It makes it hard to move forward.

As the riots in Los Angeles in 1992 were winding down, a reporter asked the actor and L.A. resident Edward James Olmos what people could do to fix things, what they could do now. He replied quite profoundly: “Pick up a broom.”

“Sweep the floor” is a classic dictum across many spiritual and religious teachings, both eastern and western. It means do the task in front of you.

So, pick up a broom. Take a positive step in some direction; it doesn't really matter what direction. Do something. Pick up a broom.

Wax on, wax off.

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     

June 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

With the dog days of summer upon us in the Northern Hemisphere, and heat waves in many areas of the world, don't forget to drink enough water.

One of the many effects of dehydration is a feeling of listlessness and depression. It's an easy fix for many of the things that ail you. Drink water!

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     

May 31, 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

It's a Monday holiday in the United States, and for those lucky enough to be employed there may be great relief in having an extra day off this week.

Maybe your job is contributing to your depression?

Are there proactive steps you can take to change your situation – even in a tough job market with high unemployment? Skills you can acquire? Groups you can join to make contacts? Career counseling you can get?

Taking positive steps toward improving your situation can truly alter your state of mind. Think about what you can do toward creating a work life that doesn't sap the life out of you!

Take one step this week toward building a better work environment, whether at your current job or in a new situation. Baby steps!

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      

May 30, 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

HERE is an article on coping with depression, with some solid tips. It's a quick read, so check it out.

“The first step is to remove substances that are a major contributor to depression. Illicit drugs, like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, and others, are associated with depression...

“Illicit drugs are not the only substances that impact your depression; alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and even caffeine can change your mood and affect your overall mental health...

“A healthier diet will lead to improved energy, motivation levels, and the possibility of decreased depression...

“Get out and exercise!...

“In the beginning, a trip to the mailbox or down the street will suffice. Many small changes lead to big results.”

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     

May 29, 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

Britain's National Health Service has great ADVICE on coping with social isolation in this time of pandemic.

Find out about your employment and benefit rights.
Plan practical things like getting food, medicine, household supplies, ongoing medical treatment.
Stay connected with others.
Talk about your worries.
Look after your body.
Stay on top of difficult feelings.
Do not stay glued to the news.
Carry on doing things you enjoy.
Take time to relax.
Think about your new daily routine.
Look after your sleep.
Keep your mind active.

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     

May 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

Do you expect perfection from yourself? Or bite off more than you can chew sometimes? Or beat yourself up for every mistake, big or small?

You're only human!

Take a deep breath and repeat that when and as often as necessary.

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     

May 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

Escape to your favorite place via the Internet, by finding a webcam of someplace you love or have dreamed of visiting.

A European city, a national park, and just about anywhere in between can provide you with memories or dreams when you're feeling depressed. Relax and visit Earthcam to go to your happy place for a while!

San Francisco Bay is fun day or night.

Little Italy in New York City has a webcam live from Mulberry Street with a lot of activity including outdoor restaurant seating, shoppers and residents.

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    

May 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

Conquering worry is a fantastic addition to your toolkit. HERE is a great blog that can be added to your arsenal against depression.

HERE is a podcast, too.

I'm not sure how often these are updated, but they are rich with information.

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    

May 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

Lilacs are a harbinger of spring! Their luscious fragrance and delicate beauty and the abundance of their bushes delight the senses.

Cut some lilac branches for your kitchen table – the bushes grow back healthier when they're trimmed so you're doing no harm.

If you can't find any in a common area (alley, field, etc.) ask a neighbor if you can cut some of theirs, or purchase some at a florist or farmer's market, or plant a bush of your own.

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