CWD Daily

January 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 opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality.”

This TED Talk is phenomenal: Depression, The Secret We Share

– Andrew Solomon

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

January 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.

So Long, Farewell... and Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out!

2020... It's been real. You will be remembered, that's for sure.

And now we take time to heal from the pain of shared sorrow we have not yet taken the time to mark. Hopefully the new President will help us commemorate our losses and mourn our dead as a nation.

We take the time to heal our hearts and bodies, to develop and administer the vaccine, to quarantine just a little longer to save our loved ones and communities.

Happy New Year, 2021! We're ready for you!!!

Tip of the Day

Use the New Year as an opportunity to do things differently. See things differently.

Take one step, just one, towards getting through and over depression.

Take walks.

Cut down on processed sugar and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.

Get enough sleep.

Meditate or learn breathing exercises.

And get help!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 31, 2020

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

You've made it through another year! Woo hoo!

It's time for reflections and resolutions. Did you hit any rough patches you weren't sure you could navigate? Did COVID-19 trigger major depression? Are you still hanging on by a thread?

Were there moments of hope and clarity this year when you knew you were coping with your depression productively and were staying mentally healthy? Or moving toward mental health?

What worked? What definitely did not work?

The bottom line is, whether you learned any lessons or not, whether you had a fairly easy time or the worst year of your life, you are still here! You are coping with depression!

And you can do it next year, too. One foot in front of the other. You've got this!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 30, 2020

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

Are you ready to make your New Year's resolution to get healthier next year?

Given that it's the holiday season and we tend to indulge in sugary treats more than usual, let's try this one resolution: Try to cut down on refined sugar in 2011.

There are connections between sugar and many diseases; sugar increases the risks for depression and diabetes, and contributes to systemic inflammation.

Most of us in the Western world consume way more sugar than is recommended by doctors and dietitians. The hills and valleys of energy and emotion caused by indulging in refined sugar are major contributors to depression.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 29, 2020

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

One way to get out of your own head and change your perspective is to visit a museum – in person or virtually. Keep your mind active and explore your world.

With video presentations, gallery tours, interviews with artists and history makers, there is something for everyone, including children.

20 World Online Museums You Can Visit for Free.

The 75 Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology]

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 28, 2020

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

Colors in doctors' offices and hospitals may contribute to patient health. You can bring these color schemes into your own environment with paint and fabric.

Red raises blood temperature and stimulates circulation. Red is used to care for people with anemia, fatigue, paralysis, and exhaustion.

Blue is soothing, and symbolizes the sky and sea. It lowers the heart rate, and helps alleviate tension, stress, and problems with the immune system.

Orange gives vitality to the body and is associated with the kidneys, urinary tract, and reproductive organs.

Purple is associated with the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It helps with head congestion and sinuses, and is known to calm the nervous system.

Pink is a healing color. Soft, natural pink tones calm and nurture our being.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 27, 2020

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

“Vincent Van Gogh, famous painter and artist, was labeled peculiar with unstable moods most of his short life. Many people have tried to give a definitive diagnosis of his illness through reading his personal letters. It seems clear that his depressive states were also accompanied by manic episodes of enormous energy and great passion. Van Gogh committed suicide at age 37.” (Famous People and Depression)

Considered one of the greatest artists to ever live, Van Gogh's short life has inspired many artists over the years, including the producers of the BBC television series Doctor Who, who created an incredible episode called Vincent and the Doctor.

The joy and melancholy that must have been Vincent is achingly apparent in THIS scene. And the poignancy of knowing that he killed himself no matter how many people loved his work, is stunning. It's an illness, folks.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 26, 2020

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.

Reading these tips may be very helpful to you. But you know what would be even better?

Professional help.

Even if you've tried before and think nothing can help you. Try again.

Get help.

10 Signs It's Time to Get Help for Depression

Hopelessness

An inability to concentrate

Unexplained aches and pains

Apathy concerning things you used to like to do

Alcohol or drug abuse

Changes in sleep habits

Changes in appetite and eating

Irritability, agitation, and moodiness

Feelings of worthlessness and guilt

Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm

- healthcentral.com

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

December 25, 2020

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... 'Tis the Season

Family may be gathering today for Christmas, and that may be a true trial for some who suffer with depression (and many who don't!).

Remember a few things to stay stable:

You only owe yourself mental health, not anyone else.

You're trying really hard and that counts for a lot.

Family may love you but they also may not understand depression.

You cannot make someone understand depression.

You are OK just as you are.

The holiday is not about explaining your depression.

This, too, shall pass.

You've got this!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com